MSPs and parliament staff attended an Ash Wednesday service at Holyrood today, led by Archbishop Leo Cushley.

In his homily, he said: "As Christians, Jesus does not ask us to be relevant or important in the life of the nation. He asks us to be His faithful disciples.

"Jesus said: 'Repent and believe in the Gospel' - that's what we are doing here today.

"It falls on you to be His witness. If we get that right the rest will fall into place."

Marie McNair MSP was the reader at the service and received ashes along with fellow politicians Alex Rowley, Bob Doris, Mairi Gougeon, Michael Matheson, Clare Adamson, Monica Lennon, Mark Griffin, Paul Sweeney, Paul O'Kane, Pauline McNeill, Donald Cameron and Annie Wells.

Anthony Horan, Director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, said: "It is a testament to the openness and diversity of our Parliament that Archbishop Leo was able to distribute ashes to MSPs on this solemn day for Catholics.

"This was the best attended Ash Wednesday service in the Parliament since the annual event was established in 2018.

I hope that the presence of the Archbishop and gathering together with other people of faith will offer comfort and support to our MSPs in the challenges of political life

"I hope that the presence of the Archbishop and gathering together with other people of faith will offer comfort and support to our MSPs in the challenges of political life, and that open expressions of faith will continue to be facilitated and supported by our parliament."

This year's event was organised by Archbishop Cushley and Anthony Horan with help from the office of Donald Cameron MSP.

Earlier in the day Archbishop Cushley was principal celebrant at the Ash Wednesday morning Mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.