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MSPs to back St Andrew's holiday McConnell's call to back holiday
(about 4 hours later)
A bill to create an official St Andrew's Day holiday is set to reach its final stage in parliament. 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.
The first minister had been concerned about the cost of an extra holiday in lost production. Mr McConnell said he wanted the day to focus more on celebrating Scotland.
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. 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.
Stamps launch 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.
It is hoped 30 November will become a national day of celebration in honour of St Andrew and Scotland's many cultures. The change came following Mr McConnell's concerns about the cost of an extra holiday in lost production.
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 souvenir sheet also features the Lion Rampant and the Saltire.