Celebrate Saint Andrew at The Saltire Festival 2016

By Contributor -

Historical re-enactments will tell Scotland's story during The Saltire Festival 2016. Photo by ROB MCDOUGALL

From 24-30 November, The Saltire Festival will celebrate Saint Andrews Day in the Home of the Flag.

The Saltire Festival brings together people from all over the world to celebrate Scotland’s fascinating heritage, wonderful culture, delicious food & drink traditions,music, arts, innovation and entertainment.

To celebrate, there are a number of exciting events taking place around the county, everything from horse racing and night golf, to music and comedy. Here are a few of the many highlights of The Saltire Festival 2016…

The #SaltireBlue Tour

To tie in with Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, interesting lighting effects will be appearing on key landmarks and festival venues across the county, including the Kelpie Maquettes, who will be lit blue during their Saltire Festival visit to Musselburgh Racecourse.

Saltire Raceday

Musselburgh Racecourse, Thursday, November 24

Enjoy a day of racing at one of UK’s most stylish racecourses.

Tickets available here.

Prestonpans Battlefield: The Waverley Tour!

A free tour, leaving from Prestonpans Train Station on November 24 and 25

Step back to the Victorian age, when tourists flocked along the new railway to explore the battlefield made famous in Walter Scott’s hit novel Waverley.

The Foxlake Tartan Trail

Foxlake Adventures, Dunbar, Friday 25 November

A 10k night run at Foxlake Adventures with competitors asked to dress in Tartan to run through the forest, which will be lit blue to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day.

The Saltire Ceilidh

Archerfield Walled Garden, Friday 25 November

A family ceilidh with the ‘Smoking Barrel Ceildih Band’ accompanied by a locally sourced Scottish supper. Tickets (£12.50) available here.

Scotland through the Ages

The Brunton, Musselburgh, Saturday 26 November

Historical re-enactors, with performances and workshops throughout the day telling the tale of Scotland’s history and how our innovations impacted the world.

Tickets(£5 per adult, kids free) available here.

Scotland’s Golf Coast Twilight Golf

Dunbar Golf Club, Saturday 26 November ( from 5pm)

Using LED balls and markers, this technological innovation opens up a whole new experience of Scotland’s national game.

The Saltire Concert

The Brunton, Musselburgh, Saturday 26 November

An evening headlined by Treacherous Orchestra, supported by Skerryvore and local musical talent.

Tickets (Adult £15, Concession £13), available here.

Saltire Comedy Club

MacDonald Marine, North Berwick, Sunday 27 November

An afternoon and evening of Scottish comedy from 2pm to 9pm in a beautiful setting, headlined by Fred MacAuley with spectacular views of the Bass Rock. A fun day for all the family concluding with a spectacular fireworks display! Tickets (£17.50) available here.

Saltire Taste & Talk

Colstoun House, Sunday 27 November

Taste talk sessions throughout the day with Wendy Barrie, the Scots Mag’s Mary Contini, Sue Lawrence, Christopher Trotter and Mark Greenaway

Tickets (£12.50) available here.

St. Andrew’s Day Concert

St. Mary’s Church, Haddington, Wednesday 30 November

A selection of choral and classical music performances to conclude the festival. Featuring performances from Alex Hodgson, Uke Can Do It, East Lothian Schools Orchestra and Preston Lodge Ceilidh Band.

Tickets (£6) available here.

Click here for more information about The Saltire Festival and the full list of events, ticket prices and booking details.