FOUR days of special events are to be held in the Edinburgh square named after Scotland's patron saint to become the focal point of the nation's St Andrew's celebrations.
St Andrew Square Garden, which only opened to the public in February 2008, 239 years after it was built in the heart of the New Town, will host centrepiece celebrations heralding the end of the Year of Homecoming.
Other flagship events are being held at major venues across the city, including the Scottish Parliament, the Usher Hall, the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh University and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
The Scottish Government has hired the garden for the first major events to be held there since it was opened by First Minister Alex Salmond, expected to oversee many of the celebrations. Live music, dance, theatre, ceilidhs, carol concerts and children's activities are expected to be staged in the garden.
Up to six marquees will be erected in the garden before celebrations get under way on Thursday, 26 November, after organisers relocated the St Andrew's Day festivities from West Princes Street Gardens. Thousands are expected to pack into the garden on 28 November for the climax of a huge parade of illuminated "art cars" that will snake through the city centre.
It is hoped the events in St Andrew Square will emulate the success of the huge "shindig" concerts staged in Glasgow's George Square on St Andrew's Day in recent years. This year's event will feature Skerryvore and the Vatersay Boys.
One source said: "St Andrew Square is the perfect setting for these celebrations and a high-quality programme will make great use of the space."
Other events include a gala concert at the Usher Hall on 29 November featuring the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Eddi Reader and her band, Deacon Blue's Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh, and Belle and Sebastian spin-off God Help The Girl. At the Scottish Parliament, pop veteran Midge Ure will be hosting a concert, showcasing the winners of an international Homecoming songwriting contest, on 30 November.
The National Museum of Scotland's celebration on 29 November will feature the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, Scottish Youth Dance and the Scottish Youth Pipe Band.
