The Bill received Royal Assent on Thursday paving the way for next May's elections and an official opening for the new body on 1 July 1999.

The Queen will perform the official opening ceremony in Edinburgh to coincide with the parliament and the new Scottish Executive assuming their full powers two months after the elections on 6 May.

'Truly historic day'

Mr Dewar, who will stand as Labour's candidate to lead the parliament, said: "Today is a truly historic day for Scotland. The Scotland Bill has received Royal Assent and has become part of the statute book.

"But we must continue at full speed to get the Scottish Parliament up and running."

A presiding officer, the equivalent of a speaker, and deputies have to be elected; a first minister and executive have to be chosen; and various pieces of secondary legislation must be put in place.

Donald Dewar: Continuing at full speed

Mr Dewar said: "The people of Scotland have waited long enough for their parliament and we will go on doing everything that we can to deliver it as soon as possible.

"I believe that the parliament will want to begin its work in earnest at the earliest opportunity."

Scottish National Party Leader Alex Salmond said: "The legislative process will now start on July 1 and the sooner the better as far as the SNP is concerned as we are raring to go.

"This is an historic step made possible by the votes of the people of Scotland in last year's referendum."

Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie said: "We are delighted that the Scotland Bill has completed all its parliamentary stages and received Royal Assent.

"We will be concentrating all our energies on making the parliament work in the interests of the Scottish people."

Mr Dewar said he will shortly be making a Commencement Order to bring the Scotland Act into force, which will specify July 1 as the "principal appointed day" for the Act.

Work will start shortly to convert the Church of Scotland Assembly Hall on the Mound in Edinburgh, into a temporary home for the parliament.-