St Andrew’s Day - when’s that?

Published on 26/11/2001 00:00

ONLY one fifth of people living in Scotland know when St Andrew’s Day is celebrated, a new poll has revealed.

The survey shows that just 22 per cent of people north of the Border know St Andrew’s Day is celebrated on 30 November, this Friday.

And in a further blow to national pride, 5 per cent of people surveyed said they had no idea who Scotland’s patron saint was. Researchers said they were left "dumbfounded" when one Scot inquired if it was St Mirren.

The survey by Famous Grouse also asked people if they knew why St Andrew was chosen as the patron saint, with just under 50 per cent answering correctly. On the other hand, 64 per cent of Scots knew Burns Night was held on 25 January in celebration of the Bard.

People living in Grampian can claim to be the most patriotic, according to the survey, with 67 per cent of those asked able to name the correct date.

But Strathclyde residents had the least knowledge of the saint, with only 15 per cent giving the correct date.

The survey, which involved more than 2,000 people, was conducted across the whole of Scotland.

This year, St Andrew’s day will be livelier than previous years, with the first Scotsman of the Year Awards taking place to celebrate Scottish achievements and promote Scotland abroad.

Founded by former Scottish rugby captain Gavin Hastings, and supported by a number of prominent Scots media and business personalities, and The Scotsman, the awards recognise the men and women, both unsung and high-profile, who have achieved signal success for their country and fellow citizens over the previous year.