Whereas in many countries, my own included, a national holiday is just another bad excuse for drinking more than usual – but in Edinburgh it seems to be another good excuse for celebrating the extraordinary creative power in the city and country’s ingenuity. It is not for nothing Edinburgh is considered to be the best city in the UK, and one of the leading travel destinations in the world with the ever-growing success and room for opportunities. So, next weekend it is the time for another one of those fantastic Scottish celebrations - St. Andrews Day.
St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland – Andrew was first recognised as an official patron saint of Scotland in 1320 at the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath an appeal to the Pope by Scottish noblemen asserting Scotland’s independence from England, and his patronage extends to fishmongers, gout, singers, sore throats, spinsters, maidens, old maids and women wishing to become mothers. What an eclectic mix – same as is the city of Edinburgh and the extravaganza of St. Andrew’s Day.
This year the city celebrates yet again in style and lavish – with a whole day of free events and celebratory atmosphere on Edinburgh’s Grassmarket from 2pm till 10pm - and sticking to Edinburgh’s tradition of catering to all, the whole day is free! All the shows and extravaganzas of the day showcase the very best of Scottish culture. This includes musical galore by Dougie MacLean, Blazin’ Fiddles and Breabach! And not to forget if you get hungry, the Grassmarket Market will be trading throughout the day from 10.00am to 6.00pm offering a range of quality foodstuffs from locally sourced vegetables, fish and meat to hot food with a distinctly international influence! And it is not all happening just in Edinburgh – Fife has its very own St. Andrews Food and Drink Festival l coinciding nicely with St. Andrew’s Day – on going already all the way until December 1st!
From traditional music and dance to storytelling, St. Andrew’s Day is sure to have something for everyone, and it is just another taste to what rich, vibrant and full of life city Edinburgh actually is!
And not to forget, our winter special offers are sure to ensure that your stay in Edinburgh for the festivities is as comfortable as possible – some of our most gorgeous flats are still available for that last minute booking!