St. Andrew’s Day Events!
Celebrating is what we do really well in Scotland, and if there is one day of the year where you’ll hear a lot of noise from us, it’s St Andrew’s Day (30 November) when Scots and Scots-at-heart celebrate the patron saint of Scotland and our national day with a holiday and fantastic events, which showcase the very best of Scottish culture. Enjoy a lively programme of events and festivals happening towards the end of November, featuring uniquely Scottish line-ups of music, dance, food and drink.
SOURCE: VISIT SCOTLAND
2018 EVENT
So how do we get the party started, you might ask? Well, here’s a rundown of some of the most exciting celebrations on the calendar:
NOVEMBER IN ST ANDREWS
Held in and around the Fife town that bears our patron saint’s name, Savour St Andrews offers a range of innovative food and drink events throughout November. Get a flavour of what Fife has to offer at the Chefs Taster Lunch on Sunday 4 November at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews. On St Andrew’s Day itself, top chefs from around the area will join forces to offer you a St Andrew’s Day dinner like no other.
On 1 December, the town will celebrate with a special event, St Andrews Day: At the Ends of the Earth, which will feature an outdoor ceilidh, lantern procession and a dramatic fireworks display down by the town’s ancient harbour.
THE SALTIRE FESTIVAL, EAST LOTHIAN
Costumed warriors © Rob McDougall Photography/The Saltire Festival
The Saltire Festival takes place from 24 November – 6 December and features a great selection of events throughout East Lothian. There are lots of exciting new events for 2018, including FoxTrail 10K Night Run and a nocturnal unltra at Foxlake Adventure, music performers and artists including John McCusker & Heidi Talbot, Tide Lines, and Karen Matheson & Band, a Saltire Raceday and more. Sample tasty treats at a range of food and drink events, listen to live music and delve into the past at historical experiences.
ST ANDREW’S DAY IN EDINBURGH
Scottish Storytelling Centre on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Celebrate our national day in Scotland’s capital, where you’ll find storytelling events and traditional music, as well as food and drink markets offering street food, sweet treats and seasonal crafts from local makers. The Scottish Storytelling Centre will host a St Andrews Ceilidh at Lauriston Hall from 30 November – 1 December which will feature traditional songs, music, and dancing. The Jam House in Edinburgh’s New Town will be hosting a St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh as well on 30 November with all the tunes and nibbles you’ll need to keep you dancing.
ST ANDREW’S DAY IN THE WEST
Night at the Museum © The Hunterian, University of Glasgow
Delve into a vivid programme of events in the great city of Glasgow, and while you’re visiting, don’t forget to sample delicious food and drink from some of the region’s finest producers.
In East Renfrewshire, Eriskay Lilt Ceilidh at the Eglinton Arms Hotel will be a boogie and dinner – what’s not to love. Make sure you book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out. Head to Rutherglen Town Hall in Lanarkshire for Scots What Hae and enjoy a special performance from King’s Park Brass to celebrate Scotland’s rich muscial heritage.
OBAN WINTER FESTIVAL
Head to the beautiful town of Oban on Scotland’s west coast from 16 – 25 November to enjoy a huge range of fun events at the Oban Winter Festival, including traditional ceilidhs, whisky tastings, foodie markets, and a reindeer parade.
ST ANDREW’S DAY IN STORNOWAY
The winter festivities at Stornoway’s cultural hub, An Lanntair, will take place from November – January 2019, starting off with an action-packed week of St Andrew’s Day fun, including cinema, food and drink taster sessions, a quiz night and, of course, the best contemporary and traditional music.
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND’S FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY
Celebrate Scotland’s national day by visiting some of the most fascinating historic places – without spending a penny! Take advantage of Historic Environment Scotland’s free ticket giveaway and get entry into incredible castles, abbeys, mills, military strongholds and more. Keep an eye out for the 2018 giveaway!
