Posted by Maris on 27th Feb 2024
The Story of Saint Andrew - Patron of Scotland
Scotland has been blessed with St. Andrew as its patron saint for more than a millennium.
The Background of St. Andrew
Though the specifics of how he became our patron saint are unknown, the following is what is known.
He was one of the earliest Apostles of Jesus and a fisherman.
Though he felt unworthy of dying on the same type of cross as Jesus, he requested to be crucified on a diagonal cross when the Romans sentenced him to death by crucifixion in Greece.
The Saltire, the Scottish flag, now uses this diagonal cross.
By the year 1000 AD, records indicate that Scotland had made St. Andrew its patron saint.
The image of St. Andrew on his X-shaped cross was added to the Seal of the Guardians of Scotland in 1286, which was used to verify legal documents and correspondence.
The first coin featuring St. Andrew as a national emblem was a five-shilling piece issued in 1390 under Robert III's rule.
How Does This Relate to Scotland?
Relics of the saint are said to have been transported by St. Regulus from Patras, Greece, to Kinrymont, Fife, in the fourth century, following his shipwreck off the east coast.
The Kinrymont church was converted into St. Andrews cathedral and quickly rose to prominence as a significant hub for medieval pilgrimages.
According to a different tradition, just before winning at Athelstaneford in the ninth century, the Pictish king Angus mac Fergus saw a Saltire emerge in the sky and decided to make St Andrew his patron saint.
The 832 AD Battle of Athelstaneford
King Angus led an army of Picts and Scots into the Lothians, which at the time was still part of Northumbrian territory.
An army of Saxons under the command of Athelstan surrounded it.
King Angus led prayers out of fear of defeat and then saw a white saltire formed out of clouds in the blue sky.
The monarch promised to appoint Andrew the patron saint of Scotland if, with his assistance, he prevailed.
The Saltire was adopted as Scotland's flag when the Scots prevailed.
Contemporary Times
Scotland now observes St. Andrew's Day on November 30 each year.
Since it's a bank holiday, many businesses offer their employees the day off.
There are events all around the nation, such as ceilidhs, food markets, poetry, music, art, and performance, as well as free admission to historic sites.