St Andrew's day to 'pack a punch'

Linda Fabiani launches St Andrew's Day programme

An "ambitious" programme of events planned in cities and towns across the country to mark Scotland's national day has been unveiled.

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said St Andrew's Day would "pack a particular punch" this year in the run up to Homecoming Scotland in 2009.

She said the Scottish Government was encouraging everyone to "do more" to celebrate 30 November.

Homecoming Scotland will mark the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth.

Edinburgh's West Princes Street Gardens will host the St Andrew's Do, with a range of free entertainment activities for families, teenagers and adults over the St Andrew's Day weekend (29-30 November).

I encourage all Scots everywhere and anyone with a connection to Scotland to do more this year Linda Fabiani Scotland's culture minister

St Andrew's Day also marks the start of Edinburgh's Winter Festival programme and provides a taste of the celebrations to come over Hogmanay and Burns Night, leading into Homecoming Scotland next year.

Ms Fabiani said: "St Andrew's Day is an opportunity for everyone at home, and our friends around the world, to celebrate Scotland from our rich heritage to our vibrant modern culture.

"This year there is a great programme of events from our St Andrew's Do in Edinburgh to the various ceilidhs and street parties taking place all around the country.

"I encourage all Scots everywhere and anyone with a connection to Scotland to do more this year, celebrate our national day and enjoy the inimitable culture of Scotland old and new."

Homecoming Scotland marks the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns birth

In the capital, the St Andrew's Do will celebrate Scottish culture and heritage, kicking off with a 'happy march', which will see hundreds of youngsters march to the gardens in full Saltire colours.

The family-friendly programme of events includes workshops, storytelling, games and ceilidh dancing for children as well as dance workshops and urban theatre for teenagers and young adults.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be performances from Skotch, who bring the sounds of the bagpipe together with a hip hop DJ.

The Saturday evening will boast entertainment from Scottish singer Sandi Thom and contemporary Celtic band, Salsa Celtica.

Other events across Scotland include a ceilidh in Aberdeen, a fashion show and medieval day in Dundee and a street party featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in Inverness.

Glasgow's George Square plays host to live music and ceilidh dancing in the city's "Shindig on the Square", and in St Andrews itself, entertainment includes a St Andrew's Day procession and an outdoor stage with entertainment and music.

The "Visit for Free" initiative, with more than 60 of Scotland's top visitor attractions, will also run on St Andrew's Day.