Solemnity of St Andrew, Patron of Scotland.

Honoured among the Orthodox as Πρωτόκλητος – ‘the first called’ to follow Jesus, he led others to the Lord – including his brother Simon Peter. St Andrew has been celebrated in Scotland for over a thousand years. It wasn’t until the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, that he became Scotland’s patron saint. The flag of Scotland, the St Andrew’s Cross, the naming of the ancient capital town of St Andrews all bear witness to his presence in our nation’s life and history.