The Saint Andrew's Day Rally web site was started on the 5th of December 2003, following the inaugural parade in Edinburgh on Saturday the 29th of November 2003. The Rally has become a regular annual event, and the most recent rally took place on Saturday, 29th November 2008.

Led by the magnificent Stockbridge Pipe Band as always, the march commenced on the Castle Esplanade before heading straight down the Royal Mile, finishing in front of the Parliament building for the speeches. The police estimated that over 600 people took part in the march. 2008's featured speakers were local author and poet Kevin Williamson, along with author and historian David R Ross. Many thanks to all those who took the trouble to come along and join in, and especially to the tourists who entered into the spirit of things and accompanied the march.

2008's evening event featured Fiery Jack along with Ted Christopher at The Three Sisters, Cowgate, from 7:30 pm to midnight, and was enjoyed by all who attended.

Some film of the 2006 march has been posted on Youtube and can be viewed here.

This web site features some pictures and press reports from all six previous rallies, and will contain other information as it grows.

The original publicity releases for the 2003 event stated:

" All are welcome, this is a family event to celebrate our patron saint - it is not a political event, although politicians are welcome to participate as citizens of Scotland. They will not, however, be allowed to turn it into yet another turgid and dreary day. Bring along your saltires, lions rampant and banners and carry them proudly! Let the world see our pride in our country!

We have started to make this rally become an automatic annual event, and not just a one-off - it has been running now for six years. Scotland is one of the few nations on earth which does not celebrate its saint's day or Independence Day. We hope to change that. Please help us to do so.

St Andrews Day Rally Committee"

That attitude will not change. We are not politicians. We are not particularly politically aligned. We merely represent the people of Scotland, whose voice is rarely ever listened to by our political elite, whatever their persuasion or alignment.

The Stockbridge Pipe Band showed their faith in us, and led the initial Parade. Our grateful thanks to them for their superb display on the day, and our assurance that they will always be in the vanguard of the Parade - they performed superbly again in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 - we have no doubt that they will prove to be as professional as ever in 2009.

Thanks are also due again to Edinburgh City Centre Management, who gave permission for the Rally, and to Lothian and Borders Police, for their safe, cheerful and highly efficient management and escort of the Parade every year.

Last year's event was sponsored by (among others) Tunnocks, Warburtons, Lees of Scotland, Crann Tara and Rab the Targe Maker.

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