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 2 Version 3
McConnell's call to back holiday MSPs approve St Andrew's day bill
(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. A bill to make St Andrew's Day a day of national celebration in Scotland has been passed in the Scottish Parliament.
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, 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 voted to make 30 November a voluntary public holiday.
Mr McConnell said he wanted the day to focus more on celebrating Scotland. First Minister Jack 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. Mr Canavan originally wanted the 30 November to be declared an additional full public holiday.
Holiday exchange 'lost' business concern
He said he intended to vote for the St Andrews Day's Holiday Bill at the Scottish Parliament later. But he was persuaded by the first minister to accept a compromise under which banks and other organisations will be legally allowed, but not compelled, to close.
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.The change came following Mr McConnell's concerns about the cost of an extra holiday in lost production.
But Mr Canavan dismissed claims it would be bad for the economy as "absurd" and said business leaders should see the event as an opportunity and not a threat.
The Independent MSP said he expected the holiday to grow in years to come, adding: "If St Andrew's Day was properly recognised at home as a national holiday that would enhance those international celebrations and help promote Scotland on the world stage."