Video: Alex Salmond gives St Andrew’s Day message

NEXT year will be a “year like no other” for Scotland, First Minister Alex Salmond has declared in his video address for St Andrew’s Day.

Alex Salmond has given his St Andrew's Day address. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

In his message, filmed in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park and in the city’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Mr Salmond said Scotland’s national day was a time to “celebrate our history, our people and of course our culture”.

“This year, those winter festivals are particularly special, as we look forward to an amazing twelve months ahead.”

The independence referendum will be held in September, while 2014 will also see Scotland host massive sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and golf’s Ryder Cup.

In addition, more than 400 events are planned as part of the second Year of Homecoming celebrations, which aims to attract tourists from across the world to Scotland.