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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| MSPs approve St Andrew's day bill | MSPs approve St Andrew's day bill |
| (19 minutes later) | |
| A bill to make St Andrew's Day a day of national celebration in Scotland has been passed in the Scottish Parliament. | 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, 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 agreed to make 30 November a voluntary public holiday. | |
| First Minister Jack 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. |
| Mr Canavan originally wanted the 30 November to be declared an additional full public holiday. | Mr Canavan originally wanted the 30 November to be declared an additional full public holiday. |
| 'lost' business concern | 'lost' business concern |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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. | 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." | 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." |