Culture of Scotland to support Gaelic-speaking communities in both Scotland and Ireland and to promote links between them. Scotland retains its own national church, separate from that of England. See Church of Scotland and Religion in the United Kingdom. There is also a large minority of Roman Catholics, around 16% of the population. The patron saint of Scotland is Saint Andrew, and Saint Andrew's Day is celebrated in Scotland on 30 November. Saint (Queen) Margaret, Saint Columba and Saint Ninian have also historically enjoyed great popularity. As one of the Celtic nations, Scotland is represented at interceltic events at home and around the
Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York The Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York is the oldest charitable institution in the state of New York. The organization was founded in 1756 by Scottish founders in New York City who were looking to "relieve the distressed." It was named for the patron saint of Scotland, Saint Andrew. Past presidents of the society include Philip Livingston, William Alexander (the "Earl of Stirling"), Andrew Carnegie and Ward Melville. The society still provides for needy Scots in New York City via its almoners program and has a scholarship program