Bravehearts make big splash on St Andrew's Day

Published on Saturday 1 December 2007 12:28

FROM aqua-ceilidhs to a huge fireworks display above the Castle, Edinburgh folk celebrated St Andrew's Day in style.

Princes Street Gardens was packed with revellers for a series of free events, with the wet weather doing little to dampen the spirits.

The day's festivities began at three city swimming pools, where dancers clad in bathing costumes enjoyed Edinburgh's first ever waterborne jigs.

Magnus Lyon, a receptionist at Drumbrae Leisure Centre and keen ceilidh dancer, led the reels for pensioners and special needs children from St Nicholas's School in Gorgie.

He said: "We had such a great time. The children, especially, enjoyed it very much. I've never done ceilidh dancing in the water before - the nearest has been on a beach - but this was a blast. Everyone said they want to do it again on Burns Night now."

Special Saltire swim caps were given out, along with energy-boosting oatcakes, shortbread, tablet and Scotland's other national drink, Irn-Bru, after the session.

Workers were allowed to take the day as a public holiday under legislation passed by Holyrood last year, but most people in the Capital were understood to be working as normal.

First Minister Alex Salmond launched the Scottish Government's programme of events in Glasgow, declaring: "We are repatriating our national day and we are announcing to the world that Scotland is resurgent and great days lie ahead."

He then headed to Musselburgh Racecourse to present the owners of Roman Villa, the winner of the St Andrew's Day Chase, with a 15,000 prize cheque.

Afterwards, Mr Salmond joined the celebrations in Princes Street Gardens. He told the Evening News: "I have really enjoyed my first St Andrew's Day as First Minister. I started in Glasgow in the sunshine and went to Musselburgh Races and then we've had such a great time at Princes Street Gardens and meeting everyone. It's been a great day."

A free show by Sandi Thom started the ball rolling, before the Jig in the Gardens began with The Jimmy Shandrix Experience.

Edinburgh acts The Portobello Ceilidh Band, The Porridge Men and Salsa Celtica kept everybody reeling, before the spectacular fireworks show at around 8pm.

Eileen Stephenson, 74, of Gorebridge, brought her grandson, Andrew, to mark Scotland's national day.

She said: "We went to the Castle in the afternoon and had a really good time. It's been very well done. I hope it isn't a one off."

American tourist Denis Weir said that his favourite part of the night had been hearing the bagpipes.

He said: "My ancestors are from Edinburgh and I thought what a great way to celebrate St Andrew's Day. This has been fantastic. I really love hearing Scotland the Brave.

"It's just a pity it was wet but that's Scotland for you."