St Andrew's Day

So, when is St Andrew's Day, and what's on in 2022? This important Scottish day of celebration falls on the 30 November - and this year live events are back! You'll be able to enjoy a varied programme of events and festivals, featuring uniquely Scottish line-ups of music, dance, culture and more.

BLAZIN' FIDDLES

30 November 2022

Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Get your toes tapping with this set-to-be extraordinary performance from Dougie MacLean and Scotland's most celebrated fiddle band, Blazin' Fiddles. Join in this St Andrew's Day celebration with soulful live music from the Scottish Highlands & Islands.

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ST ANDREWS DAY - WINE PAIRING AND FOOD TASTING

30 November 2022

Victoria Square and the Orangery Restaurant, Stirling

Specially prepared by the Orangery's Head Chef, tuck into a delicious six course menu, carefully paired with six delectable wines all with a focus on local Scottish produce. There will be some unusual wines to challenge the palette and you can learn all about why these wines were chosen and how they complement each course.

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GLASGOW CEILIDHS AT THE TALL SHIP GLENLEE

30 November and 15 December 2022

The Tall Ship Glenlee, Glasgow

Get your toes tapping and ceilidh skills at the ready for dancing the night away this festive season in Glasgow. Enjoy live music from the talented ceilidh band, Deoch 'n' Dorus, who will walk you through all the dances! Join in the St Andrews Special on 30 November or the Christmas Special on 15 December.

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ST ANDREW'S DAY

30 November; 7:30pm - 10pm

Forgans, St Andrews

Celebrate Scotland's National Day in the best way - with great company, delicious dishes, and of course Scotland's water of life.

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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.

• Liberty sung by The Corries
• Loch Lomond performed by Runrig
• Scots Wha Hae, written by Robert Burns, sung by Dick Gaughan
• The Wild Geese/Norland Wind sung by Jim Reid

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.