St. Andrew's Day Events

Submitted by edg on Fri, 30 Nov '07 10.34am

It's St. Andrew's Day today, Scotland's national day, which means the dancing and festivities will be in full flow at West Princes Street Gardens not just until late tonight, but throughout this weekend.

Among the events lined up is a stab at the largest Dashing White Seargent in Scotland on Sunday afternoon - it's a scottish dance in case you were wondering. See end of this article for more detailed programme.

St. Andrew's Day is a time to consider what it means to be Scottish with the EICC hosting our scotland an appreciation of Scotland's historical links with other cultures.

Meanwhile, over at the Royal Society the Scottish University's Debating Society are hosting their St. Andrew's Day debate which this year is an old chestnut: "This House believes you don't have to be born in Scotland to be Scottish."

Journalist and author Magnus Linklater chairs the debate with speakers Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture;
John Duncan, director of English Speaking Union in Scotland (Presiding Judge);
John Loughton, chairman of Scottish Youth Parliament;
Professor Eberhard Bort, Edinburgh University;
and Harminder Berman, arts development officer-cultural diversity, Glasgow City Council.

Today also happens to be the last Friday of the month, which means that Edinburgh cyclists will be meeting for a St Andrews day Critical Mass ride outside the galleries on Princes Street. Maybe the tartan will be flying there too.

Tomorrow, at 7.30pm, Greyfriars Kirk hosts a concert of songs by Robert Burns to mark the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery for St Andrew's Night. The music is devised by Ian McFarlane. Tickets are £15 & £12 concession.

St Andrews Day in the gardens

Today, Fri 30 November, 1 - 6pm Dance, music and family fun at the Scottish Pavilion, West Princes Street Gardens. All activity is free including face-painting, storytelling, belly dancing and a ceilidh, accompanied by The Porridge Men.

6pm - late Giant ceilidh and live bands for those who don't fancy a fling. Chill out at the Chiller Tent.

Sat & Sun
1 & 2 December

Activities will continue throughout the weekend – dance workshops, music, face painting and storytelling. Light refreshments and help create the largest Dashing White Sergeant Scotland has ever seen - 3.30pm Sunday 2 December.
Entrance is free:
Numbers are limited.