On Saturday 1st of December a few hundred patriots mustered in East Market St in Edinburgh, to commemorate, pay their respect and celebrate our Nations patron Saint: Saint Andrew. A rally is organised every year to celebrate our Scottishness through one of the busiest streets in the Capital. The police insured the safety of the Rally. The fantastic Stockbridge Pipe Band led the march, Scotland’s national flags were held high and proud as we stopped traffic and marched down Princes St. The busy commercial road was full of Christmas shoppers and delighted tourists. They revelled in the traditional flavour of the march and took loads of pictures. We gathered in Festival Square. for the speeches. Marti Morrison emphasized the economical importance of celebrating our patron Saint’s day in style and to demand that the day be marked by a full public holiday not just a voluntary one, then a poem written especially for St Andrew was read…
   The evening entertainment was first class, a new line up Fiery Jack opened the action with an acoustic set, renditions of all the favourite Jacobite and Irish tunes to get the crowd in the mood. A small break to catch a quick taxi to the downstairs bar for essential refreshments before the Amazing Albannach, took the floor with their blood pumping Drums and Pipe sound. The energy flowed, the temperature rose and the dance floor filled up in a flash. The Band transported the audience to a different place and time, to an Invincible Scotland Proud and Strong.
   Fiery Jack second set didn’t let the energy level drop an inch with their unique Punk Rock take on traditional songs. “Ye Jacobite by name” and “Killicrankie” brought the house down with a detour via the Clash “I fought the law”. No word of a lie, they were at their best on this night.
  And when all thought the evening was at an end, the crowd was treated to a Special first. The worldwide travelled and renowned Piper “Scottie” played for us and Rab (targe-maker fae Crann Tara) performed his mesmerising Dirk dance to Scottie’s incredible piping, fiery Jack joining in with bodhrans.

What an excellent night. Congratulations to all involved and all who attended. For the rest, don’t get left out, be there next time…

By Rab & Juliette Cairney