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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| MSPs to back St Andrew's holiday | MSPs to back St Andrew's holiday |
| (about 6 hours later) | |
| A bill to create an official St Andrew's Day holiday is set to reach its final stage in parliament. | A bill to create an official St Andrew's Day holiday is set to reach its final stage in parliament. |
| Falkirk West independent MSP Dennis Canavan, who first introduced the bill two years ago, has agreed to a compromise with the Scottish Executive. | |
| Instead of a full public holiday, MSPs are expected to vote for 30 November to become a voluntary public holiday. | Instead of a full public holiday, MSPs are expected to vote for 30 November to become a voluntary public holiday. |
| The first minister had been concerned about the cost of an extra holiday in lost production. | The first minister had been concerned about the cost of an extra holiday in lost production. |
| St Andrew's Day will be a voluntary public holiday on which banks, other firms and public organisations can legally close for business if they choose to. | St Andrew's Day will be a voluntary public holiday on which banks, other firms and public organisations can legally close for business if they choose to. |
| Stamps launch | Stamps launch |
| However, they will be expected to give their staff the day off in exchange for one of their local holidays. | However, they will be expected to give their staff the day off in exchange for one of their local holidays. |
| It is hoped 30 November will become a national day of celebration in honour of St Andrew and Scotland's many cultures. | It is hoped 30 November will become a national day of celebration in honour of St Andrew and Scotland's many cultures. |
| On the day of the vote, First Minister Jack McConnell will also take part in the launch of a set of stamps to mark St Andrew's Day. | On the day of the vote, First Minister Jack McConnell will also take part in the launch of a set of stamps to mark St Andrew's Day. |
| The Royal Mail Celebrating Scotland stamp issue includes the first postage stamp to carry an image of St Andrew. | The Royal Mail Celebrating Scotland stamp issue includes the first postage stamp to carry an image of St Andrew. |
| The souvenir sheet also features the Lion Rampant and the Saltire. | The souvenir sheet also features the Lion Rampant and the Saltire. |