Kilchurn Castle reflecting in Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

© Tom Mackie/plainpictur

Reflecting Scotland's heritage. Saint Andrew's Day

Put on your tartan and let the bagpipes play—it's St. Andrew's Day! Scotland's national day is a public holiday there—though not everyone takes the day off. A fisherman by trade, St. Andrew was one of Jesus' apostles and a key figure in Christianity. Though he never set foot in Scotland, his influence is immortalised in the country's Saltire flag, which is said to represent the cross on which he was martyred.

Brought over by Scottish immigrants in Canada, this day reflects the connection between Scotland and Canada. The North British Society of Halifax, Nova Scotia (now known as the Scots Society), was the first group in what would become Canada to celebrate St. Andrew in 1768. Today, the occasion is marked by parades, concerts, storytelling sessions and cultural festivals in communities with strong Scottish ties, such as Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Food plays a central role in celebrations, too. Expect hearty servings of Scottish staples like haggis, neeps and tatties (mashed rutabaga and potatoes). To mark this day, we're visiting Kilchurn Castle, one of Scotland's historic landmarks, in the west of the country. Perched on the banks of Loch Awe, the fortress was built in the mid-15th century by Sir Colin Campbell.