Celebrate in style . . . in Australia . . . in Zambia . . .

Here, we take a whistle-stop tour of the throng of St Andrew’s Day festivities enjoyed around the world. Buckle up!

An A-Z of St Andrew’s Day celebrations

Legend has it that the monk St. Regulus (or St Rule) was instructed to take St Andrew’s remains to the 'ends of the earth' for safe keeping. It is fitting therefore that his feast day should be celebrated not just in Scotland, but in the farthest flung corners of the world.

They may not all be held on 30 November or run quite according to the traditional plan, but the various St Andrew’s Day festivities all share one thing in common – a celebration of everything that makes Scotland great.

Australia

With over 15 million Australians claiming some form of UK ancestry, it’s no surprise to discover that November is a busy month for the local St Andrew’s Societies, among them the Toowoomba branch in Queensland which is hosting its St Andrew’s Night on 19 November.

Bangkok

Partygoers in Bangkok get two bites at the cherry: the first on 1 November at The Reel Club, Sachayan Court; and the second on 26 November at The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel.

Brazil

Of course, not all of the countries in which St Andrew’s Day is celebrated share Scotland’s ‘invigorating’ climate. In Brazil, for instance, the St Andrew’s Society of Sao Paulo is marking the occasion with a picnic and BBQ. And you can bet that the St Andrew’s Society of Rio de Janeiro will be planning something extra special to commemorate its centenary next year.

Brussels

A Taste of Scotland Gala Reception on St Andrew's Day forms the centrepiece of an entire ‘Best of Scotland’ week dedicated to the best of Scottish business, art, science, culture, food and drink. The week runs from 24 November to 1 December at the European Parliament.

Canada

Choose from St Andrew’s Balls in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal, among others. To avoid any guddle on the night, many of the societies offer Scottish country dance lessons beforehand.

China

The Caledonian Society in Beijing will be holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball on 26 November. Billed as the highlight of the Beijing social calendar, the celebrations are being held at the Great Wall Sheraton and combine Scottish ‘pageantry’, ceremony, music, dance and whisky.

Costa Rica

Ian Young, originally from Edinburgh, is one of the organisers behind a St Andrew’s Day ball to be held on 3 December, complete with Scottish piper, fiddler and Celtic music supplied by Costa Rican folk band Peregrino Gris and Canadian guitarist Bruce Callow.

Czech Republic

Party in Prague where the local Caledonian Club will be hosting a traditional Scottish ceilidh on 30 November. Music will be provided by the aptly named Czeltic, led by Vašek Rout.

Denmark

Every year, the British Ambassador and his representatives attend the local Caledonian Society St Andrew’s Day Ball in Copenhagen. The Society dates back to 1949 when it was established as a Scottish/Danish friendship society with the aim of deepening cultural understanding between the two countries. Over a dram or two of whisky no doubt!

Dubai

The Caledonian Society of Dubai will be holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball on 24 November.

France

Guests are cordially invited to join Sir John Holmes, K.C.M.G., Her Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador to France for what promises to be a genuine Scottish evening on 2 December. The Ball takes place in the chandeliered splendour of the Cercle National des Armées, Paris.

Hong Kong

The Pipes and Drums of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Pipe Band will be performing at the St Andrew’s Society Ball on 26 November at The Hong Kong Football Club. If you’re still going strong, track down The Hong Kong Highlanders, an extremely active society formed by a group of expatriate Scots in 1988. They’re holding their St Andrew’s Dance on 30 November.

Hungary

Catch the Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band at the St Andrew's Night celebrations run by the British Commercial Council on 26 November.

India

The British High Commission in Mumbai is holding a St Andrew’s Day event on 19 November. One week later, on 26 November, the Office of the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata is following up with a grand charity ball.

Italy

Make for the ancient capital where The Caledonian Society of Rome is holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball on 3 December at the Circolo Montecitorio – Via dei Campi Sportivi 5.

Jordan

Join a 70-strong UK police contingent, plus a host of other revellers at the Embassy Club in Amman for a St Andrew’s Day party on 24 November.

Japan

The Tokyo Bluebell Dancers and Tokyo Pipe Band will be providing the entertainment at the Yokohama and Tokyo St Andrew’s Society Ball on 18 November.

Latvia

The British Chamber of Commerce is holding its usual monthly dinner on 29 November. Only this time it will have a Scottish twist in honour of St Andrew’s Day.

Netherlands

Given all the links, trade and otherwise, between the Netherlands and Scotland, it’s no surprise to see The St Andrew's Society of The Netherlands hosting a Ball on 26 November, espousing the virtues of Scottish Country Dancing: “It's aerobic, good for the body and mind.”

Malaysia

Established in 1877, The Selangor St Andrew's Society is one of the oldest Loyal Societies in Malaysia. It will be holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball on 30 November attended by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Nigeria

The city of Abuja will be playing host to a Caledonian Ball.

Panama

A St Andrew’s Day Supper will be adding to Panama City’s many attractions.

Saudi Arabia

The British Consulate’s Caledonian Society is holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball in Jeddah.

Scotland

Where better to celebrate St Andrew's Day than in the town named after him. Every year, the capital of Fife embarks on a week-long festival featuring some things you might expect, like Celtic music, ceilidhs and fireworks and others you wouldn’t, such as the "Golden Spurtle Award" for the best bowl of porridge in Fife, magic and witchcraft.

Or join in Scotland’s first – yes first – city centre party to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. The One Scotland Ceilidh is free, will be happening in Edinburgh on 30 November, and is a celebration of Scotland and its many cultures.

Singapore

The Singapore St Andrew’s Society has got the right idea. It will be holding its annual St Andrew’s Day Ball on 27 November, followed by a Sunset Cruise.

Spain

The Spanish capital Madrid will be playing host to a Caledonian Ball.

Taiwan

The British Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a St Andrew’s Day Ball on 26 November at The Grand Hyatt, Taipei. Entertainment will be provided by The Glenwood Scottish Country Dance Band and The Hong Kong Highland Bag Pipers Band.

The Gambia

Residents of the Gambia will be delighted to hear that the Embassy is organising a St Andrew’s Day Ball – the first for many years.

Turkey

The Caledonia Society will be holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball in the capital, Ankara.

USA

Following hot on the heels of Thanksgiving, St Andrew’s Day Balls will be held throughout the length and breadth of the country, from St Louis and Baton Rouge to Cincinnati, New York and Washington.

Vietnam

The Saigon St Andrew’s Society will be holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball on 19 November. Everyone should be foot-perfect since they’ve been practising the dances since September.

Zambia

The Caledonian Society will be holding a St Andrew’s Day Ball in Lusaka.

Now what did you say you were doing this St Andrew’s Day?