Raising the curtain on St Andrews Day

Join the discussion on looking back and looking forward to St Andrew’s Day. Understand the history and the adoption of our national day. Explore how we increase the relevance, resonance and opportunity provided by having a patron saint celebrated both in Scotland and internationally. 

Chair: Michelle Thomson MSP, Convener, Cross-Party Group on St Andrew’s Day

Panellists:

Professor Dauvit Broun has taught medieval Scottish history at the University of Glasgow since 1990 (since 2009 as holder of the chair in Scottish History). His publications include Scottish Independence and the Idea of Britain from the Picts to Alexander III, and he was involved in producing the People of Medieval Scotland database. He has researched the foundation-legend of St Andrews, most recently for a study of the Church and the beginnings of Scotland.

Yvette Hopkins, a former US military officer, commercial executive, non-executive chair and board director, Yvette has global business experience, recently leading critical programs in the establishment of a Scottish vertical launch spaceport. Board positions include space, business, women, defence, and charity sectors. Yvette is a global keynote public speaker on the topics of leadership, space, and business entrepreneurship.

Dennis Canavan was a Labour MP for twenty-five years then an Independent MSP for eight years. Before retiring, he introduced the St Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act. As secretary of the Cross-Party Group on St. Andrew's Day, he still campaigns for more recognition of Scotland's National Day.

Karley Mooney, MSYP for Coatbridge and Chryston