At this time of year we are inundated with adverts trying to get us to spend money in a splurge of consumerism which retailers call ‘Black Friday’. In a response to this encouragement to spend, spend, spend – even for items you do not need or cannot afford – the international cultural community has come together to create Fair Saturday.

On Fair Saturday in Scotland, 25th of November, we also celebrate St Andrews Day.

Originating in Bilbao in 2014, Fair Saturday is a very simple idea. We believe that there are two essential elements to build fairer and more developed societies: culture and empathy. Fair Saturday aims to respond to Black Friday in a positive way by prioritising culture and social empathy towards the most vulnerable in our society. Artists and cultural organisations from across Scotland and over the world get together in a global festival following just one requirement: to support a social cause of their choice through their event. 2023 Scotland Programme

Across the nation cultural events are taking place . You can find out more here: St Andrews Fair Saturday 2023

In Orkney there are two events taking place on Saturday 25th November: The Pier Arts Centre, and The Northlight Gallery – both are in Stromness.