as a scot in scatland (the american pronunciation) thank you for remembering that it's st andrews day. Andrew became a missionary to Asia Minor, Macedonia, and southern Russia. In 70 AD he was martyred in Patras, Greece. Having many coverts, he was feared by the Roman governor who had him cruxified on an X-shaped cross known as a Saltire Cross. (One of the many Medievil customs of torture). It is this shape that is reflected in the Scottish flag. ( for culture buffs who attribute the southern "bubba or redneck" culture to early Scottish settlers, take note of the similiar designs between the Scottish flag and the Confederate flag). He was the patron saint of Greece, Russia and Of course Scotland. St. Andrew is also invoked against gout and a stiff neck,(great for bryce users) In the year 832AD, Angus mac Fergus, High King of Alba, clashed with a force of Angles and Saxons led by Athelstan. Encouraged by the appearance of a white cross of St Andrew in the blue sky. the Scots and Picts won the battle. Thereafter St Andrew became the patron of Scotland, and his cross, or saltire, the emblem of the Scottish people.