St Andrew’s Day Celebrations

11 October 2022

St Andrew’s Day is a celebration of all things Scottish, taking place on 30th November each year. Today, we’re taking a look at this national holiday in more detail, and the different ways it’s celebrated across Scotland.

Celebrating St Andrew’s Day in Scotland

Origins

We know Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland, but did you know he’s also the patron saint of more countries including Romania, Barbados, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland? Busy man! The origins of St Andrew’s connection to Scotland are speculated, especially since he never stepped foot in the country. Some say he appeared to King Angus of Scotland in a dream. Whatever the reason, Scots have been celebrating St Andrew’s Day for about a thousand years now, and it’s always a good excuse for a party!

Culture

St Andrew’s Day is a great time to embrace Scottish culture. Including country dancing, music and ceilidhs. St Andrew’s fairs and festivals are held all over the country, with performers showing off their traditional dancing. Scottish singers, fiddlers and pipers are also popular at celebrations, so you can really immerse yourself in tradition.

Two Highland dancers doing a fling
St Andrew’s Day is Scotland’s national day and a celebration of Scottish culture and tradition.

Cuisine

It’s not a celebration without some great food! There are traditional dishes such as Cullen skink (a type of fish soup) but lamb and haggis are also popular winter warmers. Of course, another true Scottish tradition is washing everything down with a dram of whisky!

A bowl of Haggis Neeps and Tatties
Traditional Scottish food and drink is on the menu, such as haggis, neeps and tatties.

Christmas markets

Although for some people Christmas starts earlier, around 30th November is usually when a lot of Christmas markets across the country turn on their lights and start ringing their sleigh bells! It’s a true marker of winter and the start of the festive season (but at Mackays we’ve been thinking about Christmas for a while now!).

Close up of Christmas Tree with lights in background
The day often marks the start of the seasonal winter festivities in Scotland.

How will you be celebrating?

Are you doing anything for St Andrew’s Day this year? You could book a table at Mackays’ No. 1 Bistro, right here in Wick! We’ll serve up a delicious Scottish feast, with a choice of whiskies to complement it. Please contact us to make your reservation.

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