Nicola Sturgeon marks St Andrew's Day by encouraging acts of kindness

Nicola Sturgeon is calling on Scots to mark St Andrew's Day with an act of kindness (Andrew Milligan/PA)

NICOLA STURGEON is calling on Scots to mark St Andrew’s Day by performing an act of kindness.

The First Minister said that given the patron saint’s “values of compassion and solidarity” this was a way to celebrate Scotland’s national day.

She stated: “It’s a great way of marking this special day – and of making life a little bit brighter for our friends and neighbours.”

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon celebrates St Andrew’s Day, a time to highlight the values of compassion and solidarity #BeLikeStAndrew pic.twitter.com/6wjCjbmWS3

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) November 30, 2017

Ms Sturgeon made the call in her St Andrew’s Day message, with events taking place across Scotland and beyond to celebrate the country’s history, culture and people.

There are nine major events taking place in Scotland, ranging from a fire show and fireworks display in St Andrews to a week-long celebration of music and film in Stornoway.

Who was St Andrew? What you might not know about Scotland’s patron saint

The First Minister said: “Of course, the celebrations aren’t just taking place here in Scotland. In nations right across the world, people with Scottish heritage – and people who are Scots at heart – will celebrate St Andrew’s Day, and all that is best about our country.

“This year we’re looking to harness that kind of enthusiasm for a very special cause.

“The values of compassion and solidarity are central to the story of St Andrew. They are also a big part of Scotland’s national identity. So we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate these values, by performing an act of kindness on St Andrew’s Day.

Celebrating St Andrews Day tmrw? #BeLikeStAndrew and give something back by volunteering in your local @ShelterScotland shop! https://t.co/Adgv1gkTpI pic.twitter.com/X7djiPe9Ro

— Shelter Scotland (@shelterscotland) November 29, 2017