BBC Scotland News Review 2003: April to June
The other big success story belonged to the Scottish Socialist Party, which returned with six MSPs.
From the moment of new MSP Colin Fox's 'victory dance' it became clear that the SSP would offer something different.
Party leader Tommy Sheridan promised to "mount a major campaign over the next four years that will engulf Scotland".
"We are going to put socialism back on the agenda not just in Scotland but across Europe," he said.
One of his new colleagues Rosie Kane said the SSP would "bring colour, imagination, all sorts of diversity and attitude" to the chamber.
Just one week later it seemed that she was making good on her prediction.
The MSP's decision to wear jeans and a multi-coloured blouse to the swearing in session raised eyebrows both inside and outside the chamber.
But she went further while taking the oath, writing a message in felt tip on the palm of her hand: "My oath is to the people."
Mr Fox chose to make his protest through song - "A Man's A Man for A' That" - but Sir David Steel, in one of his last acts as presiding officer, sent him to the back of the queue for time-wasting.