Best St Andrew's Day events around Scotland in 2017
- Arusa Qureshi
- 27 November 2017
St Andrew's Day: At the Ends of the Earth
Live music, ceilidhs, parades and more to celebrate Scottish heritage on and around 30 Nov
It's that time of year again, when all the saltires come out and everyone suddenly remembers that they do indeed own some form of tartan. Whether you're wanting to go all out and ceilidh the night away or just fancy raising a glass to our patron saint, there are many events around the country that you can take advantage of. Here, we've picked some highlights to help you celebrate Scotland's national day in style.
An Lanntair's Scottish Winter Festivals
As part of their winter festivities, An Lanntair have got plenty planned for St Andrew's Day including screenings of Scottish films, a Scotland-themed quiz and trad music session, a collection for Eilean Siar Foodbank and a concert by Blue Rose Code.
An Lanntair, Isle of Lewis, Mon 27 Nov–Sat 2 Dec, prices vary.
Cafe Ceilidh: St Andrew's Day Celebration
Why not celebrate our patron saint by partaking in some traditional songs, stories and poems at Cafe Ceilidh? Join the Scots Music Group and members of Linten Adie for an informal Scots music session where you can listen or bring a tune for a turn.
Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, Tue 28 Nov, free.
St Andrew's Day Distillery Dinner
Get treated to a traditional haggis address and three course dinner courtesy of Lindores Abbey, with a rousing welcome from piper Euan Anderson and after-dinner music provided by the Pentlands Ceilidh Band.
Lindores Abbey Distillery, Newburgh, Thu 30 Nov, £50.
The Saltire Festival
Taking place in East Lothian, the Saltire Festival is a four-day celebration, kicking off with a themed race day at Musselburgh (Thu 30 Nov), followed by a 10K night run (Fri 1 Dec), Twilight Golf at Longniddry Golf Club (Sat 2 Dec) and music from the likes of Breabach (Thu 30 Nov), Skerryvore (Fri 1 Dec) and Eddi Reader (Sat 2 Dec).
Various venues around East Lothian, Thu 30 Nov–Sun 3 Dec, prices vary.
Illumination: Harbour Festival of Light
A spectacular festival of art and light that includes a lantern parade, light trail across Irvine Harbourside, skiff racing, whisky tastings and more. Don't miss the special St Andrew's Day fireworks display on Thursday, which starts at 6.45pm.
The Scottish Maritime Museum, Irvine, Thur 30 Nov–Sun 3 Dec, prices vary.
St Andrew's Day in Stirling
Head to the National Wallace Monument for stunning views over Stirling and have a nosy around the exhibition galleries for free. There's also a live presentation by a costumed actor giving an insight into the life of Sir William Wallace.
The National Wallace Monument, Stirling, Thu 30 Nov, free.
Community St Andrew's Day Event in Edinburgh
The folks at the Biscuit Factory are throwing a free St Andrew's Day bash for the local community, with music, dancing, storytelling and food. If you're a performer, you can even sign up for a slot by contacting organisers Creative Electric (creative_electric@hotmail.com).
The Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, Thu 30 Nov, free.
Glasgow St Andrew's Day Torchlight Parade
Take part in this torchlight procession that passes through Glasgow's West End, with pipe bands, musicians and fire dancers in tow. Torches are £8 and a donation from the sale of every torch is made to a chosen charity.
Starts at Queen Margaret Drive, Glasgow, Thu 30 Nov, £8 (£3).
St Andrew's Day: At the Ends of the Earth
On Saturday, make your way to the coastal town of St Andrews for a day of festive family fun which includes market stalls, lantern making workshops, circus skills workshops, an outdoor ceilidh and a procession at night with a fire show and firework display at the Harbour.
Various around St Andrews, Sat 2 Dec, £5–£6.50.
St Andrew's Day Celebrations in Balloch
A free two-day party with fireworks, music and activities for all ages. Enjoy face painting, Scottish food and drink, pipers and pipe bands, whisky sampling, Highland Games, a ceilidh and much more.
Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch, Sat 2 and Sun 3 Dec, free.
