On 30th November the world celebrates St Andrew's Day, Scotland's national day.  Given that the national day falls on a Friday this year, the patron saint's day is the ideal excuse to take a weekend break in Scotland, with parties galore happening throughout the country.

Here are some things you can do this year, or plan to be part of next year:

Free St Andrew's Day Carnival in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the epicentre of the St Andrew's Day celebrations, with the centrepiece being a massive free carnival held at the city's castle, featuring an amazing mix of contemporary dance, a fantastic light show, dazzling fireworks and a unique twist on the sound of pipes and drums.

A two-bedroom city-centre apartment is the modern, stylish and contemporary way to make the best of your stay in Scotland's capital.  They offer a luxurious home from home, with two bathrooms, spacious fully-fitted kitchens, free wireless internet and underground parking.

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Celebrate St Andrew at St Andrews

Where better to celebrate Scotland's patron saint than in the town which bears his name, on the east coast of Scotland, about 15 miles from Dundee? St Andrews is the home of the St Andrews Festival, which runs from 23rd November to 2nd December.  On the day itself, the town comes alive with a free pipe band-led torchlight procession through the streets, followed by a free ceilidh for all.

Just 20 miles away across the Tay Bridge is Piperdam Lodges, an ideal location for families and groups of friends planning a St Andrews celebration weekend.  Part of Hoseasons' Go Active Breaks programme, there is a huge range of activities on offer from quad biking to archery, golf to fencing, as well as a 20 metre indoor pool and leisure centre.

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Celebrating the Saltire

The Saltire - the Scottish flag - is said to have its home in East Lothian, and Saltire 2012 is a festival designed to celebrate that fact, with a programme of events centred around the town of Haddington.  A number of pubs and restaurants are putting on special menus with Scottish folk music, there is a special Saltire ceilidh dinner on Friday 30th November at the town's Corn Exchange, and on Saturday 1st December at the Town's parish church, local-girl-made-good Barbara Dickson will be performing a special St Andrew's Day concert.

A few miles away is Gardeners Cottage at Broxmouth Park, a four bedroom cottage sleeping up to ten people,  just a 10 minute stroll from the beach and near a picturesque lake within 150 acres of stunning parkland and woodlands surrounding the elegant Georgian mansion of Broxmouth.  Visitors are welcome to roam the park, spotting roe deer among the trees and enjoying trout fishing on the lake and stream or simply relaxing at the water's edge, watching out for the local heron swooping in to pinch the fish.

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The Hoseasons Group (THG) is the UK's leading supplier of self catering holiday accommodation with a portfolio of over 27,000 properties across the UK and Europe.

For more information on St Andrews Day....