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/7119457.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Scotland to mark St Andrew's Day Scotland celebrates saint's day
(about 3 hours later)
A wide range of events have been planned across Scotland and beyond to celebrate St Andrew's Day. A wide range of events are taking place across Scotland and beyond to celebrate St Andrew's Day.
The attractions include a display of the traditional Scottish dance Strip the Willow.The attractions include a display of the traditional Scottish dance Strip the Willow.
Several announcements are expected, including a £750,000 investment in two historic buildings by the Heritage Lottery Fund.Several announcements are expected, including a £750,000 investment in two historic buildings by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Hundreds of people are also expected to take the day off as a national holiday for the first time. Hundreds of people have taken the day off as a national holiday for the first time.
As part of the day's celebrations, more than 60 of Scotland's top visitor attractions have been open for free on St Andrew's Day. As part of the day's celebrations, more than 60 of Scotland's top visitor attractions have been opened for free.
Castles, museums, gardens and abbeys across Scotland from Orkney to Jedburgh are taking part.Castles, museums, gardens and abbeys across Scotland from Orkney to Jedburgh are taking part.
Scotland is open to one and all to join the celebrations of St Andrew's Day Linda FabianiCulture MinisterScotland is open to one and all to join the celebrations of St Andrew's Day Linda FabianiCulture Minister
The initiative is designed to encourage Scots and visitors to celebrate the country's heritage and culture on Scotland's national day.The initiative is designed to encourage Scots and visitors to celebrate the country's heritage and culture on Scotland's national day.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Scotland is a nation which is rich in culture and outstanding beauty, with an outstanding array of attractions. During a speech in Glasgow on Friday, First Minister Alex Salmond called for St Andrew's Day to be celebrated as openly in Scotland as it was by Scots overseas.
"I am delighted that admission charges will be removed on Historic Scotland properties across Scotland on our national day so that we can all make the most of St Andrew's Day by celebrating and enjoying Scotland's wonderful culture and heritage." He added: "In doing so, we celebrate the values which define modern Scotland - the values of humanity, compassion, enterprise, ambition and a determined internationalism."
The Strip the Willow dance will take place in Inverness later, while in Brussels the famous sculpture of the Mannekin Pis will be wearing a tartan tammy - just for the day. The Strip the Willow dance will take place in Inverness later, while in Brussels the famous sculpture of the Mannekin Pis has been wearing a tartan tammy - just for the day.
Edinburgh will host two live music events as part of this year's celebrations.Edinburgh will host two live music events as part of this year's celebrations.
The Scottish Pavilion in West Princes Street Gardens will host Jig in the Gardens, a huge ceilidh with live Scottish-flavoured music which will include a guest appearance by Sandi Thom.The Scottish Pavilion in West Princes Street Gardens will host Jig in the Gardens, a huge ceilidh with live Scottish-flavoured music which will include a guest appearance by Sandi Thom.
The Chiller Tent, in front of the Ross Band stand, will also host Groove in the Gardens, an evening filled with bands and DJs.The Chiller Tent, in front of the Ross Band stand, will also host Groove in the Gardens, an evening filled with bands and DJs.
'Distinctly underwhelmed''Distinctly underwhelmed'
Meanwhile, a free ceilidh will be held in Glasgow's George Square as part of the city's Winterfest.Meanwhile, a free ceilidh will be held in Glasgow's George Square as part of the city's Winterfest.
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani encouraged people to take part in the celebrations across Scotland.Culture Minister Linda Fabiani encouraged people to take part in the celebrations across Scotland.
She said: "St Andrew's Day is a celebration of Scotland both here at home and all around the world.She said: "St Andrew's Day is a celebration of Scotland both here at home and all around the world.
"This year we are rejoicing in our National Day and the start of the Winter Festival that will run on through Hogmanay to Burns Night."This year we are rejoicing in our National Day and the start of the Winter Festival that will run on through Hogmanay to Burns Night.
Ceilidhs will take place in the centres of Glasgow and EdinburghCeilidhs will take place in the centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh
"Scotland is open to one and all to join the celebrations of St Andrew's Day and experience the cultural festivities we're known for all around the world.""Scotland is open to one and all to join the celebrations of St Andrew's Day and experience the cultural festivities we're known for all around the world."
However, the Liberal Democrats criticised the Scottish Government for failing to deliver a full public holiday to mark St Andrew's Day.However, the Liberal Democrats criticised the Scottish Government for failing to deliver a full public holiday to mark St Andrew's Day.
Culture spokesman Iain Smith said: "I am distinctly underwhelmed by the plans to mark St Andrew's Day this year.Culture spokesman Iain Smith said: "I am distinctly underwhelmed by the plans to mark St Andrew's Day this year.
"The SNP promised to mark St Andrew's Day with a national holiday. Instead we have a half day annual leave for civil servants to take, but only if they want to."The SNP promised to mark St Andrew's Day with a national holiday. Instead we have a half day annual leave for civil servants to take, but only if they want to.
"Liberal Democrats supported making St Andrew's Day a full public holiday and we are disappointed that the Scottish Government has, once again, failed to deliver.""Liberal Democrats supported making St Andrew's Day a full public holiday and we are disappointed that the Scottish Government has, once again, failed to deliver."
Last year MSPs agreed to make 30 November a voluntary public holiday.Last year MSPs agreed to make 30 November a voluntary public holiday.