Scotland has marked Mandela Day for the first time, as the First Minister joined the South African High Commissioner in Glasgow to thank volunteers packing books.  Local Government Minister Derek Mackay joined the sending of the books from city’s George Square.

Around forty volunteers filled a lorry with some 50,000 books to go to schoolchildren in the Eastern Cape of South Africa – all part of the international celebrations marking Nelson Mandela’s 94th birthday.

Alex Salmond paid tribute to South Africa’s former president and urged Scots to spend at least 67 minutes serving their communities, in honour of the 67 years of service given by Mr Mandela.

The First Minister, Alex Salmond said:

“Nelson Mandela is today perhaps the most respected elder statesman in the world. We in Scotland are inspired more than ever by the spirit of Mandela Day.  We know that in times of global economic hardship such as we face today, it is often the poorest that are the hardest hit.  For this reason the Scottish Government's commitment to work in partnership with the developing world is stronger than ever.

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay added;

“I was delighted to join the event to promote Mandela Day, and mark Scotland’s links with South Africa, and the sense of service to community .

“We know that one of the main challenges facing our world is the impact of climate change.  That is why Scotland has set some of the toughest targets in the world for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a point that was recognised by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his video message to the people of Scotland.

“It is clear that those in the developing world are often deeply affected by the impacts of our changing climate.  That is why we have recently launched our Climate Justice Fund, with targeted support for people in Sub Saharan Africa to tackle the impacts of climate change.

“The efforts by volunteers to send educational tools to Africa is also to be commended.”