St. Andrew’s Day Holiday in the UK – History, Dates & Scottish Celebration
St. Andrew’s Day, celebrated on 30th November each year, is Scotland’s official national day and an important cultural celebration across the United Kingdom. It honours Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who has been a symbol of Scottish identity for centuries.
In Scotland, St. Andrew’s Day is a bank holiday, while in the rest of the UK, it’s recognized but not a statutory public holiday. The day celebrates Scottish heritage, traditions, and community pride — with music, food, and national flags flying proudly across the country.
St. Andrew’s Day Holiday Dates (2024–2028)
| Year | Date | Day | Public Holiday in Scotland | Substitute Day (if weekend) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Saturday, 30 November 2024 | Saturday | Yes | Monday, 2 December 2024 |
| 2025 | Sunday, 30 November 2025 | Sunday | Yes | Monday, 1 December 2025 |
| 2026 | Monday, 30 November 2026 | Monday | Yes | — |
| 2027 | Tuesday, 30 November 2027 | Tuesday | Yes | — |
| 2028 | Thursday, 30 November 2028 | Thursday | Yes | — |
When St. Andrew’s Day falls on a weekend, the official public holiday is observed on the following Monday.
Why Do We Celebrate St. Andrew’s Day?
St. Andrew is believed to have been one of Jesus’s apostles and the brother of Saint Peter. He became the patron saint of Scotland after ancient legends claimed that relics of St. Andrew were brought to the town now known as St Andrews.
The Saltire, Scotland’s national flag featuring the white diagonal cross on a blue background, represents St. Andrew’s crucifixion on an X-shaped cross. This symbol has become deeply rooted in Scotland’s national identity and appears on everything from flags to sports uniforms.
In 2006, the Scottish Parliament officially declared St. Andrew’s Day a bank holiday under the St. Andrew’s Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007. Although businesses and schools can choose whether to close, the day remains a proud moment to celebrate Scottish history and culture.
How Is St. Andrew’s Day Celebrated?
Across Scotland — and in many Scottish communities worldwide — St. Andrew’s Day is marked by:
- Traditional music and dancing – ceilidhs, bagpipes, and folk performances
- Scottish food feasts – dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties, shortbread, and whisky
- Cultural events – storytelling, parades, and community gatherings
- National pride – public buildings and homes display the Saltire flag
In places like St Andrews, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, celebrations often last the whole weekend, with events promoting Scottish culture, arts, and heritage tourism.
Is St. Andrew’s Day a Bank Holiday in the UK?
- Scotland: Yes, it’s an official bank holiday. However, employers can decide whether to close. Schools and government offices often observe it.
- England, Wales & Northern Ireland: It’s not a public holiday, though some Scottish cultural organisations and expatriate communities celebrate it informally.
If 30 November falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the substitute bank holiday takes place on Monday, ensuring Scots don’t miss out on their national celebration.
Fun Facts About St. Andrew’s Day
- St. Andrew’s Day is part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals, which also include St. Andrew’s Day, Christmas, Hogmanay, and Burns Night.
- St. Andrew is also the patron saint of Russia, Greece, and Romania.
- The University of St Andrews, one of the oldest in the world, is named after him.
FAQs
1. When is St. Andrew’s Day in 2026?
St. Andrew’s Day in 2026 falls on Monday, 30 November 2026. Since it’s a weekday, it will be observed on the same day across Scotland.
2. Is St. Andrew’s Day a public holiday across the UK?
No. Only Scotland officially recognizes St. Andrew’s Day as a bank holiday. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it’s a regular working day.
3. What happens if St. Andrew’s Day falls on a weekend?
If St. Andrew’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday is observed on the following Monday in Scotland.
4. How do Scots celebrate St. Andrew’s Day?
Scots celebrate with traditional food, ceilidhs, bagpipe music, and cultural festivals, often marking the start of Scotland’s winter festivities.
5. Why is St. Andrew Scotland’s patron saint?
St. Andrew became Scotland’s patron saint due to early Christian influence and legends linking his relics to the town of St Andrews — a centre of medieval pilgrimage and learning.
Final Thoughts
St. Andrew’s Day is more than just a public holiday — it’s a proud symbol of Scottish identity, faith, and resilience. Whether you’re attending a ceilidh, raising a Saltire, or simply enjoying time with family, this day connects Scotland’s past and present in a truly meaningful way.
If you’re planning travel or events around the St. Andrew’s Day bank holiday, use the table above to check when substitute days apply between 2024 and 2028.
