WHO & WHAT is St Andrew's Day?
Did you know? Andrew never actually set foot in Scotland - so how did he end up as the country’s patron saint?
Earl of
St.
Andrews
The Earl of St Andrews tartan is predominantly blue and white and according to the Scottish Register of Tartans was designed specifically for the use of Prince George, the Duke of Kent, who bore the title Earl of St Andrews. The
The United States St. Andrews
The United States St Andrews Tartan, also known & registered as the American St Andrew's Societies tartan was originally designed to commemorate the American Bi-Centennial, a series of celebrations in the 1970's that paid tribute to historical events leading up to the creation of the United States as an independent republic. After these celebrations it was then designated as the American St Andrew's Societies tartan.
1. Men's Tartan Trousers - Classic Fit 2. Tartan Petal Brooch 3. Full Length Kilted Tartan Skirt 4. Wool Tartan Tie 5. Tartan and Velvet Stole 6. Men's Tartan Brogues
One of these legends is that the relics of St Andrew were brought to Scotland from Constantinople by St Rule to where the town of St Andrews stands today. Many devotees travelled to St Andrews on pilgrimage to venerate the relics of the saint, with bi-annual processions of the remains around the town.
Another story goes that King Óengus, or Angus, was preparing to lead his troops into battle in AD 832 near what is modern-day Athelstaneford in East Lothian. The Scots were outnumbered, and as the King was praying or dreaming (stories differ on this point!), Saint Andrew appeared before him promising him victory. On the day of the battle, he saw an X shape - the cross of St Andrew - in the sky, and led his men into battle in which they were victorious. After this unlikely victory, Andrew was swiftly appointed the patron saint of Scotland, with the blue and white saltire we all know being adopted as the flag of the country. Whether these events actually took place or not, it wasn’t until 1320 with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath, which asserted Scotland’s status as an independent nation, that Andrew was officially declared as Scotland’s patron saint.
Scan to read more about the story behind St
5
1. Velvet and Wool Tartan Evening Bag 2. Wool Tartan Bow Tie 3. Wool Tartan Mini Rosette Sash 4. Tartan Kilt Flashes 5. Wool Tartan Cufflinks 6. Tartan Court Shoe
Andrew's Day
WHAT TO WEAR Men & Women
On St. Andrew’s Day, there’s no better way to show your Scottish pride than by sporting a touch of tartan. For everyday wear, a cosy tartan scarf or a stylish flat cap can add a festive flair. If you're celebrating at work, a tartan tie is a subtle yet meaningful nod to your heritage.
2. Tartan Eight Quarter Cap, Brushed Wool Tartan Scarf & Men's Knee Length Tartan Jacket 3. Wool Tartan and Faux Fur Stole, Tartan Court Shoes, 8 Yard Kilt & Prince Charlie Jacket, Men's Tartan Kilt Shoes, Kilt Socks, Tartan Sporran& Tartan Bow Tie 4. Wool Tartan Waistcoat with Lapels & Wool Tartan Tie 5. Double Breasted Tartan Dinner Jacket & Wool Tartan Tie 6. Fine Pleated Skirt & The Muckle Peerie Poak Tartan Clutch Bag 7. 2 Piece Tartan Dinner Suit & Wool Tartan Cummerbund, Tartan
Shift Dress with Short Sleeve, Tartan Bolero Jacket & Tartan Purse
Men's Kilt Outfit - 6 Yard Kilt & Prince Charlie Jacket, Fly Plaid, Oversize Celtic Knot
Brooch, Formal Dress Sporran, Tartan Kilt Flashes, Ecru Kilt Socks, Tartan Kilt Shoes & Tartan Bow Tie
WHICH TARTAN To Wear
The choice of tartan for a St. Andrew's Day event often depends on your personal connection to Scotland. If you have a specific clan affiliation, wearing tartan associated with that clan is a meaningful way to celebrate or if you prefer opt for a tartan specifically associated with St. Andrew - find out more on page 2. Use our Tartan Finder to Search by name to find your clan and tartan from a choice of over 1,000, or use the filter to choose your favourite colour.
HOW TO Wear a Sash
Customarily, unless you are a Lady Chief, the wife of a Clan Chief or Chieftan, or the wife of a colonel in the Highland Regiment, then you would always wear your sash over your right shoulder. The Sash can be worn across the chest and secured by a pin or small brooch on the shoulder, or pinned without or without a bow on the left hip. Scan below to visit our YouTube channel for a video on how to tie your sash.
The female equivalent of black tie attire is generally a long, elegant gown or a sophisticated cocktail dress. Our classic tartan dress is a beautiful option, and will have many uses after St Andrew’s Day too!
As it can get chilly in November, why not add a tartan bolero or a stole to your ball gown to keep your shoulders warm? Pair your look with tartan heels and a matching bag in your tartan of choice. For a more traditional option, opt for a tartan sash.
Scan to explore our tartans
ST ANDREW'S DAY
Menu & Setting the Table
To create a truly Scottish atmosphere for your St. Andrew's Day celebration, incorporate traditional elements into your table setting. A tartan tablecloth or runner is a must, and tartan napkins can complement the look, or go for a plain napkin tied with tartan ribbon.
Although there is no specific traditional St Andrew's Day food, many will enjoy rich cultural feasts, where some of Scotland’s most classic fare is being prepared and shared. Some tasty Scottish foods that you could add to your St Andrew's Day menu are: Haggis, Neeps & Tatties Cullen Skink Arbroath Smokies, Salmon Scotch Broth or Cock-a-leekie
4), Big Wool Tartan Bow, Tartan Table Runners (available in 3 sizes) & Printed Sateen Ribbon (available in 4 widths & any tartan)
soup followed by a classic Cranachan
ST ANDREW'S DAY
Around the World
St Andrew's Day is celebrated on the 30th November every year and here in Scotland in 2007 the Scottish parliament granted Scotland a bank holiday to celebrate. However, the first Saint Andrew's Day celebrations actually didn't take place in Scotland, but instead in the United States after a group of wealthy Scottish immigrants living in Charleston, South Carolina, decided to get together and celebrate their Scottish roots and promote Saint Andrew’s philanthropic ideals. They became famous in the area for their protection of widows and orphans, and so the St. Andrew's Society of Charleston was established in 1729, the first St. Andrew's Society in North America.
Similar Scottish societies were soon established across the United States and still remain today. Scotland soon took inspiration from their American counterparts and began celebrating their Saint with ceilidh dancing and Scottish themed dinners. While the exact number of societies worldwide is difficult to pinpoint, they are spread across continents, from North America and Europe to Australia and Asia. Each society often has unique celebrations and traditions, incorporating elements of Scottish culture and local customs.
Scan to join us as we catch up with St Andrew's Societies around the world on the tartan blog
Join the global celebration of St. Andrew's Day!
Share your unique stories and local traditions for celebrating our Patron Saint. How do you honour St. Andrew in your community? Let's connect and share the spirit of St. Andrew's Day worldwide. Contact us today to share your story.
St. Andrews Hall, Charleston, South Carolina
In Store – Edinburgh
Visit our flagship Edinburgh Store 10 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh EH2 4PG
In Store – Crieff
Visit our new Crieff Store 9-11 E High Street, Crieff, PH7 3AF
In Store – Albany, NY, USA
Visit our US store 678 Loudon Road, Latham, NY 12110
Showroom and HQ – Duns Make an appointment Station Road, Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3EJ
Events
We will be popping up at locations and events around the USA, Canada and Scotland. Keep an eye out on our Events page and social media for when we are near you. Join the Tartan Clan Sign up to our
