In a bid to appease businesses, however, First Minister Jack McConnell made it clear that the Executive would not back an additional day off.

Firms will be encouraged to swap November 30 for present local holidays in September.

The Evening Telegraph asked local residents if they were in favour of the move.

Amanda Pryce, of Emmock Woods, Dundee, said, “I think it should be a national holiday. If we have a parliament we should be able to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.

“I think that we were only given the Parliament in a kind of patronising way, when the real power still lies with the spin doctors.

“They should do away with Victoria Day and replace it with St Andrew’s Day.

“It might cause problems for child care and things like that but I think it is more significant for people in Scotland to mark this day.”

Fiona Gill, of Playfair Drive, Dundee, said, “It’s probably a good idea.

“I don’t like the idea of swapping it with another holiday though.

“It is a good thing for Scotland and I think they should probably get rid of Victoria Day.

“They should make it an extra day.”

Adam Wright, originally from Cambridge but who is moving to Perth, said, “It is good for Scotland to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.

“It is important for any country to have a national identity and this would be a great benefit to Scotland.”

However, some had concerns that it wouldn’t make much difference to them as bank holidays were not days off for most workers.

Peter Smith, of Kingennie Court, Dundee, said, “Hardly anyone shuts up shop on bank holidays now, so I don’t really see the point.

“I do think it’s important to mark the patron saint of our country but if it’s to be replacing just another bank holiday, then it’s not a big change.”

Arlene Dailly, of Fairmuir Square, Dundee, felt it might cause problems for some parents who have to find care for their children while still working over bank holidays.

She said, “I doubt it would affect me as I don’t get bank holidays off.

“I don’t think people will be that fussed.

“I only work nights so it’s not going to be a problem if it was on a school day, but I might end up looking after my sister’s kids.”

Some people thought it was not enough and that Scotland should make more of a national day for their patron saint.

Simon Kear, of Warddykes Road, Arbroath, said, “It won’t make much difference to be honest.

“However, I think it might be a good boost for the tourism industry and give us an opportunity to celebrate our national identity.

“The Irish make a big thing out of St Patrick’s Day and I don’t think there is anything wrong with a bit of national pride.”

Mr McConnell said yesterday, “St Andrew’s Day is an important part of Scotland’s history, but it is also an opportunity to promote our modern country across the world.

“I believe we should encourage employers and employees to mark the day with a holiday, but this should be as a substitute for an existing local holiday, rather than an additional one.”

He made the statement after meeting Mr Canavan, the MSP for Falkirk West in Glasgow.

Mr Canavan’s St Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Bill is being considered by members of the Scottish Parliament’s Enterprise and Culture Committee. Today finance and public service reform minister Tom McCabe will tell them the Executive will support the compromise.

Members of the committee last year gave their backing to the proposals for a bank holiday to mark the day. However, in October MSPs voted by 66 to 58 to send the Bill back to the committee for further consideration.