St Andrew’s Day Tales and Traditions
There are many tales and traditions from across the world that exist around St Andrews Day, here are some of the most famous.
Tartan Day in Canada
In Canada, Tartan Day has become an annual celebration of Scottish culture and heritage, with the government making it an official day of celebration. The day originated in Canada in the mid-1980s in Nova Scotia and has grown more popular every year.
Tartan Day Parade
2019 marks 21 years of the annual Tartan Day Parade in New York, showcasing pipers and drummers who'll honour the contribution Scots have made to the USA. This year's honourary Grand Marshal is legendary Scottish comedian, Sir Billy Connolly.
The Big Yin takes a bite out of the Big Apple
It’s a long walk from Glasgow to Manhattan, but our own Billy Connolly will stride with pride when he leads this year’s New York Tartan Day parade through the city.
The Celtic roots of Hallowe’en
As the world goes ‘Trick or Treating?’, it’s worth remembering that today’s commercialised candy fest was born out of an ancient Celtic festival, one whose roots run deep in Scotland
The Da Vinci Code Phenomenon
The incredible success of The Da Vinci Code is bringing tens of thousands of Grail-seekers to Rosslyn Chapel, but what is the real story of Scotland and the Holy Grail?
The Gaels: Alive and Kicking
From the century old Mod, through the more recent Feisean nan Gaidheal and Hebridean Celtic Festival to the imminent publication of The Great Book of Gaelic, this ancient, indigenous culture is thriving and enjoying a marvellous new flowering in Scotland.
The Hector Settlers: Creating a ‘New Scotland’ in Canada
244 years ago, on 15 September 1773, the town of Pictou in Nova Scotia welcomed nearly 200 Scottish settlers on board the ship, Hector. The landing of this famous ship is popularly regarded as one of the earliest arrivals of Scottish settlers to Canada.
The History and Words of Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne is a song which thrilled the soul of Robert Burns in the 1780s, and today has become an anthem sung the world over at New Year.
The Immortal Memory
A mainstay of Burns Suppers, the Immortal Memory celebrates Burns' enduring spirit. It's a fitting tribute for one who himself did so much to preserve and popularise Scotland's rich historical, cultural and literary heritage.