This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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St Andrew's Day
30/11/2006
First Minister Jack McConnell celebrates Scotland in a St Andrew's Day message recorded at Portrait of a Saint, an exhibition of paintings by Peter Howson, one of the country's leading contemporary artists, in the City Arts Centre, Edinburgh.
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The FM said:
"St Andrew's Day gives all of us a chance to celebrate Scotland, to celebrate Scottish traditions and history and culture.
"Every year Scotland's recognition of our national patron saint becomes greater and I am delighted to see so many Scots, and friends of Scotland, participating in events in Scotland and abroad and making sure that this will be a St Andrew's Day to remember.
"St Andrew's Day is more than just a chance to pay tribute to ourselves and to our national saint - it's a chance to remind the world that Scotland is a great country and a great place to visit, study or live. It is important that, while we celebrate the past, we also look to the future with confidence.
"Scotland has been transformed for the best by devolution. In education, in public health, in reducing poverty and in promoting equality, tolerance and respect, we are making a difference for future generations.
"Our country has become more enterprising too. The Scottish economy is growing and our economic success is picking up pace.
"We have the best employment rate of any of the nations in the UK. Last year, we attracted 25 per cent of inward investment jobs coming to the UK and Scotland was the top region for research and development.
"Scotland is a vibrant, modern nation, and this year we will be celebrating St Andrew's Day under the banner of One Scotland . Many Cultures. We are staging events for everyone - from major ceilidh celebrations to events in schools - and our Parliament will vote to encourage Scots to take a national holiday.
"St Andrew's Day will also be celebrated in countries in every corner of the globe - from the United States to Uganda; from Slovenia to Papua New Guinea; from China to Argentina.
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"This celebration of Scotland beyond our borders reflects the way we have always looked to the rest of the world to share values and cultures, exchange ideas and develop trade.
"Scots around the world are our ambassadors and today they can spread the message about modern 21st century Scotland, the country we are building.
"As Scots in the past went out into the world, our population is now growing as we attract more and more people to Scotland. Modern, diverse Scotland welcomes people from across the world and embraces their enterprise, culture and ambition.
"Today, we should all celebrate not just shared Scottish traditions, but our shared future.
"So, take a moment to reflect on your home country. Take pride in our history, be pleased with out progress, but most of all look forward to our future in a modern Scotland with greater opportunities for everyone who lives there.
"I wish you a very happy St Andrew's Day."
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Andrew - Portrait of a Saint by Peter Howson
City Art Gallery, Edinburgh November 30 to March 4, 2007