![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/071a5880-81a5-42ee-9c32-0e8f821d2759.jpg.webp.webp\")
Image source, PA MediaImage caption, <\/p>\nWhen will the new Scottish Parliament officially start?published at 12:19 BST<\/p>\n
12:19 BST<\/p>\n
Image source, PA MediaImage caption, <\/p>\n
New MSPs will learn how to submit questions and table moions in the Holyrood chamber<\/p>\n
There is also the far more serious matter of declaring
\ninterests, including outside earnings such as ownership of rental properties.<\/p>\n
The new MSPs will have to learn how to submit questions and
\ntable motions for debate, and how to work the app used for voting on
\nparliamentary business.<\/p>\n
They will be provided with information on what expenses they
\nare allowed to claim and how to set up their constituency office.<\/p>\n
The traditional \u201cKirking of Parliament\u201d, a church service to
\nmark the opening of parliament, will take place at St Giles Cathedral.<\/p>\n
Then there is the business of selecting a new first minister.<\/p>\n
The SNP is the largest party, so it almost certain that will
\nbe John Swinney, but an official vote to confirm that is pencilled in for 19
\nMay.<\/p>\n
And finally, a new presiding officer will be selected in a secret
\nballot of all 129 MSPs.<\/p>\n
There is no app for that one, though. Instead, it is done
\nwith traditional pen and paper so the new head of parliamentary business does
\nnot know who did or did not support them.<\/p>\n