As the nation gears up for St Andrew’s Day, on the weekend of 26th and 27th of November and on St Andrew’s Day itself, Scots and Scots at heart can join the celebrations taking place in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, St Andrews and East Lothian.
In Edinburgh, the celebrations centre on Edinburgh Castle, one of many venues across the country that are marking the occasion with free admission (more details).
The castle's St Andrew's Day Celebrations culminate with the St Andrew's Day Finale on the Castle Esplanade on Sunday night with ice-sculptures, lantern procession, and fireworks display.
There will also be a range of children’s events and discounts from venues across Edinburgh such as the Surgeons Hall Museum, Camera Obscura, Edinburgh Dungeons, Usher Hall, Museum of Childhood, Royal Botanical Gardens, Scotch Whisky Experience, National Museums Scotland, and Scottish Seabird Centre.
St Andrews Festival 2011, St Andrews (25 – 30 November)
The St Andrews Festival 2011 looks forward to welcoming local and international visitors to a weekend long celebration of the best of Scotland in the iconic and beautiful setting of St Andrews.
The Friday evening will see a concert by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in a covered venue outside Madras College, and the highlight of the Saturday evening has a pipe band torchlight procession followed by the traditional ‘Nae4wimps Ceilidh, followed in turn by a concert by the Peat bog Faeries.
The Saltire 2011
Meanwhile, The Saltire 2011 in Haddington runs from tomorrow (25th November) to St Andrew's Day itself.
The festival of special events around East Lothian - birthplace of the Saltire flag - begins with a Saltire themed race day at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Celebrations continue on Saturday 26th when Haddington Farmers’ Market invites foodies of all ages to come along to buy and enjoy locally produced food and drink and soak up the atmosphere with Haddington Pipe Band.
On Sunday 27th visitors can join the local community and witness the handing of the flag to the people and enjoy The Saltire 2011 Parade, which follows a special St Andrew’s Day church service in Athelstaneford.
The festival then moves to St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington on Sunday 27th where there will be a great line-up in the Scottish Music & Literature Ceremony, hosted by well know broadcaster and writer Alison Craig, coupled with the Raising of the Flag.
The event draws to a close on Wednesday 30th with 'Feast 'n' Folk' - a selection of East Lothian's top bars and restaurants are offering special St Andrew’s Day menus with musical entertainment. Also on the 30th, is a special concert in St Andrew's High Church, Musselburgh.
St Andrew's celebrations, Glasgow (26-30 November 2011)
To celebrate St Andrews Day Glasgow are hosting five days of Scottish themed events and activities at George Square.
The fun kicks off with the Shindig open weekend on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November which sees Glasgow’s George Square transformed into a winter wonderland including an ice rink and entertainment stage.
A special arts and crafts and storytelling zone will keep children busy throughout the celebrations and a spectacular saltire projection commemorating Scotland’s national day will be projected onto Glasgow’s famous City Chambers.
Stirling's Winter Festival, Stirling (25th November – 4th December 2011)
Stirling’s Winter Festival begins with St Andrew's Day celebrations between the 26th November and 4th December.
Events include a St Andrew’s Day ceilidh at the Albert Halls, concert and talk by Jimmie MacGregor and The Chair at the Tollbooth, and ceilidhs in Brig O’ Turk and Killearn.
- Log in to post comments