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Scots encouraged to enjoy a St Andrew’s Day Out with largest ever programme of events

Pupils from Royal Mile Primary in Edinburgh yesterday (Wednesday 29 October) accompanied Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop in launching St Andrew’s Day Out 2014, encouraging Scots and visitors to Scotland to take advantage of the wealth of events and offers available across November to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.

P4 pupils Sophie Martin (chef), Angelina Wood (skier), Siaka Jateh (golfer) and Erkan Gullupinar (surfer), all aged eight, got into the spirit of the celebrations, dressed to represent the vast range of activities on offer across Scotland - from food and drink events and surfing lessons to skiing experiences and mini golf – all to mark our national day on 30 November.

Over 200 participating attractions across the country are offering 2 for 1, kids go free or free entry, presenting a huge variety of fun days out to suit every taste.

Culture vultures can enjoy visiting House for an Art Lover in Glasgow and the latest exhibits at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, while outdoor enthusiasts can take in the best of Scotland’s scenery at the Nevis Range, explore the countryside with Segway tours in Dumfries or go Nessie hunting at the Loch Ness Centre. Budding scientists can investigate the cosmos at Satrosphere, Aberdeen or learn about the world underwater at Macduff Marine Aquarium.

In addition to over 200 attractions in Scotland running discounted offers, there are a variety of St Andrew’s Day events taking place through the Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by EventScotland.

After an action packed St Andrew’s Day Out, what better way to carry on the celebrations than with a St Andrew’s Night In - dining on the quality produce that Scotland has to offer.

Scotland’s natural larder has a wealth of local produce to create a delicious meal for all the family to enjoy and November is one of the best times of year to plate up something seasonally Scottish. Scotch lamb is a warming family favourite which is in season, or a hearty fish dish is a good way to pay a nod to Saint Andrew’s life as a fisherman and indulge in Scotland’s array of seafood. All recipes can be found athttp://www.scotland.org/recipes/collections/st-andrews-day-menu

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said:

“With its biggest-ever events programme running across November, St Andrew’s Day Out 2014 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all that is great about Scotland – including our thriving contemporary culture, our rich heritage and our world-renowned warm and friendly welcome.

“Marking the start of Scotland’s winter festivals, once again we are proudly encouraging Scots and Scots at heart from around the world to join us in marking our national day through St Andrew's Day Out 2014.

"Special and free entry offers at hundreds of brilliant attractions across Scotland, plus a host of exciting events, offer the chance for everyone to get involved. And I would encourage people to continue the celebrations by creating their own ideal St Andrew's Night In."

The unveiling of the St Andrew’s Day Out activity follows the recent funding announcement from the Scottish Government confirming its investment of £315,000 in Scotland’s Winter Festival Programme - kicking off on St Andrew’s Day, running through Christmas and Hogmanay and culminating in Burns Night - celebrating the country’s distinct culture, heritage and creativity.

The funded programme encompasses 16 events across the country, seven of which are specifically St Andrew’s Day celebrations.

To find out what’s on across Scotland this St Andrew’s Day, and download your event vouchers, visitwww.scotland.org/winter

Notes To Editors

St Andrew’s Day

1. St Andrew’s Day is a celebration of Scotland and Scottish culture as we celebrate our national day and welcome visitors to Scotland over the winter months.
2. There is a lot happening on St Andrew’s Day - locals and visitors can embrace our national day across the entire weekend of Fri 28 – Sun 30 November. Hundreds of attractions across Scotland will be opening their doors to offer free or discounted entry to do something to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. To download the Day Out vouchers, visit www.scotland.org/winter
3. For those looking to share the day with the family, there are seasonal recipes showcasing the range of Scotland’s natural larder to celebrate with a St Andrew’s Night In. All recipes available atwww.scotland.org/standrewsday
4. Wherever you are in the world, you can celebrate St Andrew’s Day – from the United States and Canada to Australia, from Beijing to Bangladesh. Those who want to learn more about the traditional celebrations are encouraged to visit www.scotland.org where there is a whole host of fun and interactive digital resources, including a ‘Saltire Yourself’ app, Scottish Party Guide and sample St Andrew’s Day menu. There is also a St Andrew’s Day app available to download for smart phones.

St Andrew’s Day events funded by Scotland’s Winter Festivals:

• Oban Winter Festival, 21 - 30 November 2014

Ballet, markets, reindeer, music and fairgrounds! With a new focus around St Andrew’s Day, Oban will celebrate with a ‘Tartan Day’ in town. New for 2014, Haggisfest will feature seven butchers and haggis makers from across Argyll going head to head – try haggis hurling and join the Tartan Dash! The festival will also feature a Scottish food and craft market in the old distillery.

• The Saltire, East Lothian, 26 – 30 November 2014

East Lothian presents a 6 day festival of exciting events celebrating its place as Home of the Flag. Events will include; ‘Feast ‘n’ Folk’, great music and the best of Scottish food and drink in some of the area’s top bars and restaurants; concerts from leading Scottish artists, a foodies paradise at Haddington Farmers’ Market; a special themed race day at Musselburgh Racecourse and The Saltire concert with performances of traditional and modern music and literature.

• St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews, 28 – 30 November 2014

Where better to celebrate Scotland's patron saint than in the town that bears his name? This year historic St Andrews will be hosting three days of events including music, dance, book readings, fine food and drink, lectures and much more. The celebrations will culminate on St Andrew's Day itself with a street concert featuring top Scottish and international artists, followed by an open-air ceilidh for all the family. This year’s event will be produced in association with Previously…Scotland's History Festival and the St Andrews Food and Drink Festival.

• Scottish Storytelling Centre St Andrew’s Day Celebration and Burnsfest, Edinburgh, 29 November 2014 – 26 January 2015

St Andrew’s Day events will include; an enchanting event celebrating Orcadian writer George Mackay Brown in music, song and poetry, ranging over Nordic myths to sagas of the Northmen; Mrs Mash telling the story of Scottish food; and a celebration of the life and music of Belle Stewart. The popular Burnsfest programme features family sessions with fun, new takes on Burns stories, poems and songs.

• St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in Perth, 29 – 30 November 2014

Traditional celebrations in Perth city centre will celebrate our patron Saint; showcasing Perth as a creative city by featuring traditional music, crafts and entertainment over the weekend alongside fabulous local, Scottish produce.

• Glasgow Loves St Andrew’s Day, 30 November 2014

Dance a jig on St Andrew’s Day as part of Glasgow city centre’s spectacular evening celebrations featuring music, dance and a dazzling lighting display.

• St Andrew’s Day in Edinburgh, 30 November 2014

Part of Edinburgh’s Christmas, St Andrew’s Day celebrations in Edinburgh will fittingly take place in St Andrew’s Square. Ceilidh dancing, magical storytelling, curling and skating demonstrations along with live music from a selection of Scotland’s finest musical talents will provide a full day of exciting activities for all the family.

Scotland’s Winter Festivals

1. Scots and Scots at heart, both at home and abroad come together to celebrate Scotland’s unique heritage and distinctive culture through Scotland’s Winter Festivals - St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns celebrations.
2. Scotland is very much open for business in the winter months and there’s a lot happening to celebrate St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night.
3. Anyone can join in the celebration in the winter events and celebrations across the country. Find out what’s happening near you at www.scotland.org/winter
4. A vibrant winter event programme brings together people from all over the world to celebrate Scotland’s modern culture and traditions through the best of Scottish music, arts, food and drink, innovation and entertainment.
5. Scotland is a year round destination for visitors, welcoming over 15 million people to our shores. St Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night offer another reason to come and celebrate either with us here in Scotland or around the world.