Nicola Sturgeon and the party leaders were the first to be sworn in as MSPs at Holyrood today.

Ms Sturgeon, as leader of the largest party in the parliament, was first.

MSPs must take an oath or an affirmation pledging their allegiance to the Queen and her heirs and successors.

Members must swear that they will be “faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” ending with “so help me God”.

Those taking the affirmation state “ I solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth”.

Ms Sturgeon took the affirmation and before she made her pledge to the Queen, said: “I pledge loyalty to the people of Scotland in line with the Scottish constitutional tradition of the sovereignty of the people.”

Douglas Ross, the Conservative leader, took the oath.

Glasgow Times:

Anas Sarwar took his oath in English and Arabic. He was the first of many members to take the oath or affirmation in another language as well as English.

Glasgow Times:

Partick Harvie, of the Greens made a statement on behalf of the Green MSPs.

He said: “We re-assert our allegiance lies with the people of Scotland. We look forward to the day when they can choose their own elected head of state.”

Glasgow Times:

Others also made statements in protest against pledging allegiance to the Queen

 Katy Clark Labour MSP said she believed the people are “Citizens, not subjects, and my allegiance will be to them”.

MSPs are being sworn in in batches throughout the morning.