St Andrew's Day

The Haggis, the March, and the Porridge: St Andrew's Day Shenanigans!

Get ready for a Scottish celebration like no other! From marches against intolerance to haggis ceremonies, St Andrew's Day is packed with fun!

This weekend, Glasgow is set to come alive with the spirit of Scotland as the annual St Andrew's Day march takes over Glasgow Green! Organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), this vibrant event is not just a celebration of Scotland's patron saint, but also a powerful demonstration against racism and fascism. It's a day for everyone to come together, waving their saltire flags high while sending a strong message of unity and respect. With jubilant marchers pounding the pavements, expect a colourful display of Scottish pride and solidarity spilling out across the city!

Meanwhile, if you think Glasgow’s going all serious, head over to Dunedin – where the Scottish spirit meets Antipodean flair! This weekend marks the heights of creativity with stone lifting competitions, speed porridge-making contests and a ceremonial haggis launch. Yes, you heard that right – speed porridge! It’s not just about delicious food; it’s about showing off skills you didn’t know you had. Dunedin has found a way to celebrate St Andrew's Day that is sure to leave your taste buds tingling and your arms slightly sore!

If you fancy yourself as a culinary wizard, you might want to take a look at chef Derek Johnstone's special St Andrew's Day pie recipe, which is gaining buzz and making mouths water across Scotland. As a former BBC MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Derek’s involvement with Make it Scotch gives this dish authenticity and prestige! With the magic of haggis and the artistry of a chef behind it, his pie is set to become an instant classic this weekend, bringing a tasty twist to the festivities.

And don’t forget the delightful celebrations happening in Saltcoats! The Salt Cot pub is rolling out the barrels for a three-day extravaganza featuring the best of Scottish craft beer, gin, whisky, and real ale, ensuring your glass will never run dry. Whether you're toasting with a tot of single malt or sampling a crisp craft lager, you're bound to find the perfect drink to complement your St Andrew's Day festivities. Cheers to that!

Did you know that St Andrew is Scotland's patron saint, celebrated every 30th November? Legends say he was a fisherman, just like Peter, and his followers would mark his day by casting their nets and hoping for good catches! Now that’s some fishing tradition to raise your spirits. And here’s another stunner: did you know that modern whiskies can only be labelled 'Scotch' if they’re distilled in Scotland? That’s right! So when you raise a glass, you’re not just celebrating St Andrew, but vying for a taste of heritage steeped in tradition.