Fishers of Men

"By the sea of Galilee the Lord saw two brothers, Peter and Andrew. He called them: Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men".

Saint life grand

IT MAY not be the great public holiday many had hoped for, but just because most of us will still have to work this St Andrew's Day does not mean we can't mark the occasion in style.
From Boston to Beijing, expats and Scotophiles the world over will be celebrating this Friday, and at home the day is set to be observed more widely than ever before - from conventional balls and dinners to some rather more unorthodox, not to say eccentric, events such as an attempt at the world's largest Dashing White Sergeant and "aqua ceilidhs" in swimming pools.
Despite the attempts by the Falkirk West Independent MSP Dennis Canavan to have the saint's day declared a full public holiday, last year the Scottish Parliament ultimately voted for a "voluntary public holiday", though employers and employees may have interestingly differing views as to exactly what that means.

So while Parliament - though failing to guarantee the rest of us the same privilege - is taking the day off (as is Angus Council), it remains unclear just how many firms or employees will be following their example on this holiday of non-obligation. According to the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the answer is not a lot.

So, if you are one of those who have been denied the day off on Friday, you can at least take comfort in the fact you are not alone. Indeed for a fair few of us, work will actually revolve around the events taking place.

Actors, politicians, and musicians are just some of those who'll be working on St Andrew's Day, and here we've spoken to a few of them about what the occasion holds in store for them.
But even those of us who'll be working, there should still be time for most of us to have some fun either before or after work.

The least you can do is make sure you try some traditional Scots' fare. You could follow the example of some of the colleges which will be serving a "Porridge Breakfast" on Friday morning to international students. And while many a haggis will be consumed on the night, why not sink a right guid willy waught of cholesterol for the sake of auld Sanct Andra in the form of a pie? For Friday will also see the results of the World Scotch Pie Championships announced.

But there's a whole host of other events taking place, too. The Scottish Government has been busy encouraging celebrations, and earlier this year the First Minister, Alex Salmond, unveiled a programme of St Andrew's Day events across Scotland and a subsequent "Winter Festival", which will run from Friday, through Hogmanay, until that next great Caledonian fling, Burns Night, on 25 January.


National Day greetings for Scots

ON the occasion of St Andrew's Day, the First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, congratulated the Scots on behalf of his government.

"I am delighted to extend my warmest wishes to you on St Andrew's Day," he said.

"This is a day for celebrating all that is great about Scotland. We are proud of our heritage, and this is a tremendous opportunity to say that. But we are just as positive about Scotland's future, and the changes for the better that are happening in Scotland. Not just in terms of a new government but also in cultural renewal.

"This new Scotland is one which is bold, confident, demanding and ambitious.
"In Scotland we live in a country with enormous assets - chief among them our people. We have a history and a present reality of innovation, of educational excellence, and of individuals and companies succeeding in a competitive global market.

"When I have travelled to different countries I am always encouraged by the boundless energy, passion and commitment that people across the globe have towards Scotland.

"I am delighted that so many of you are celebrating Scotland's National Day - as we are too though events across Scotland.

"On behalf of the people of Scotland I send you best wishes for a wonderful National Day."

Saint Andrew is the Patron Saint of Scotland and St Andrew's Day is celebrated by Scots around the world on November 30.