Wherever Scots are in the world, St Andrew’s Day is a time to think of home, celebrate our traditions, and share our food, and drink, with friends old and new.
On the last day of November, with crisp, cold frosty mornings and early evening darkness comes St Andrew’s Day; a time to celebrate Scotland’s rich larder.
Set the scene, set the table
Historically St Andrew’s Day was marked with religious feasts. Today, home dinners with friends and family, and large-scale events staged by Caledonian and St Andrew’s Societies around the world mark the day.
As well as traditional dishes such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, Cullen skink (smoked-fish soup), and cranachan (a delicious dessert of cream, oatmeal, and whisky), other food cultures have entered the modern St Andrew’s Day menu.
If you haven’t tried fusion dishes such as haggis pakora, or haggis-topped pizza, you’re in for a treat.
Ambitious chefs in Scotland are also doing delicious things with Scottish salmon and our famous Angus beef.
Oh, and don’t forget, Scotland’s larder also offers a host of fabulous vegetarian and vegan options, including wonderfully spiced meat-free haggis.
If you want to share in the celebrations then some traditional music and a shared dinner table will brings you into the heart of the party.
Join the celebration
This year, live events are back. You'll be able to enjoy a varied programme of events and festivals, featuring music, dance, food, culture, and more.
In cities such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, and the town of St Andrews, special events are being staged, to which all are welcome. In both St Andrews, and Dundee, you can join the ‘Big Hoolie’ celebrations. A ‘hoolie’ is the Scots word for a wild party.
On November 26, the St Andrews Big Hoolie will take place. The event will feature a community market, street ceilidh (dance), torch-lit parade, and a fireworks display.
Dundee Hooley, staged in City Square, will feature fire performers and live music. The event fill finish with a torchlight procession led by a pipe band, followed by a ceilidh finale. If you work up a hunger or a thirst, you can warm up by tucking into some traditional stovies (meat and potatoes) or enjoy a wee dram of whisky from the food stalls.
In Perth, the St Andrew’s Day fun will include live music, an Indian-themed market, and a pipe band parade. See St Andrew's Day Weekend for the full programme of events.
Let the music play
Traditional music and ceilidh dancing – a great way to meet new friends and work up an appetite – are also central to our St Andrew’s Day celebrations.
In Glasgow, on the Tall Ship Glenlee, you can dance the night away to the music of the ceilidh band Deoch 'n' Dorus, as they talk you through all the traditional dances. In Edinburgh, at the magnificent Usher Hall, traditional fiddle music will set the St Andrew’s Day scene. Singer/songwriter Dougie MacLean and Scotland's most celebrated fiddle band, Blazin' Fiddles, are set to get audiences dancing along.
Old acquaintances, new friendships
At the heart of our St Andrew’s Day celebrations are Scotland’s traditional welcome and generosity of spirit, so join the table, join the dance, and feel the warm embrace of Scotland.
For more information about St Andrew's Day, and how Scots celebrate around the world, visit St Andrews Day | Scotland.org