Scotland's patron saint
St Andrew's Day, celebrated on 30 November, is Scotland's national day. Saint Andrew — one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ — has been Scotland's patron saint since at least the 10th century, though the association may go back further. Legend tells that relics of Saint Andrew were brought to Scotland by a monk named Rule (or Regulus), who was guided by an angel to carry them to "the ends of the earth." He landed on the coast of Fife, and a great church was built on the spot — the town that bears the saint's name.
The saltire — Scotland's national flag, a white diagonal cross on a blue background — is derived from Saint Andrew's cross. According to tradition, King Óengus II of the Picts saw a vision of the saltire in the sky before a battle against the Angles in 832 AD. A white X-shaped cross appeared against the blue sky, and Óengus took it as a sign of divine favour. He won the battle, and the saltire became Scotland's symbol. It is one of the oldest national flags in the world, predating most European flags by centuries.
St Andrew's relics made the town of St Andrews one of the great pilgrimage sites of medieval Europe. The cathedral, consecrated in 1318 in the presence of Robert the Bruce, was the largest church ever built in Scotland. Pilgrims came from across Christendom to venerate the relics. The town grew wealthy on their patronage, and its university — founded in 1413 — became Scotland's first centre of higher learning.
St Andrew's Day was designated an official bank holiday in Scotland in 2007, though celebrations had been held on 30 November for centuries. The day is marked with ceilidhs, Scottish food and drink, and cultural events across the country. The Scottish Parliament opens with a ceremony on St Andrew's Day, and the flag of Saint Andrew — the oldest national flag in continuous use — flies from public buildings throughout Scotland. For the Scottish diaspora worldwide, it is a day to celebrate their heritage and connection to home.