Singer supports St Andrew's Day

Sandi Thom said she was proud to be Scottish

Singer Sandi Thom has called on the Scots to get behind St Andrew's Day and make it as big an event as Ireland's St Patrick's Day.

She said the nation was "very patriotic" but told the BBC Scotland news website she felt more could be done to celebrate the historic day.

The 26-year-old from Aberdeen was talking ahead of a free Ediburgh gig where she is making a guest appearance.

She was playing in a tent in Princes Street Gardens on Friday evening.

She said: "Having a national day is a great way to get everyone together to remind them of their history and culture. St Patrick's Day, I'm, sure is worldwide and St Andrew's Day should be the same.

It means a lot to me to be Scottish and I am very proud to tell people I am from here Sandi Thom

"Whenever I'm asked to do an event in Scotland to highlight Scotland I am always very happy to do it.

"I am also playing at Aberdeen's Hogmanay, which I am really looking forward to.

"It means a lot to me to be Scottish and I am very proud to tell people I am from here."

She will next be in Edinburgh in February to play some gigs as part of a 30-date tour.

On Friday she was performing as part of the Jig in the Gardens, a huge ceilidh with live Scottish-flavoured music.

The event, organised by VisitScotland, was taking place at the Scottish Pavilion in West Princes Street Gardens.

The Chiller Tent, in front of the Ross Band stand, was hosting Groove in the Gardens, an evening filled with bands and DJs.