Scottish Conservative speaks against 'festive evening'

The Conservative deputy leader of the Scottish Parliament, Murdo Fraser has complained against plans by the Parliament to replace its Christmas carol service with a festive evening instead.

According to the BBC, Fraser said that Christian elements were being taken out of the celebration on Wednesday.

"This is the Scottish Parliament taking Christ out of Christmas," he said.

A spokesman for the Scottish Parliament said that the event would have a strong "Christmas focus", and would include hymns, a gospel reading and a blessing.

However, Fraser said that the "PC brigade" replaced the previous service with a non-Christian event without consulting MSPs and staff.

Fraser said, "It does a massive disservice to all religions. People of all religions and none respect each other's beliefs but that should not mean that the Parliament cannot hold celebrations for any particular faith.

"I have lodged a parliamentary motion calling for this ludicrous 'festive evening' to be scrapped, and our carol service reinstated.

"Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and the parliamentary authorities need to remember that."

The spokesman for the Scottish Parliament responded by saying, "The Christmas focus is strong, with traditional carols and songs, a gospel reading, an ecumenical blessing and even mince pies and mulled wine and fruit juice planned," reports the BBC.

The current draft programme features the songs In the Bleak Mid-Winter and Oh Come All Ye Faithful. So far, an ecumenical blessing by Action of Churches Together in Scotland has not been confirmed.