St Andrew’s Day

We find out why Scotland proudly adopted this saint!

St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, holds a special place in the hearts of Scots for his significant contributions and fascinating legends associated with his life.

Andrew was a fisherman from Galilee, and according to popular accounts, he was martyred on an X-shaped cross, now known as the St. Andrew's Cross. This symbol is featured on the Scottish flag, the Saltire, which proudly represents the nation and its patron saint. The choice of St. Andrew as Scotland's patron saint can be traced back to several legends, with the most well-known being that a 9th-century king, Oengus II, prayed to St. Andrew for victory in battle and subsequently saw a white saltire in the sky, leading to his triumph. This event is believed to have formed the basis for Andrew's association with Scotland and the adoption of his cross as the national emblem.

His relics are said to have been brought to Scotland in the 4th century, providing a direct link to the saint and strengthening the country's devotion to him.

St. Andrew's Day, celebrated on November 30th, marked by various events, including feasts, music, and traditional dances. It's a time for Scots to honour their patron saint and reflect on his enduring impact on their culture and history.