This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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First anniversary Press conference
21/11/2002
A joint St Andrew's Day message from the First Minister
and the Secretary of State for Scotland is to be circulated
to British Embassies and Consulates around the world.
The message is intended to be read out at events and
celebrations on and around November 30.
Jack McConnell, at a Press conference to mark the first
anniversary of his appointment as FM, said it underlined
the outward-looking nature of post-Devolution Scotland.
Reflecting on his administration's achievements and
priorities for the future, the First Minister said he hoped
to proceed on an agenda of growth and opportunities.
He pledged reforms in health, crime and other areas that
were "Scottish reforms that go with the grain of
Scotland".
He also pledged to tackle the culture of violence,
sectarianism and racism in too many communities, a national
lifestyle that made Scots the sick men and women of Europe,
and an environmental record that was "an international
embarrassment".
He said there was the prospect of "real excitement"
ahead when "we show the people of Scotland that having a
Parliament in the first place was not only important but
able to change their lives and the country we live in".
The St Andrew's Day message says:
St Andrew's Day is the day when Scots - and friends of
Scotland - around the world celebrate the achievements of
their country of birth and of their forefathers.
It is a day to be proud of the traditions, the culture
and the contribution that Scotland and its people have
brought to the world over hundreds of years.
We have a long history of internationalism and
achievement. There are Scots and people of Scottish
ancestry living and working in almost every country of the
world.
Over the years, people from many lands have studied,
worked or settled in Scotland. That flow of people, ideas
and talents has benefited all of us - in our past and in
our lives today.
With our new Scottish Parliament we are combining 300
years of experience and learning with the unique
opportunity of creating a revitalised democracy to meet the
demands of the modern world.
Scotland is a country with a proud history, with strong
traditions and customs. And we are also a country that is
modern and outward looking, with much to offer the world.
We value our vibrant and multi-layered culture and the
opportunity we have to learn from others.
With our new Scottish Parliament we are combining 300
years of experience and learning with the unique
opportunity of creating a revitalised democracy to meet the
needs of the modern world.
A new Parliament, making decisions on health and
education, building the infrastructure to secure economic
growth and benefiting from the strength of our partnership
with an influential and stable United Kingdom.
In Scotland today we are building on our traditions of
innovation, learning and invention. We are nurturing the
wealth of talent in our cities, towns and villages and we
offer a warm welcome to all who want to live with us and
contribute their skills to build our country's future.
Around the world there are many celebrating this special
day with us. We are pleased and proud to send our warmest
wishes to you from the people of Scotland. We value your
friendship and your continuing links with us.
We both wish you a very happy St Andrew's Day.
Jack McConnell
First Minister
Helen Liddell
Secretary of State for Scotland