The Scottish parliament has celebrated the first 1000 days of its existence amid claims that it is "meaningless" or represents "a job half done".

By scrapping "Section 28", banning fox hunting, abolishing student loans, giving free personal care to the elderly and introducing proposals to outlaw smacking, many see the institution as a more radical incarnation of its new Labour creators.

And for that reason others in Labour, particularly after the death of the first Scottish first minister Donald Dewar, view the parliament with suspicion.

Both the Tories, who opposed the institution's creation, and the Scottish Nationalist Party, which seeks full independence, have attacked the devolved government.

Conservatives claimed that the anniversary was "1000 days of spin, meaningless strategies, missed targets, deteriorating public services, new stealth taxes and perverse priorities".

"The fault for this does not lie with the Scottish parliament as an institution, but with Labour and the Lib Dems in the Scottish executive," said leader David McLetchie.

The leader of the Scottish National party, John Swinney, said: "After 1000 days it is clear to virtually everyone in Scotland that devolution is not delivering on the high expectations of the people who voted for it.

"That's because it is a job half done and is led by a Labour executive who have displayed stunning incompetence.

"Every day for the last 1000 days we have seen people's growing frustration at the parliament's inability to deliver," he added.

However, a spokesman for first minister Jack McConnell argued that the executive had achieved a lot so far.

"He [McConnell] believes what is crucial is that the executive and the parliament move forward and get on with the priorities that matter to the people of Scotland," said the official.

"He is realistic in that he accepts some things could have gone better. There have been highs and lows but we should not wallow in the negatives."

To commemorate the milestone, a short film has been made, at a cost of less than £1000, about the parliament.

"A New Voice in the Land" was shot in less than a day and is described as "a short but powerful testimony from ordinary people".

It is available to view on the parliament's website.

Deputy presiding officer and SNP MSP George Reid said: "The first 1000 days have by no means been easy but the young parliament has taken its first steps and is growing more confident.

"From the celebration and optimism of July 1 1999, the parliament has had to work hard to try to live up to the people's high expectations. But I believe this parliament is starting to make a difference."