 The Scottish Parliament opened today with Gemma Skelding, its youngest ever contributor to the weekly time for reflection slot. Gemma, a pupil at Falkirk High School, gave her presentation in her first language, British Sign Language. My name is Gemma Skelding. I'm 12 years old and I'm profoundly deaf. And at home I grew up using sign language. And in fact I thought everyone could speak sign language. And it wasn't until I went to Olive Bank Nursery that I met people who couldn't sign. Now it wasn't until I was in primary three that I noticed things change. My friends would all be talking with each other but I felt left out. Now it wasn't because I think they don't like me. I think it was just because it was too difficult for them to try and communicate with me. I now go to Falkirk High School and they have full time communication support workers there. And I really enjoy school now very much. Afterwards Gemma said it had been a positive experience. Well I was really nervous. I'm relieved now that it's finished. But I had been to the Parliament before with the school. But I never thought that one day I would actually be standing up there speaking to everyone. So yeah. And I have my parents with me as well so I think they've been really proud of me today. You can find out more about the Scottish Parliament in British Sign Language on our webpage.