November marks the time of year when countries all over the world gather together to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.
At the heart of St Andrew’s Day activities, a national holiday in Scotland, you are sure to find rich cultural feasts, where some of Scotland’s most classic fare is being prepared and shared. From Cullen skink, a satisfyingly rich, creamy soup made with smoked haddock to our beloved haggis, traditionally served with mashed potatoes (locally referred to as ‘tatties’), turnips (known as ‘neeps’) topped off with a delicious whisky sauce.
Throughout Scotland, from tiny pubs tucked away in the Highlands to fine dining eateries in the bustling capital of Edinburgh, you’ll find chefs and cooks experimenting with recipes, reworking old favourites to bridge the gap between the past and the present. In recent times vegetarian haggis, made with organic sustainably farmed ingredients, is fast becoming a staple.
Raising a glass on St Andrew’s Day
When it comes to good food and drink Scotland is synonymous with whisky, which makes the perfect pairing for so many of the comforting dishes enjoyed on St Andrew’s Day. Scottish whisky is enjoyed all over the world, so its no surprise that our whisky exports are worth a whopping £4.5bn. Single malt, aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years with its often distinct fruity and vanilla tones, Scotland’s whisky is the perfect accompaniment to a chilled winter evening.
St Andrew’s Day is a time for sharing with family and friends, neighbours and colleagues, not only good food and a ‘wee dram’ but also good stories. 2022 is Scotland’s Year of Stories, tapping into our love of storytelling. A St Andrew’s Day gathering is a great time to come together and share your stories with others. To find out more about St Andrews Day visit our St Andrew’s Day page or go over to Visit Scotland to see what St Andrew's Day events are planned this year.