WHY do we celebrate the discovery of Guy Fawkes’ conspiracy in Scotland?
We are celebrating the failure of a gentleman who converted to Catholicism and joined 12 other English men to blow up the House of Commons. Although his target was the Stuart king, Guy Fawkes had nothing to do with Scotland. England was a separate country in 1605. There were no Scots in the parliament.
We have a perfectly good day to celebrate in November, St Andrews Day, November 30. This year, make something of it. Get together with your friends on Zoom or Skype or Teams. Get yourselves a glass of whisky and some shortbread or a mug of hot chocolate and a scone, settle down and chat to friends from all over the world. Make it a party if you like. Take it easy and chat. Enjoy the evening. St Andrew is our patron saint. He means something to us.
Forget fireworks. They can be bad for your health, dangerous for your neighbours and hazardous for the fire brigade.
Have a Zooming good St Andrew’s Day instead!
Elizabeth Buchan-Hepburn
Edinburgh
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
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The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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