Scots out to make a song and dance out of patron saint celebrations

Published on Saturday 29 November 2008 18:51

SCOTLAND is celebrating St Andrew's Day in style today with a range of free activities throughout the country.

Edinburgh is hosting the flagship event, the St Andrew's Do in the city's West Princes Street Gardens, a weekend featuring everything from ceilidh dancing and workshops to story-telling sessions and open-air theatre. Salsa Celtica play from 9pm this evening.

In Glasgow yesterday, George Square was at the centre of a "Shindig", a day of music and dancing in celebration of Scotland's patron saint. Today, the Big Family Ceilidh will be propelled along by some of Scotland's best live ceilidh bands, including the Raise the Roof Ceilidh Band and Bahookie.

Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens will be the scene of traditional Scottish musical performances, Scottish country dancing and workshops introducing children to traditional dance and music. The day will be held under canvas in the heart of the city.

In Dundee, Radio Tay is hosting a Day Out, starting at 11am, which will include the Bill Torrance show and activities such as face painting, a ceilidh band, treasure hunt, Highland dance competition, Highlander tot competition and food tasting.

Inverness will celebrate St Andrew's Day with a street party featuring the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Throughout the day there will be entertainment around the city centre.

Some of Scotland's smaller towns are getting in on the act too. Blairgowrie in Perthshire is hosting an event including massed pipes and drums, ceilidhs, story-telling, classic car displays, fireworks and a Christmas market.

The town of St Andrews itself is holding an early evening sound and light show in St Mary's Quad, with tickets costing 2. For golf fans, the world famous R&A clubhouse, next to the first tee of the Old Course, is being opened to the public.

Across the country, many of Scotland's visitor attractions will open for free or offer a discounted entry price. Castles, museums, gardens and abbeys, from Orkney to Jedburgh, are taking part in a joint initiative between the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland and the Association of Visitor Attractions.

Around the world, wherever Scots gather, St Andrew's Day is being celebrated. Events are being held as far afield as Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, New Zealand, Thailand and the United States.

For further details of events go to www.scotland.org/standrewsday