Latha-fhèill’ Anndra sona dhuibh uile or, Happy St. Andrew’s Day to all!
At 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, 30 November, the Scottish flag-lowering ceremony took place at the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes. Due to ongoing rain, most of the festivities were relocated to the cozy atmosphere of The Croft. The event, well-attended by locals and TV media, marked St. Andrew’s Day—a celebration observed not only in Scotland but also in several Eastern European countries and Scottish communities worldwide.
Filmed by SBS/NITV along with Ernie Dingo in attendance, the program kicked off with a welcome by MC Petar Grulovic, proprietor of The Croft and member of the Australian Standing Stones Management Board. Petar covered the historical origins of St. Andrew’s Day and its continued relevance to Scottish culture, wherever in the world that may be. Petar explained that “I think that the Australian Celtic Festival, flag-lowering ceremonies and other Celtic events are important to Glen Innes and its history.” He went on to add, “They are integral to the future economic development of the town, especially in relation to tourism.”
The event was brought to life with captivating dance performances by the Jacaranda Highland Dancers and a heartfelt rendition of My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose by Jessica Grulovic. The Haggis was ceremoniously piped in, exuding the grandeur and pageantry befitting the occasion. This was followed by Nigel Brown’s spirited delivery of Address to a Haggis. The gathering then raised glasses of Glenfiddich to toast the Haggis, culminating with the ceremonial lowering of the Saltire.
According to legend, King Angus (Óengus I), a Pictish ruler, prepared to face the Saxon king, Athelstan, in a clash of arms at Athelstaneford. On the eve of the battle, King Angus prayed to St. Andrew for victory. The saint reportedly appeared to him in a dream, showing a white cross against a clear blue sky as a sign of his support. Angus vowed that if he triumphed, he would make St. Andrew the patron saint of Scotland. The Picts emerged victorious, and the vision of the cross became the inspiration for Scotland’s flag. St. Andrew’s Day continued to be celebrated, and in 1320, he was officially described as the patron saint of Scotland in the Declaration of Arbroath.
Flag-lowering ceremonies at the Australian Standing Stones honour the National Days of various Celtic nations. Each event highlights the nation’s patron saint and heritage, featuring a poem, the national anthem, and a toast. Guests can also savour traditional foods.
Glen Innes Highlands proudly embraces Celtic culture year-round, hosting these ceremonies at 5.00 p.m. (4.00 p.m. in May and July) on the dates listed below. Everyone is invited to participate and celebrate the town’s diverse ancestral heritage.
Wales (1st March), Cornwall (5th March), Ireland (17th March), Brittany (19th May), Isle of Man (5th July), Scotland (30th November).
