Scotland loves a celebration and on November 30 it’s the patron saint of Scotland that is remembered on St Andrew’s Day.

Did you know about Saint Andrew?

Andrew was one of the original 12 apostles of Christ, and the brother of another apostle, Simon Peter. Both lived and worked as fishermen in Galilee. He is thought to have travelled to Greece to preach Christianity, where he was crucified at Patras on an X-shaped cross. This is represented by the diagonal cross, or saltire, on Scotland's flag. Andrew's connection with Scotland relates to the legend that some of his remains were kept at the site that is now the town of St Andrews. St. Andrew's Day is known as the “feast day” of Saint Andrew. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. Saint Andrew is also the patron saint of Greece, Romania, Russia, Poland and Ukraine. St Andrew's Day is Scotland's official national day. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament designated St Andrew's Day as an official bank holiday.

Enjoy Scotland on foot

Make the most of a bank holiday for a walk amid Scotland’s beautiful landscape (fingers crossed for the same bright blue sky days that the country is frequently treated to in autumn and winter). And why not end the day with a dram and a toast to St Andrew?

Five top St Andrew’s Day walks

1) Walk a section of the long-distance Fife Costal Path, from Fife Ness to the town of St Andrews or from St Andrews to the Tay Bridge. Your walk may well inspire a Fife Coastal Path walking tour come the spring or summer. 2) Take a stroll around the historic town of St Andrews on a town and gown walk. St Andrews is the location of Scotland's oldest university and the Home of Golf. 3) St Andrews walking app. Download the app for an easy to follow tour of the town. 4) St Andrews is famed for its golf and fabulous beaches. Take a walk along the Links West Sands. If you watched the Chariots of Fire movie you will have seen the fabulous sands before! 5) Venture further afield, yet still close to St Andrews, and enjoy a longer and loftier hill walk. The East Lomond walk circuit is a stunning walk on a fine day with a climb, fabulous views and a delightful descent down a ravine. More walking to come: Keep an eye out for a new Fife Pilgrim Way, which is being planned by the local council. It will follows in the footsteps of pilgrims who, throughout history, have journeyed from Culross Abbey and North Queensferry to St Andrews.

Six St Andrew’s days events

Scotland is also hosting a range of St Andrew’s Day festivities, including ceilidhs (Scottish country dances) and street food festivals. The Feastival of St Andrew On Sunday November 30, noon - midnight SWG3, 100 Eastvale Place, Glasgow This year the Glasgow Street Feastival and St Andrew’s Day party is part of the Homecoming Scotland events programme. This special Street Feastival offers the Scottish street food, street art, spoken word and music. Deanston Distillery St Andrew’s Day Ceilidh On Friday November 28, 7.30pm – midnight Muir Hall Doune, Stirlingshire The St Andrew’s Day ceilidh throws open the doors of the historic distillery to visitors. There will be live band, food and drink. See Ceilidh Oban Winter Festival From Friday November 21 to Sunday 30^th in Oban, Argyll & Bute With a new focus around St Andrew’s Day, Oban will celebrate with a Tartan Day in town. Also new for 2014 is a Haggisfest, which will feature seven butchers and haggis makers from across Argyll going head to head for the title of best haggis. The festival will also feature a Scottish food and craft market in the old distillery. See Oban Winter festival St Andrew’s Day Celebrations in St Andrews From Friday November 28 to Sunday 30^th in St Andrews, Fife 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 with a street concert featuring top Scottish and international artists, followed by an open-air ceilidh for all the family. City centre St Andrew’s Day events On November 30 in Glasgow Dance a jig on St Andrew’s Day as part of Glasgow’s evening celebrations featuring music, dance and a dazzling lighting display. On November 30 in Edinburgh Part of Edinburgh’s wider Christmas event, St Andrew’s Day celebrations will take place in St Andrew’s Square. The event includes ceilidh dancing, storytelling, curling and skating demonstrations along with live music.