A Green MSP has become Holyrood's next Presiding Officer after she was the only person nominated for the post.
Alison Johnstone, who represents the Lothians, was formally approved by a vote of MSPs today.
She said she was "very proud" and added that becoming Presiding Officer was an "incredible privilege".
The 55 year old's election means the Parliament is tied between 64 SNP MSPs and the same number of opposition members.
The Presiding Officer is effectively the chair of the Parliament and the equivalent of the Speaker in the House of Commons.
The £112,919 a year post involves ensuring Holyrood debates and votes go ahead smoothly.
Johnstone, an MSP since 2011, was initially spoken of as a contender before the Holyrood election and she emerged yesterday as the frontrunner.
After a vote, 97 MSPs backed her candidacy, 28 voted against and 2 abstained. There was 1 spoiled ballot.
Johnstone, who is a former councillor and athletics coach, is the Parliament’s second female presiding officer after Tricia Marwick.
In the event of a 64-64 tie, the Presiding Officer has the casting vote and precedent is that the post-holder votes for the status quo.
The Presiding Officer will also have an important role if the SNP Government introduces a bill for an independence referendum.
The PO provides a statement of "legislative competence" for Bills.
Scottish Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater said: “We congratulate Alison Johnstone on her election, and we are confident that she will be an even-handed moderator as Parliament addresses the pressing challenges that Scotland faces over the next five years.”
