St Andrew, one of Jesus’ apostles, became the official patron saint of Scotland in the 14th century and his special day is celebrated on 30th November each year. Our national flag, with its distinctive diagonal white cross on a blue background, is called the Saltire and some sources believe it to be the oldest flag in Europe.
For some, the day is observed as a bank holiday but it’s up to individual companies to decide whether or not to allow it! Typical Scottish food often eaten on any such occasion is Cullen Skink, made with smoked haddock, potatoes and milk (or cream) with variations depending on who’s cooking. Some areas will no doubt celebrate more than others, often with a ceilidh in the evening.
To celebrate in a different way, I’ve reduced the e-books of my three Scottish novels to only 99p. Here’s a short blurb of what each is about:
The Highland Lass: Eilidh Campbell returns to her Scottish roots in search of the answer to her mother’s past, while in 1785, Highland Mary falls in love with Robert Burns. The parallel stories take the reader around the west coast of Scotland.
Return to Kilcraig: The Scottish village of Kilcraig seems the ideal retreat after Christy Morrison’s recent trauma. Until the threats begin. Can she trust her heart and allow herself to fall in love again? When Ross McKinley reluctantly welcomes Christy Morrison back to the Scottish village, he has hardened his heart against love, until someone is determined to scare Christy back to London.
Highcrag: When Cate Stewart takes a job cataloguing the unusual library at Highcrag in Scotland, as she has a personal interest in the notorious Scottish witch trials of 16th and 17th century, the past begins to affect the present. As Samhain approaches, who can she trust?
Happy St Andrew’s day on the 30th!
Rosemary