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
The Way of St Andrews a raid in Northumbria in the north of England. When he found himself surrounded by the much larger pursuing army, that night he prayed, and St Andrew appeared before him and promised him victory. The following day, a huge white cross appeared in the blue sky and this inspired Angus's army to win a great victory. The Flag of Scotland, a white X on a blue background, dates from this event. From then on St Andrew increasingly became accepted as the patron saint of Scotland. About a century later, under rather similar circumstances, St James rose to become the patron