Nov 28, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Scotland is debating whether it should legislate another public holiday, and a Scottish cardinal is suggesting that it be on St. Andrew’s Day.
Keith Cardinal O’Brien says St. Andrew’s Day would unite people of all faiths, and he has challenged the First Minister, Jack McConnell, to test the issue with a consultation process. “I am sure those of other faiths would welcome the patronage of St. Andrew,” whom he describes as “a unifying force” all over the world, he says.
In fact, his suggestion has found agreement among representatives from the Church of Scotland, the Muslim Council of Britain and the Scottish Episcopal Church.
But the Scottish Executive has rejected the principle of a holiday on St. Andrew’s Day, with McConnell proposing that celebrations from next year are “themed”, starting with the concept of “One Scotland, Many Cultures.”