First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has recorded a video message to Scots wishing them a happy St Andrew’s Day.
The video encourages people across Scotland to come together to look after friends and neighbours and make it a “truly special day… that highlights the very best aspects of Scotland”.
In the video message the First Minister said: “This year, we’re not simply inviting people to attend celebrations, although we hope that lots of you will.
“We’re also encouraging people to help each other – to look after friends, neighbours, or people in need. We would like people to share for St Andrew.
“If as many of us as possible do that, we can all demonstrate the solidarity and inclusion that we want modern Scotland to be built on. We can make St Andrew’s Day a truly special day – one that highlights the very best aspects of Scotland.”
Theresa May also recorded a St Andrew’s Day video saying Scotland has a “special place” in the Union.
The Government will use the day to mark formal Parliamentary orders for the transfer of tax raising powers to Holyrood.
In Mrs May video message, she says: “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street in July, I talked about the precious bonds that bind our United Kingdom together.
“Scotland has a special place at the heart of our historic union of nations and today, on St Andrew’s Day, it is right that we celebrate Scotland’s extraordinary contribution to our United Kingdom and to the whole world.”
“The whole United Kingdom takes pride in Scotland’s success,” she said
“With Scotland’s pioneering spirit as a vital element in our union of nations, I am confident that together we can seize the opportunities of the future and ensure the continued success of our United Kingdom for generations to come.”