St Andrew’s Day in Mexico

Guest blog by Justin McKenzie Smith *

“Today, 30 November is St Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s national day. It also marks the start of a series of wonderful Winter Festivals in Scotland which light up the dark nights of this special season. You can read more about St Andrew’s Day and the winter festivals on the Gateway to Scotland. It is a great time to visit Scotland – but wrap up warmly!

In the few months since I arrived in Mexico, I have been fascinated to learn about the historical links between Scotland and Mexico. Scottish engineers and craftsmen were involved in the development of mining, oil and other industries in Mexico. And business connections still exist today. Petrofac, the British oil services company, which recently won two Pemex contracts to operate onshore fields in southern Mexico has a large base in Aberdeen, my home town, known as the “oil capital of Europe”.

I have also been struck by the people-to-people contacts that exist, despite the distance. There is a shared fascination in each other’s history and culture. The St Andrew’s Society of Mexico was founded in 1893 and is one of the oldest societies in Mexico. One of my great pleasures since arriving has been hearing the San Patricio’s Battalion Pipe and Drums – a traditional Scottish pipe band made up entirely of Mexicans. They are very talented musicians and perform the repertoire of Scottish pipe tunes with skill and energy. And when the band play Mexican music on their pipes and drums, they bring the house down!

Scotland is a country rich in traditions, but – like Mexico – it is also changing very fast. The people of Scotland have travelled far through the centuries and you will find Scots in almost every corner of the world. One of the most significant changes within Scotland in recent years has been the arrival of people from around the globe, helping to make modern Scotland a diverse and increasingly international society.

These changes are part of an explosion in creativity, innovation and entrepreneurism in Scotland. One of the goals of our Embassy is to strengthen and expand the ties between Mexico and all parts of the United Kingdom, including Scotland. If I can contribute to that process during my time in Mexico I will be very satisfied.”

* Justin McKenzie Smith, Deputy Head of Mission and Director for Trade and Investment.