St Andrew’s Day, on 30 November, is a day of celebration in Scotland and Scottish communities across the world. The Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon took part in a video to wish everyone a happy St Andrew’s Day. But that isn’t all.
Sturgeon used this as an opportunity to encourage people across Scotland and beyond to do “small acts of kindness”:
Happy #StAndrewsDay! 🏴
This year we're encouraging everyone in Scotland to celebrate by carrying out small acts of kindness to #MakeSomeonesDay.
Reply and let us know how you're planning to make someone's day today! pic.twitter.com/Zn7Ll5YQ5W
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) November 30, 2018
The first minister believes that St Andrew’s Day should not only celebrate “Scotland’s history, culture and people but of solidarity and support for others”. She is hoping that anyone in a position to, can do something to help a neighbour or give up their time to a good cause. Sturgeon has also suggested donating belongings no longer needed to charity.
“Small acts of kindness”
So other campaign groups, charities and businesses followed suit. Volunteer Scotland encouraged people to get involved by supporting worldwide projects:
To #MakeSomeonesDay for #StAndrewsDay Volunteer Scotland are supporting & fundraising for @IbbaSchool in South Sudan – find out more about the school and how you can become a supporter here: https://t.co/5nKvHACyt2 pic.twitter.com/19rJINMhq7
— Volunteer Scotland 💚 (@VolScotland) November 30, 2018
Penumbra highlighted awareness around the stigma attached to those suffering from mental health issues:
Mental ill health still has stigma attached and it's important to reach out to a friend or family member and remind them how much they mean to you
This St Andrew's Day #MakeSomeonesDay pic.twitter.com/53VqgWVPrd
— Penumbra Mental Health (@penumbra_scot) November 30, 2018
Campaign group Lead Scotland was also “proud to support” the campaign:
🏴 It is here!! #StAndrewsDay and Lead Scotland are proud to support @Scotland campaign to encourage small acts of kindness. Even a small act of kindness can have an impact on another person's life 💙#MakeSomeonesDay pic.twitter.com/3ckoZtX935
— Lead Scotland (@leadscot_tweet) November 30, 2018
Meanwhile, travel company About Scotland shared this heartwarming video:
Happy St Andrew's Day! 🎉 On this day, Scots all around the world celebrate our nation's traditions, culture, and our patron saint, St Andrew 🏴 This year, join a global movement and #MakeSomeonesDay pic.twitter.com/YxVprjnNoL
— About Scotland (@AboutScotland) November 30, 2018
And finally, the TV channel Dave got involved and suggested how you could make someone’s day:
Different ways that you can #MakeSomeonesDay #BeTheMateYoudWant pic.twitter.com/b2H7wi8UrV
— U&Dave (@davechannel) November 30, 2018
#MakeSomeonesDay
It didn’t take long for “little acts of kindness” from Scotland and beyond to start flowing. Activist Davie Donaldson nominated Sturgeon to take part in the “foodbank trolly challenge” as he has done:
I nominate @NicolaSturgeon! Will you support the Gypsy/Traveller community in their ‘foodbank trolly challenge’ to help make a real difference to the homeless and those facing poverty this Christmas? #makesomeonesday @BBCScotland pic.twitter.com/1s8xYVF7wB
— Davie Donaldson (@DavieDonaldson) November 30, 2018
The movement has inspired foodbank donations up and down the UK:
Not in Scotland, but going to Costco today and will get some stuff to donate to our local food bank.
— John Duncan Burns (Dogooder human rights advocate) (@jb4cfm) November 30, 2018
Pupils at Auchmuty High School are making pledges on what kind acts they will do over the weekend:
S1 pupils @AuchmutyHS have been making pledges of what they are going to do today or this weekend. #MakeSomeonesDay #StAndrewsDay pic.twitter.com/yfh0EbTOom
— Mrs Whyte – RME/ RMPS (@mrswhytetweets) November 30, 2018
And a fun day is being held to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice:
We are celebrating by holding a fundraiser family fun day in aid for Strathcarron Hospice #BEMIS #St_andrews_fair_Saturday #scottish_winter_festival
— Eman (@emanweil) November 30, 2018
St Andrew’s Day
And more St Andrew’s Day well wishes were sent from the rest of the UK. David Schneider made everyone’s day with his exclusive tabloid scoop:
https://twitter.com/davidschneider/status/1068477872095023105
And Jeremy Corbyn pledged to make St Andrew’s Day a bank holiday across the UK if Labour is elected:
Happy St Andrew's Day to those celebrating in Scotland and around the world.
Under Labour, we'll make today a bank holiday across the UK. #StAndrewsDayhttps://t.co/mRMouZby5R
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 30, 2018
Across Scotland, there will be celebrations large and small. It is positive to see the leader of a country use it’s national day to spread a message of kindness and selflessness. Long may it continue.
And as is said in Gaelic ‘latha fèill Anndrais sona dhuibh’ or Happy St Andrews Day to all our readers, and remember to make someone’s day.
Featured image via Endrick Shelleycoat/Wiki Commons
