St Andrews Night
St Andrews Night is a Scottish national holiday celebrated each year on 30th November. St Andrew was a highly honoured patron saint who lived in the Scottish Highlands during the 10th century. St Andrews day is very important in Scottish culture and is well celebrated by Scots around the world.
Scots in Assen host a gala evening at the Van der Valk Hotel in Assen to honour this tradition. The date is usually the Saturday on or after November 30. The tables are covered for a festive three- or four-course dinner. Often with a nod to traditional Scottish cuisine. Dancing follows the dinner. Scottish country dances (or ceilidh dances) are interpreted by a caller. People who have never danced a ceilidh, can participate without problems as everything is explained on the evening. The dancing is the most fun when there is live music. The ceilidh band 'Star of the North" play throughout the evening and make a wonderful atmosphere.
The dress code for this evening is "gala" or "black tie". So ladies in evening dress and gentlemen in tuxedo, suit or kilt. And so it is a unique opportunity to celebrate a fantastic evening in style.