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St Andrew's Day
28/11/2008
First Minister Alex Salmond has issued a St Andrew's Day Message to 'Scotland's family and friends around the world'.
St Andrew's Day on Sunday marks the launch of the Winter Festival period which runs through Hogmanay to Burns Night on January 25, leading into the Year of Homecoming in 2009 which invites people to 'come home' and join the celebrations Scotland's culture, achievements and contributions to the world.
"St Andrew's Day is about enjoying ourselves and celebrating Scottish achievements. And, even at this time of global economic challenge, we can look with confidence to the future of Scotland - to our advances in key sectors like renewable energy, the life sciences, food and drink and the creative industries.
So we can look back with pride on a year when a major survey of global investors acclaimed Scotland as Europe's 'place of the future'. And we can look forward with confidence, knowing that the ambition and talents of our people stand our country in good stead."
Watch a video on St Andrew, Scotland's patron saint
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said:
"There is a real international focus to St Andrew's Day this year with events taking place across the country and around the world - crossing borders and connecting with everyone who feels an affinity with Scotland.
"But this year is more than a celebration. It has a hard economic edge and represents an opportunity to promote modern Scotland and the Year of Homecoming in 2009, aiming to boost visitor numbers and maximise tourism revenue.
"St Andrew's Day is also an occasion to showcase Scotland as one of the finest food producers in the world. We want to celebrate the wealth of high quality produce from our farms, seas and food manufacturers and support these industries that are so important to Scotland's economy.
"For people at home and visitors to Scotland we are delivering better value for money with more St Andrew's Day events over a longer period, including a weekend of activities in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens and events in other cities and towns right across the country. This year will see more people getting involved, celebrating our national day and supporting our economy."
Watch a video on St Andrew, Scotland's patron saint