St Andrew’s Day in St Andrews

St Andrew’s day celebrations in St Andrews!

St Andrew’s day celebrations take place every year in Scotland (and across the world) on the 30th November. What better place to celebrate the patron saint of Scotland than in the town which bears his name? Here in St Andrews and our surroundings, we have many events to choose from to mark the day. Once you decide on how to spend the day, don’t forget to book your break with us.

So what exactly is St Andrew’s Day all about?

First off, for the grammar purists, let’s be clear on one thing – the apostrophe. St Andrew’s Day has an apostrophe because it is his day we are celebrating. The town of St Andrews doesn’t have an apostrophe because, well…we think the town predates the use of them in the English language. It certainly makes proofreading blogs about St Andrew’s Day in St Andrews interesting!

But for those of you who are new to St Andrew’s Day we thought it a good idea to give you a brief summary of who he was and why the day is so important to us Scots!

About St Andrew

St Andrew was a Galilean fisherman before he became a disciple of Jesus. Many believe he was crucified on 30th November, 60AD, on an X shaped cross (remember this part, it’s important later) and his relics were kept safe. Exactly how the name and relics of St Andrews spread to Scotland and to Fife is up for debate, but it is thought that in AD 732 they were brought here by Bishop Acca as he looked for asylum with the Pictish king having been kicked out from his own diocese. These relics were originally held in Kilrymont, and it was this town which was later renamed St Andrews.

Then, one hundred years later in AD 832, the Battle of Athelstaneford  in East Lothian raged. King Angus led an army of Scots and Picts against the Saxons, but he feared defeat. He looked to the sky and say a large white X, and vowed that should he win the battle, he will name St Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland. And the rest, as they say, is history.

The relics originally brought to shore included a tooth, a knee-cap an arm and finger bones. Sadly in the Scottish Reformation these relics were destroyed. But, in 1879, Archbishop Amalfi gifted Andrew’s shoulder blade and Pope Paul VI gifted further relics in 1969 to Scotland. These can be seen at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Why we celebrate

St Andrews day is the feast day of Scotland’s patron saint, St Andrew. Many Scots mark this day every year on 30th November and celebrate our Scottish culture, food and dance. The day also marks the beginning of Scotland’s winter festivals and has been an official bank holiday here since 2006.

So what is on in St Andrews?

The Big Hoolie

A big hoolie in Scotland is a big party, and there’s one happening on St Andrew’s Day! Piping, fireworks, dancing – everything is free and will be happening to make for a memorable day. Join locals and visitors alike and spend the day celebrating. Start your day at the community market on South Street from 11am. Find out more about the Big Hoolie here.

St Andrews Day Weekend at the R & A World Golf Museum

Golf lovers simply must spend some time at this golf museum which takes you back to the origins of our favourite game. And over the weekend of the 30th November and 1st December, you can enjoy family crafts and activities in their galleries.

Need somewhere to stay?

If this has got you warmed up and ready to celebrate and you are looking for accommodation near St Andrews, for St Andrew’s Day celebrations then check out our fabulous luxury lodges in Fife. We offer beautiful lodges surrounded by rolling countryside that are also ideal for accessible holidays. What’s more, we are only 3 miles from St Andrews! If you want to find out more then please call us on 07840 801114 or email us here. Join in the St Andrews day celebrations!