FOR the third time in 11 months, East Lothian residents will witness monarchy’s rituals enacted during a cost-of-living crisis. The cost is now estimated to be £250m.

First Minister Humza Yousaf will represent this country at a scaled-back coronation, with Scotland’s Stone of Destiny symbolising our ancient nationhood and, later this year, the Honours of Scotland will be celebrated in Edinburgh.

Some might watch the coronation and swear their allegiance, and I respect those who chosoe to do so, but the kingdom doesn’t seem united in its royal enthusiasms – 72 per cent in Scotland aren’t interested in coronation events (YouGov poll, April 17-20) and a UK-wide survey finds just 12 per cent of those aged 18-34 think the monarchy “very important”.

Younger generations have grown up in ethnically diverse communities with rights, opportunities and equalities unimaginable when the late Queen, whose father was India’s last emperor, was crowned.

Only 20 per cent of young Scots want the monarchy to continue; the vast majority want independence and self-government.

As a republican, I’m proud to sit in a Parliament with diverging constitutional perspectives. Like their European counterparts, many independence supporters reject elected heads of state, preferring modern constitutional monarchy – as in Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.

Addressing Holyrood last year, King Charles III commended the Queen for maintaining “the principles of constitutional government”. Following her “inspiring example”, he expressed confidence in the “good will and good counsel” of Scotland’s Parliament.

For over 20 years, evidence shows overwhelming national agreement that Holyrood should have most influence over how Scotland is run. Brexit’s monumental and divisive errors agitated a ‘dis-united kingdom’, producing Westminster turmoil; multiple Prime Ministers; torrid sackings and resignations; ill-judged, cronyistic appointments.

Last week I attended the John P Mackintosh Lecture, given by broadcaster and author Gavin Esler. The lecture focused on how the lack of a UK constitution impacts on our governance both here in Scotland and the UK.

The relationship of that between the monarchy and the Scottish and UK Parliaments is part of that wider discussion.

Our democracy here in Scotland and the UK needs to reflect the change that our younger people desire.