St Andrew’s Day, celebrated on November 30th, is Scotland’s national day and a time to honour the country’s rich heritage, traditions, and sense of community. St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, is associated with kindness, generosity, and unity—values that resonate deeply in Scottish culture. This day offers the perfect opportunity for outdoor learning activities that connect children with Scottish history, nature, and the importance of togetherness.
1. Making a Boat and Seeing if It Can Float
Since St Andrew was a fisherman and is often associated with the sea, challenge children to make their own boats using natural materials like bark, leaves, and sticks. Once the boats are ready, test them in a shallow stream, pond, or a large water container to see if they float (if you don’t have this even a pail of water could work). Encourage children to experiment with different designs and materials to improve their boats’ buoyancy.
This helps the children remember something about St Andrew and encourages problem-solving and creativity.
Connection Tip: Use this activity to discuss the importance of fishing in Scotland’s history and how boats have played a vital role in coastal communities.
2. Create a Map of Scotland
Provide children with loose materials and challenge them to create their own maps of Scotland. Encourage them to include key landmarks such as mountains, rivers, and cities. For inspiration, share the story of the famous Polish map created by soldiers during World War II in Peebles at the Barony Castle Hotel —a giant 3D map of Scotland built from concrete and rocks.
This is a great way to enhances geographical knowledge and spatial awareness and connects children with Scotland’s diverse landscapes.
Connection Tip: After creating the maps, discuss the different regions of Scotland and their unique features, such as the Highlands, Lowlands, and islands.
3. Traditional Scottish Games
Set up a series of traditional Scottish games outdoors, such as:
- Tug of war
- Sack races
- Caber toss (using lightweight sticks or logs)
- Egg and spoon race
- Three-legged race
These games encourage friendly competition, physical activity, and lots of laughter!
This makes for a fun physical activity and teamwork and introduces children to traditional Scottish culture in a fun way.
4. Folklore Storytelling Circle
Gather children in a circle outdoors and share Scottish folklore stories, such as the tale of the Loch Ness Monster, the Selkies, or Robert the Bruce and the Spider. Invite the children to create their own short stories inspired by nature and Scottish myths.
Stories are great as they foster imagination and creative thinking. They have always been key in helping children connect with cultural traditions.
5. Reenact the Story of the Thistle
Tell children the story of how the thistle became Scotland’s national emblem. According to legend, a group of invading Vikings attempted to sneak up on a Scottish camp during the night. As they moved barefoot to stay quiet, one of them stepped on a thistle and let out a loud cry, alerting the Scots to the danger. The Scots defeated the invaders, and the thistle was adopted as a symbol of Scotland’s resilience and strength. After sharing the story, encourage children to reenact it by taking turns playing different roles.
Retelling this and acting it out brings history to life through role-play.
The Legend of the Thistle and the Vikings
Long ago, during a time when Scotland was often invaded by Viking raiders, a fierce battle took place that gave rise to one of Scotland’s most iconic symbols—the thistle. According to legend, a band of Viking warriors had planned a surprise nighttime attack on a Scottish encampment. Knowing they needed to remain quiet to avoid detection, the Vikings removed their footwear and crept barefoot through the dark fields toward the sleeping Scots.
As they moved stealthily across the land, one unlucky Viking stepped directly onto a large thistle. The sharp spines pierced his bare foot, causing him to cry out in pain. His loud yell woke the Scottish warriors, who quickly grabbed their weapons and defended their camp from the invaders.
Thanks to the sharp thistle and the Viking’s cry, the Scots were able to prevent what could have been a devastating ambush. In recognition of the plant’s role in protecting them, the Scots adopted the thistle as a national emblem, symbolizing resilience, strength, and the ability to stand tall even in the face of adversity.
Additional Activities
- Scottish ceilidh dancing: Teach children simple ceilidh dances and have a mini dance party outdoors.
- Make oatcakes: Cook traditional Scottish oatcakes over a campfire or in an outdoor kitchen.
- Nature poetry: Encourage children to write poems about the Scottish landscape and read them aloud.
- Weaving crafts: Use twigs and wool to create simple weaving crafts, inspired by traditional tartan patterns.
- Bird spotting: Take a walk to spot native Scottish birds and discuss their role in local ecosystems.
Why St Andrew’s Day Matters
St Andrew’s Day is about more than just celebrating a national holiday—it’s a day to reflect on values like kindness, unity, and respect for others. By engaging children in outdoor activities that connect them with Scottish history, culture, and nature, we can help them develop a sense of pride in their heritage and a deeper connection to the world around them.
This St Andrew’s Day, let’s honour Scotland’s rich heritage by stepping outdoors and celebrating through play, creativity, and storytelling. Whether by crafting thistle badges, creating nature-inspired Saltire flags, or sharing folklore, every activity helps foster a sense of connection to our culture, our community, and our environment.
