NON-RELIGIOUS people are to be officially recognised in the Kirking ceremony, an ecumenical service of blessing to mark the opening of the Scottish Parliament.

The ceremony take place at St Giles' Cathedral on Wednesday with Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay joining the newly elected MSPs and representatives of Scotland’s faiths.

And for the first time non-religious people will be represented for the first time by the Humanist Society Scotland.

The Kirking ceremony was traditionally a Christian service, but in recent years it has had representation from other religions.

The tradition, dating from the pre-1707 Parliament was restarted following devolution in 1999.

Humanists will be represented in the Kirking ceremony for the first time by HSS chief executive Gordon MacRae who will share a recital of Being a Human Being by Scottish poet Tom Leonard.

The Reverend Calum MacLeod, minister of St Giles’ Cathedral will lead the evening service.

Mr MacRae said: “We’re delighted to be asked to participate in this year’s ceremony. As Scottish society changes it is only fair and proper that representatives from the large group in society that seek to lead ethical and fulfilling lives without religion are included in the country’s important ceremonies.

“During the course of the next session of Parliament, MSPs will need to address many complex issues such as transgender rights, devolution of abortion and the role of segregated schooling on education attainment.

“We wish all MSPs the best as they prepare to undertake this important role.”

Tom Leonard welcomed the use of his poem, and added: “To me the responsibility of being a human is more fundamental then theism or non theism though it can with no contradiction include either.”

Guests to the Kirking will be greeted by music played by a quartet from the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland. Music during the service will be performed by Becky Hill (Clarsach) and Charlie Stewart (fiddle) from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The Kirking of the Scottish Parliament is a modern ceremony, adapted from those performed in the original Parliament of Scotland which was founded circa 1235 and disbanded in 1707.