WHAT IS ST ANDREW'S DAY?
St Andrew's Day is the feast day of Andrew the Apostle and is celebrated every year in Scotland on the 30 November. In 1320, St Andrew officially became the patron saint of Scotland when the country's independence was declared with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath.
IS ST ANDREW'S DAY A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?
Yes. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament declared St Andrew's Day a bank holiday. Although it is not law, most Scottish employers are left to decide whether to give their staff a day off and close for the day. If the 30 November falls on the weekend, staff are given the Friday or Monday off work.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ST ANDREW'S DAY TRADITIONS?
St Andrew's Day celebrates the very best of Scottish culture with lots of delicious food and drink, music and ceilidh dancing, with parties going into the wee small hours of the night.
WHERE IS THE BIRTHPLACE OF SCOTLAND'S NATIONAL FLAG?
Athelstaneford in East Lothian is the Birthplace of Scotland's national flag. The St Andrew's Cross or Saltire as it’s referred is believed to be the oldest flag in Europe.
WHAT ARE COMMON ST ANDREW'S DAY GAMES?
Get creative at home and spruce up your living space with these fun St Andrew's Day crafts. From Scottie Dog mobiles to making your very own saltire collage. There's lots to keep wee and big bairns entertained!
WHAT ARE COMMON ST ANDREW'S DAY SONGS?
From the famous Auld Lang Syne to Dougie Maclean's epic anthem Caledonia. Here are just a few suggestions to kick off your St Andrew's day sing-a-long.
Celebrate St Andrews Day on 30 November by travelling through Scotland (virtually) to the sounds of the most exciting contemporary folk musicians and singers.
WHAT IS ST ANDREW'S DAY FOOD?
Scotland's food and drink plays a big part on St Andrew's Day. For starters, the traditional soup dish cullen skink is often served; made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. When it comes to the main course, there can only one dish to celebrate Scotland's patron saint, haggis, neeps (turnip), and tatties (mashed potato). Dessert is a dish best served hot especially on cold winter nights, round off your feast with clootie dumpling and custard. A traditional Scottish dessert made of dried fruit, spices, oatmeal or breadcrumbs, flour, and beef suet. The word 'clootie' derives from the Old Scots word 'cloth' where the dumpling was traditionally boiled.
