St. Andrew’s Day – Scottish
A sizeable number of Canadians are descendants of Scottish settlers. One of the first groups to come to Lanark County in large numbers were known as the Lanark Society Settlers, and many of them and their descendants established mills, lumber businesses, schools, churches, and built some of the impressive limestone structures still seen today. Many of these pioneers passed down their traditions, and one of them is the marking of St. Andrew’s Day.
Celebrated on November 30th, St. Andrew’s Day is also known as Andrew’s Feast Day or Andermas. St. Andrew’s Day marks the beginning of the Advent season, leading up to Christmas. St. Andrew is the official saint of Scotland, and so, on that day, traditional Scottish foods are enjoyed, and Scottish culture is celebrated.
In Scotland, St. Andrew’s Day also marks the first of three winter celebrations – St. Andrew’s Day on November 30th, followed by Hogmanay (New Year’s), then the Burns Supper on January 25th, ( the birth of famous Scottish poet Robbie Burns).
Fishermen
St. Andrew is also known as the, “Patron Saint of Fishermen”
Andrew was one of the first of the 12 disciples, another reason he is honoured in Scotland, and around the world. He was the elder brother to Peter, and was officially recognized as the official Saint of Scotland when Scotland’s independence was declared with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.
Scotland celebrates St Andrew’s Day every year on November 30th with celebrations of Scottish culture, including highland dancing, traditional music, food, and drink, with parties going on long into the cold winter night.
One of the staples in a St. Andrew’s Day feast is a bowl of Scotch Broth, a long-standing tradition among the Scottish people.
Scotch Broth
Ingredients
1 lb ground lamb
1 Tbsp butter
2 medium onions, chopped
4 carrots, sliced 3/4-inch thick
1 turnip, 1-inch dice
6 cups beef broth
2 cups water
2 cups cooked pearl barley
Method
Brown the lamb in a stockpot.
Add 1 Tbsp of butter, onions, carrots, turnip. Cook vegetables until softened; 5-8 minutes.
Add the broth, water, cooked barley. Cover and simmer until the vegetables and barley are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the lamb and, simmer, uncovered, for about 5 minutes to allow flavours to blend.
Scottish Stovies
Stovies are a quick and easy dish, a well-known comfort food all across Scotland, and a popular meal for the feast of St. Andrew.
Ingredients
1 Tbsp butter
2 medium onions diced
4 tablespoons dark beer, or stout, (if desired)
4 ounces cold roast beef, diced
1 1/2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
Salt, if desired
Pepper, to taste
1 1/4 cups beef stock, or leftover gravy
Diced carrots
Diced turnips
Method
May be made in a roasting pan, Dutch oven, or large soup pot
Brown the onions in the butter
Add the beer or stout
Add the beef and stir well
Add the potatoes in layers with the carrots and turnips alternating
Add the beef stock
Cook until vegetables are tender
Stovies will keep for several days refrigerated
St. Andrew’s Scones
Ingredients
1/3 c. butter
1 3/4 c. flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. currants or raisins, optional
4 to 6 Tbsp. half and half or milk
1 egg, beaten
Method
Preheat oven – 400 degrees
Cut butter into flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until mixture resembles fine crumbs
Stir in 1 egg, currants and enough half and half so dough leaves the sides of the bowl
Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead 8 times
Roll 1/2 inch thick; cut with cookie cutter or glass
Place on ungreased cookie sheet
Brush with beaten eggs and sprinkle with sugar
Bake until golden brown, 10 – 12 minutes remove immediately
Serve with butter, jams and jellies
St. Andrew’s Celebrations
All across Scotland on November 30th, there will be celebrations, live music, and street parties, drinking and feasting into the wee hours.
Are you Scottish?
Maybe your Lanark County ancestors came from Scotland, and you’ve always celebrated St. Andrew’s Day, or if you want to begin to mark your Scottish heritage by honouring this special day, then try some traditional food and drink, and celebrate your own way.
St. Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland
So, let’s raise our glasses to St. Andrew, and celebrate this special Scottish holiday.
Whatever way you choose to mark St. Andrew’s Day – have a wonderful day!
Happy St. Andrew’s Day!
Arlene Stafford-Wilson
Honorary Life Member, Lanark County Genealogical Society
Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Lanark County Pioneer Families Humanitarian Award 2023
Author of : “Lanark County Kitchen”, “Lanark County Christmas”, “Lanark County Comfort”, “Lanark County Collection”, “Lanark County Calling”, “Lanark County Classics”, “Lanark County Connections”, “Lanark County Calendar”, “Lanark County Chronicle”, “Lanark County Kid”, & “Recipes & Recollections”
