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St Andrew's Day
30/11/2007
First Minister Alex Salmond has recorded a special St Andrew's Day Message for the country's National Day and decided to fly the banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland, which shows a lion rampant, outside the Scottish Government headquarters in Edinburgh.
The FM, as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, is one of the Crown representatives permitted to use the Royal Arms of Scotland. The banner shows the Royal Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland, and forms part of the Royal Arms.
Mr Salmond said:
"The Saltire is the flag of Scotland, and the Lion Rampant is the people's flag - one of Scotland's most recognised icons. This St Andrew's Day, it will fly proudly alongside the Saltire outside the Scottish Government HQ.
"It is a flag that Scots are very fond of. It has a proud history, and I am sure people will welcome seeing it fly more often."
In his video message Mr Salmond says:
"Scotland's Government changed in May, and so did the country.
"The people of Scotland voted for a new politics. And a new ambition for this nation.
"So my government has pursued a new politics that always values co-operation over confrontation. Good ideas over stale dogma. And puts Scotland's interests above narrow political advantage.
"The mood of the nation changed with the election of the first SNP administration.
"And our spirits rose even further when Glasgow won the right to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. This was a massive vote of confidence in Scotland from our friends across the world.
"The future of our nation looks bright.
"As a government, we have set out clear priorities to raise our sights even higher.
"We will make Scotland wealthier and fairer. Smarter. Healthier. Safer and stronger. And greener.
"Our programme for Government, the new economic strategy and the Scottish Budget are all important steps.
"But over and above politics today is St Andrew's Day - a day to celebrate Scotland in all its richness and all its tremendous potential.
"So let's celebrate Scotland.
"Let's look forward to our Winter Festival.
"Let's show the world how proud we are of our nation, right now, proud of its past and proud of its future.
"Happy St Andrew's Day."
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also posted a St Andrew's Day blog on the National Conversation website.
She says:
"We (the Scottish Government) make no secret of our desire for independence but we know not everyone agrees with us. Some want more powers short of independence. Some want the status quo.
"It is all part of the conversation. Not talking about the future isn't an option. I would encourage everyone with an interest in Scotland's future to get involved."