How To Celebrate St Andrew’s Day

On the 30th November, Scotland will celebrate St Andrew’s Day with haggis, bagpipes and probably too much whisky. While the town of St Andrews in Fife is famous around the world, Scotland’s national day is sadly still a little unknown.

For me and for many with Scots ancestry, celebrating St Andrew’s Day is about toasting Scotland and all things Scottish. It’s a time to embrace our traditions, history, culture and of course, share some great stories!

In typically Scottish fashion, there are stories and legends surrounding our connection with St Andrew. If you’re wondering how this disciple became Scotland’s patron or how to celebrate St Andrew’s Day then look no further.

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Why St Andrew’s Day?

It’s a logical question. Why is the patron saint of Scotland a man who was born in Galilee, died in Greece and never set foot in the British Isles? Surely somebody like St Ninian or Columba would have made a lot more sense. Well that all depends which story you believe.

One legend claims that in the 4th century, a man called St Rule had a troubling dream. An angel told him that St Andrew’s remains were no longer safe in Greece. Rule was instructed to collect the Apostle’s bones and carry them in a boat to the ends of the earth.

Wherever his boat came to stop, that’s where he should build a shrine to St Andrew. The end of the earth was apparently the corner of Fife where St Andrews Cathedral sits today!

There is a slightly more plausible story that Bishop Acca of Hexam brought a few of St Andrew’s relics here in the 8th century. At that point, the site was known as Kilrymont which roughly means Church of the King’s Mount. Clearly it was already an important place.

The Legend Of St Andrew’s Cross

The St Andrew’s Cross, otherwise known as the Saltire, is a powerful symbol of Scotland. It’s believed to be one of, if not the, oldest national flag still in use around the world.

In the 9th century, the shrine to St Andrew was growing in importance and drawing in pilgrims. There’s nothing to suggest that this particular saint was preferred over any others however. According to tradition, that all changed due to the Battle of Athelstaneford.

A combined army of Picts and Scots led by King Angus were facing down a mighty Anglo-Saxon force in East Lothian. Things weren’t looking good for the Scottish troops on the eve of battle so Angus started to pray. Miraculously, St Andrew appeared and told the King to watch for his sign the next day.

The next morning, the clouds formed a white cross against the pale blue sky forming the Saltire. St Andrew had been crucified on a cross like this because he didn’t think himself worthy of the same shape cross as Jesus. King Angus went on to win the battle and in thanks, venerated St Andrew as his patron saint, adopting the blue and white Saltire as his flag.

There is actually a Flag Heritage Centre at Athelstaneford telling the story – you can find more details here.

The Town of St Andrews

The earliest stone church in St Andrews was actually dedicated to St Rule rather than the man whose bones he had carried across the sea. A large square tower still remains from this early church amongst the cathedral ruins. Inside a ghostly monk has been seen walking up and down the stairs, offering a helping hand to anybody a little out of breath.

Before long it was apparent that St Rule’s church was nowhere near large enough to accommodate the religious community or the number of pilgrims travelling here. Work started on St Andrews Cathedral around 1158 with construction taking over 150 years, eventually become the largest church ever built in Scotland.

When Robert the Bruce finally oversaw the consecration, he apparently rode his horse down the central aisle. There’s no explanation as to why, but it must have been an incredible sight.

St Andrews Castle was built as the Bishop’s Palace and the rest of the town grew around the religious community. Unfortunately, the Reformation saw both the castle and enormous Catholic cathedral abandoned and left to ruin.

It’s a real testament to the workmanship from 700 years ago that these impossibly high towers are still standing strong. I have it on good authority from a Historic Scotland stonemason that St Andrews Cathedral needs limited maintenance compared to many other, smaller properties. Details on visiting can be found here.

How To Celebrate St Andrew’s Day

Those are the legends that link the saint with Scotland but how do we celebrate St Andrew’s Day?

The 30th November is a national holiday but more importantly, it’s a chance to embrace being Scottish. That includes everybody with Scottish roots too! At Edinburgh Castle, entrance is free for the day although tickets must be booked in advance. If you’re in Scotland and want to experience a lively St Andrew’s Day then join the Dundee Hooley!

There will be ceilidhs, concerts, torch parades and whisky tastings up and down the country. You don’t need to join one of the big parties in Edinburgh, Glasdow or St Andrews itself though. It’s perfectly acceptable to celebrate St Andrew’s Day in your own way!

Keep it simple by eating some Scottish food like haggis, neeps and tatties with cranachan for dessert! Wash it all down with a dram of whisky and enjoy some Scottish music, poetry and even dancing. If there are two of you then here are the steps to the Gay Gordons, the easiest traditional dance to pick up.

Just Enjoy Yourself!

Really, there are no hard and fast rules you have to follow to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. It’s the start of 2 months of festivals and celebrations including Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night to keep us going during the cold, dark winter.

The important thing is to just enjoy yourself and include a wee touch of Scotland. For me that means reciting a bit of Robert Burns, listening to Scottish folk music and enjoying plenty of stories. If you’d like to attempt a few Burns poems then you’ll find his complete works here!

If you want to stick on Braveheart and imagine running around with William Wallace then go for it. Just remember to read my article about the historical accuracy first! Whatever you get up to, raise a dram to Scotland, its stories and everything this country represents.

Slàinte!

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