Millions of Scots will be celebrating today as November 30 marks St Andrew's Day in the country.

It is a special day in the calendar commemorating the disciple of the New Testament within Christianity.

Also known as ‘Andermas’ or ‘the Feast of Saint Andrew’ it brings together families to celebrate Scottish culture.

Ceilidhs, parades and other events will take place all around the country to mark the occasion.

Barrhead News: St Andrew's day is an official flag day for ScotlandSt Andrew's day is an official flag day for Scotland (Image: Canva)

Who is Saint Andrew?

In Christianity, Saint Andrew was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, and was said to have travelled to Greece to share the teachings of the religion.

He eventually ended up being crucified at Patras on a diagonally-shaped cross as by his own request, according to the BBC website.

This was because he supposedly felt unworthy to be crucified on the upright cross of Christ.

Why do we celebrate him?

According to legend the bones of Saint Andrew made their way to Scotland after Saint Regulas, a Greek monk and keeper of Saint Andrew's relics at Patras, was told in a vision to bring them west on a ship.

From there wherever they ended up landing he was told to lay the foundations of a church.

He ended up landing in Scotland and it was not long after that when the Apostle appeared to the Pictish King, promising victory to his enemies.

In gratitude, the King confirmed the dedication of St. Regulus Church to God and Saint Andrew, according to the BBC website.

Additionally, Saint Andrew supposedly appeared to King Angus in a dream in 832AD, promising victory over the invading King Athelstane.

During the battle, a saltire cross was seen in the sky, putting heart into the Scots.

The BBC website says: "Athelstane was killed at the ford over the Cogtail burn. In gratitude, Angus gave gifts to the church of Saint Regulus at St Andrews. He then ordered the Cross of Saint Andrew to be the badge of the Picts."

However, it was during the reign of Malcolm Canmore and Queen Margare that devotion to Saint Andrew became nationwide and Andrewmas was made a national festival.