SMITH CALLS FOR ST ANDREWS TO BE MADE FOCAL POINT OF ST ANDREWS DAY CELEBRATIONS

7.00.00pm GMT Thu 27th Nov 2008

Speaking in today's Scottish Parliament debate on St Andrews day, North East Fife MSP Iain Smith called for The Royal Burgh of St Andrews to be made the focal point of celebrations for St Andrews day, especially in the 2009 "Homecoming" year.

Commenting Iain Smith said:

" I would like to stress that I do support the attempts by the Scottish Government to strengthen the place of St Andrews day as the official celebration of Scotland and the start of our winter festival. As we look ahead to the year of homecoming - an idea first mooted by my former colleague Liberal Democrat Donald Gorrie and promoted and developed by the Liberal Democrats in the last coalition government - St Andrews day must surely have the central role at the culmination of the year of celebration.

"More information about exactly how the Scottish Government is "intensifying activity and support for Homecoming 2009", which is one of the six points of the "cunning plan" would be welcome. In particular, perhaps the Minister can let us know how the Government will support bids for activities for St Andrews Day 2009 that are linked to Homecoming?

"In my view it would be entirely appropriate for the focus to St Andrews day Homecoming 2009 celebrations to be in St Andrews itself. As the ancient ecclesiastic and academic centre of Scotland, St Andrews is well placed to be the focal point of the culmination of a year that celebrates Scotland's past and looks ahead to its future."

ENDS