FROM the highlands to the islands many a proud Scot will celebrate St Andrew's Day next week.

Wyre Forest will be no exception as its Scottish society members don tartans for a fun-filled bash.

But as president Donald Macphail explained, this is no inclusive Scottish sect - indeed sassenachs are welcome!

He said: "While the society aims to promote Scottish culture, in essence it is a friendship group.

"About 30 per cent of our members were born in Scotland. The rest may be of Scottish descent or have an affinity with the nation.

"Such gatherings are a flavour of home for those living miles away and a chance to celebrate our finer points such as our hard-working, hard-partying mentality."

Born and bred in Kirkintilloch, just outside Glasgow, Donald, 33, read geology at Glasgow University.

He embarked on a career in waste management and is currently a landfill site manager in Bromsgrove.

His work has taken him to all parts of Britain and he admits it has proved a conversation stopper in more than one hostelry.

He quipped: "It was bad enough when I said I was a geologist! People think waste management is just about emptying bins - not that there is anything wrong with that."

Donald stresses there is a need for greater public knowledge about waste highlighted by the current furore over a proposed Kidderminster incinerator.

He said: "People have to address the issue of managing their waste, take responsibility and have a sensible debate.

"I feel there has been some scaremongering over the incinerator. The debate centres around dioxins and I feel people have the image of the old-style incinerators when they talk of the dangers. Today's state-of-the-art models are 400 to 500 times more efficient than those in the 70s. People should also assess the alternatives."

One item Donald tries not to waste is his season ticket for Glasgow Rangers football club.

A devoted fan he has followed club and country across Europe.

His love of Scotland shines through and though the home fires burn brightly he has embraced both town and country life in Wyre Forest. Indeed, his recent marriage to Kidderminster-born Rachel, an arts consultant, shows he is more than content with life here.

However, his thoughts for those further afield are never far away and not only extend north of the border.

As an active member of Wyre Forest Amnesty International he campaigns vigorously for the release of prisoners of conscience worldwide.

But while he is content with life in a "warm, friendly" district, he refuses to rule out a return north of the border. "As Sean Connery said: 'Never say never again!' '', he mused.