Dear friend
Happy St Andrew’s Day!
Today is a national holiday in Scotland when Scots celebrate their patron saint.
Although Saint Andrew never set foot in Scotland during his lifetime, legend says that some of his relics were brought there by a Greek monk, who was shipwrecked near the town that became St. Andrews. Saint Andrew has been worshipped in Scotland ever since, the first St Andrew’s Day celebrations took place more than 1000 years ago.
The Scottish flag, too, bears the St. Andrew’s Cross. Legend says that the saint saved the Scots in a battle when they were far outnumbered by the Angles and faced certain defeat. Two clouds that formed the St. Andrew’s Cross appeared in the sky on the morning of the battle. Boosted in their confidence by this omen, the Scots emerged victorious—and the two white clouds against the blue sky inspired the colours of the Scottish flag.
In Scotland and in Caledonian societies across the world, today will be celebrated as the beginning of the festive season–with ceilidhs, parades, and traditional Scottish food.
Europe for Scotland will celebrate, too, but next week: on December 8th we’re celebrating Scotland’s rich European history with the launch of a new film in collaboration with the Scottish writer Billy Kay (who coincidentally lives near St Andrews). Do come along and join us! More than 100 people have already registered for the event, but as it’s virtual there’s luckily always room for more. You can register for free at this link.
And if you are free later today, from 6 pm our friends at Compass organise the presentation of the book “Scotland Rising: The Case for Independence” from our friend and supporter Gerry Hassan.
Anthony Barnett will discuss with him and Kirstein Rummery, Professor at Stirling University and constitutional change expert, the Supreme Court’s decision and address the key questions of the Scottish independence debate.
The event is open to all from 6pm today at this link.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
EfS team