Scotland National Day

Scotland National Day

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  1. 9th centurySaint Andrew became associated with Scotland
  2. 1320Declaration of Arbroath asserted Scottish sovereignty
  3. 2007St Andrew's Day became a bank holiday in Scotland

The story behind St Andrew's Day

Scotland's national day is St Andrew's Day on 30 November, honouring the country's patron saint. The day is not a single independence anniversary, but a cultural marker built around Scotland's flag, music, food and public identity.

Saint Andrew's saltire became one of Scotland's strongest symbols over many centuries. In modern Scotland, the day has grown into a civic and cultural celebration, with events promoted across towns, museums and public spaces.

Today the day brings ceilidhs, pipe music, storytelling, food events and blue-and-white flags. Edinburgh and Glasgow host visible programmes, while smaller communities often mark it with school and local hall events.

  1. 202630 November 2026 · Monday
  2. 202730 November 2027 · Tuesday
  3. 202830 November 2028 · Thursday
The Scottish flag
Scotland flag

The Scottish flag, the Saltire, is a white diagonal cross on a blue field. It represents Saint Andrew's cross and is one of Europe's oldest national flag designs still in regular use.

St Andrew's Day food usually means Scottish winter comfort food, seafood, baking and dishes served at ceilidhs.

What to eat

HaggisA savoury pudding of oats, spices and offal, usually with neeps and tatties
Cullen skinkSmoked haddock, potato and onion soup
SalmonScottish salmon served smoked or cooked
ShortbreadButtery biscuit served with tea or whisky
CranachanDessert with oats, raspberries, cream and whisky
StoviesPotato and meat dish common at gatherings

What to drink

WhiskyScotland's signature spirit, often part of tastings
AleLocal beer served at pubs and ceilidhs
TeaServed with baking at daytime events
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Scottish culture on St Andrew's Day

The holiday foregrounds the parts of Scottish culture visitors recognise immediately: music, dance, language and food.

Ceilidh dancingSocial dances with live bands and callers
BagpipesPipe music gives public events their ceremonial sound
TartanClan and regional patterns appear in dress and decoration
Saltire flagsBlue-and-white flags are displayed on public buildings and in streets