This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6193670.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
McConnell's call to back holiday | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
First Minister Jack McConnell has urged MSPs to support a bill which would make St Andrew's Day a day of national celebration in Scotland. | |
Falkirk West independent MSP Dennis Canavan, who first introduced the bill two years ago, has agreed to a compromise with the Scottish Executive. | 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. |
Mr McConnell said he wanted the day to focus more on celebrating Scotland. | |
The first minister's comments came as he helped with the launch at Edinburgh Castle of a series of St Andrew's Day stamps being issued by the Post Office. | |
Holiday exchange | |
He said he intended to vote for the St Andrews Day's Holiday Bill at the Scottish Parliament later. | |
Mr Canavan originally wanted the 30 November to be declared an additional full public holiday, but he has been persuaded by the first minister to accept a compromise under which banks and other organisations will be legally allowed, but not compelled, to close. | |
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. |
The change came following Mr McConnell's concerns about the cost of an extra holiday in lost production. | |