Programme for Saltire 2011 celebrations announced

THE programme for the Saltire 2011 celebrations hosted next month in East Lothian has been announced.

The event kicks off with a special Saltire Race Day at Musselburgh Racecourse on Friday, November 25, followed by a Farmer’s Market in Haddington the next day.

On the Sunday, a St Andrew’s Day Service will be held at Athelstaneford Parish Church followed by the symbolic handing of the flag to the people.

Later that afternoon, St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington will host a celebration of Scottish music and literature.

Then, on St Andrews Night, some of East Lothian’s best bars and eateries will open their doors to a string of live music bands.

Councillor Stuart MacKinnon, cabinet member for economic development and tourism, said: “This is the third year and this year’s festival is really shaping up. We hope that residents and visitors alike will join in.”