Today, 30th November, is St Andrews Day which is Scotland’s official national day of celebration of our patron saint. It is where we get our National Flag from – the Saltire and obviously where the famous golf links are. Although not as well celebrated as say Paddy’s Day in Ireland there is a growing call in Scotland for it to become a bigger celebration of all things Scottish and even make it a public holiday.
Personally I would prefer to see us have a Scotland Day, maybe sometime in May or June when the weather is better and make it a full day national celebration. We know how to enjoy ourselves and I’m sure it would make us all feel great about being Scottish. The Scottish Government should take a look at how the Aussie’s go about Australia Day each year. There are loads of events in every city and town. With parades, concerts, fairs and every form of entertainment for all ages and persuasions, plus they do it in Summer.
I also think that as a grown up multi-cultural nation we need to separate this celebration from a Christian saint. Having a Scottish day in the dark depths of November, when it’s more than likely to be raining, gloomy, cold and dark by about 5pm, only serves to exacerbate the Scottish psyche of the old dreary, soulless, Presbyterian past.
Will they do it? – I doubt it… but maybe that is my Scottish up bringing!
Alan
AL, what the hell you talking about dude… a celebrate st. andrews day every weekend…..ps. have yi started writing fir the local rag