Celebrate St Andrew's Day – 30th November 2011

On November 30 the world celebrates St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day. There will be parties galore in Scotland, events around the world, Join the celebrations! St Andrew is the patron saint of not only Scotland, but many other countries including Russia, Romania, Patras in Greece and Amalfi in Italy as well. The St Andrew’s saltire cross flag of Scotland also features on the flags of Australia, New Zealand and the flag of Nova Scotia. Scotland has a deep bond with many of these countries and there is enthusiasm for Scotland’s heritage and traditions. Scots have travelled far and wide and the Scots Diaspora - people claiming Scots descent - is now estimated at some 40 million so it’s little wonder that there are a multitude of St Andrew's Societies across the globe celebrating Scottish heritage and traditions. Throughout the world, the Scottish diaspora marks St Andrew’s Day with special events. The night of the patron saint is not the preserve of the Scottish Diaspora either. There is plenty of celebration at home in Scotland. Ceilidhs are held around the country and in the town that bears the saint's name, St Andrews, there's a week-long festival of arts. Since November 30th 1996, when the Stone of Destiny was returned to Scotland and housed in Edinburgh Castle it has been decreed that the Castle shall be open with free entry on every St Andrew's Day - in perpetuity - to allow the people of Scotland to view the fabled Stone. This year’s Edinburgh’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations take place on 26 -27 November at Edinburgh Castle with a series of fire and frost themed events. The evening will also see sensational fire drawings, visually stunning projections onto one of Scotland’s greatest landmarks, and the customary, jaw-dropping fireworks display. As part of the celebrations in Scotland on Saint Andrews day admission to Edinburgh Castle, St Andrews Castle and St Andrews Cathedral is free. Look out for special dinner menus at some of East Lothian’s top restaurants and bars invite you to celebrate St Andrew’s Day and enjoy special dinner menus accompanied by musical entertainment. There is no better day to display your Scottish roots kilts in your family, country or district tartan and saltire items such kilt pins, sporrans, and sgain dubhs are the order of the day for men and women can add a flash of tartan with a shawl, mini-kilt and accessorise with Celtic jewellery.