St Andrews is preparing for its biggest ever celebration of the patron saint it takes its name from.
A four-day party is planned in the Fife town including a huge open air ceilidh and a torchlit procession.
The St Andrew’s Day Celebration, one of the country’s key events for Scotland’s national day, will also include a concert and harvest feast for the first time.
Last year’s sell-out, the St Andrews versus the Rest of the World golf match, will be played again.
Thousands of people are expected to come from far and near during the long weekend, from November 27 to 30.
Up to 1,500 dancers are to take part in the Fellowship of St Andrews ceilidh, which will follow an afternoon of music on two stages in Market Street featuring nationally-known performers.
Jim McArthur, chairman of co- ordinator St Andrews Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be launching this year’s programme of events.
“We’re especially pleased to be including around a dozen events being staged by community organisations this will add a real sense of local authenticity and participation.
“St Andrew’s Day will once again be an opportunity for us to celebrate Scotland’s culture here in the town named after our patron saint.”
Headline acts are due to be announced shortly.
The celebrations, supported by numerous local organisations, form part of the Scottish Government’s Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture Fiona Hyslop said: “This year’s programme is shaping up to be another wonderful celebration of Scotland’s national day with something for everyone to enjoy.
“Each year the celebrations in St Andrews get bigger and better and as one of Scotland’s flagship St Andrew’s Day activities, they are sure to bring in visitors from near and far.
“We are proud to support the St Andrews Partnership and the community in their work to celebrate St Andrew’s Day as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals.”
Last year’s St Andrew’s Day Celebration was attended by more than 12,000 people and generated more than £400,000 for the local economy.
Details of further events, tickets and times will be revealed later this month and will be available on the Visit St Andrews website.