GEORGE BURLEY
Scotland Manager
SCOTLAND football boss George Burley will be celebrating St Andrew's Day surrounded by family, eating Scotch broth - and, of course, watching football.
The national coach is a great supporter of the day.
He says: 'I've spent most of my career down south, and always took every opportunity to celebrate being Scottish. Now I'm back home, I will certainly be celebrating St Andrew's Day.'
Family man George might even be spotted at the festivities in the capital.
'As it is a Sunday this year, it's the perfect day to get the family round for a meal, so that's what we will be doing. I also think there is going to be a big party in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. We may go to that. And I'll be watching whatever football match is on, of course.'
While George is obviously a great supporter of anything Scottish, is St Andrew's Day as popular as Burns' Day?
'No, I don't think it is. No matter where you are in the world in January, you will always find a Burns' Supper somewhere.
'I don't think St Andrew's Day is quite at that level. It's a shame - look at how well the Irish use St Patrick's Day to promote their country. We should be doing that, too.'
Should it be a public holiday?
'If we did it right and turned it into a proper national day of celebration, then I would support that.'
RHONA McLEOD
BBC News and Sports Presenter
BBC news and sports presenter Rhona McLeod will be celebrating St Andrew's Day with a family gathering in Pitlochry - halfway between her family in the south and the north of Scotland.
And while Rhona doesn't always celebrate our patron saint's day, she does think more should be made of it.
She says: 'I'm always aware it is St Andrew's Day but, I have to confess, don't do anything very special. It would be great for us as a nation to formally recognise the day so we can be proud of our many achievements and heritage.
'I love traditional cooking and Scots fare - Scotch broth followed by Scottish lamb, traditional vegetables with mashed potato - all good comfort food.'
Rhona believes Burns' Night has the edge on St Andrew's Day because we celebrate the former as we are growing up.
'As children we are taught Burns' poetry, more than 200 years after his death. The traditions of St Andrew's night are largely unknown.'
Should it be a public holiday?
'Absolutely yes! Anything which gives the people of Scotland a greater sense of their own identity can only be good. In my travels to world sporting events, I am often angered at how invisible Scotland is to the rest of the world. We are often believed to be a region of England.'
LIZ MCCOLGAN
Former World Champion Athlete
FORMER world champion athlete, top Scottish runner and busy mum-of-five Liz McColgan will be training kids on St Andrew's Day this year.
Liz, who lives in Carnoustie, Angus, with husband Peter and children Eilish, 17, Martin, nine, Eamonn, eight, Keiran, six, and Orla, three, is a big supporter of all things home-grown - and St Andrew's Day.
A true inspiration to all Scottish athletes, Liz won gold in the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo at 10,000 metres, a gold medal in the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, and a silver medal in the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
She says: 'I think more should be made of St Andrew's Day so families can do things together, while celebrating their Scottish heritage at the same time.'
The McColgans, who run health and fitness centres in Scotland, like to support Scottish produce where possible.
'I eat Scottish produce all-year round - in fact I buy Scottish products whenever I can.
'I eat mostly Scottish salmon around three times a week. The kids eat Scottish beef and Scottish-grown veg. I feel it's really important to buy our own, to support our own economy.'
Should it be a public holiday?
'I think it would be a great idea to have our own national holiday.'
ALEX SALMOND
Scotland's First Minister
SCOTLAND'S First Minister Alex Salmond always celebrates St Andrew's Day - and this year it's going to be a very busy one for him.
He says: 'The Scottish Government have a full schedule of events planned over St Andrew's weekend to celebrate Scotland's rich culture and heritage.
'My weekend will culminate in a reception at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate the works of Robert Burns as we look to next year's Homecoming celebrations.
'St Andrew's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate what it means to be Scottish in the 21st century, whether it is celebrating traditional or contemporary Scottish culture. This year, I hope to get to as many events as possible.'
Apparently, it was tradition to eat a singed sheep's head or fish, or even rabbit and hare on St Andrew's Day. Will the First Minister be tucking in?
'Scotland produces some of the finest food and drink in the world, so I will certainly be feasting on Scots fare, but I would have to pass on sheep's head.
'Both St Andrew's Day and Burns' Night are extremely important celebrations of Scottish culture. St Andrew's Day 2008 marks the start of our winter festivals and this year is packed with fantastic events.'
Should it be a public holiday?
'Yes, and this is why the Scottish Government has made St Andrew's Day a holiday for all our staff. We are encouraging all employers to take similar steps.'
CAPTION(S):
GEORGE BURLEY; RHONA McLEOD; LIZ MCCOLGAN; ALEX SALMOND
