On St Andrew's Day 2024, the band had a hectic schedule with ceilidhs on both sides of the border. St Andrew has been honored in Scotland for over a thousand years, with feasts dating back to 1000 AD. However, it was not until 1320, when Scotland's independence was proclaimed with the signing of The Declaration of Arbroath, that he officially became the patron saint of Scotland. St Andrew's Day is celebrated on the 30th of November.
For the third consecutive year, the HotScotch Ceilidh Band performed at an open-air ceilidh at the Ross Bandstand, located in Edinburgh's renowned Princes Street Gardens. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the ceilidh was held as part of Edinburgh's Christmas Festival.
Luckily it was a mild and dry afternoon and we had a brilliant crowd of dancers and onlookers right around the gardens. Dancing some of the old favourites such as the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant, Military Two-Step, Virginia Reel, St Bernard's Waltz, Flying Scotsman, and of course Strip the Willow, Paul and Michael gave the dancers a run through the steps before each dance and kept them right as they went on.
Straight after playing in Edinburgh, Paul, Michael and Jim set off on the road down to Berwidk Upon Tweed to where they played for a St Andrew's Night Ceillidh for the Berwick Cancer Cars Charity in Spittal's Northern View.
Berwick Cancer Cars is a fantastic charity founded by Andrew Smith, providing free transport for individuals with a confirmed cancer diagnosis living in Berwick & District, helping them attend their cancer-related appointments. We have performed for them several times over the years. Nancy's Dancers also gave a splendid display of highland dancing to start the evening.
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