THE Saltire Festival is back for its 10th year, with events taking place across the county from this Sunday to mark St Andrew’s Day and the county being the birthplace of Scotland’s flag.

At the annual St Andrew’s Service at Athelstaneford Parish Church on Sunday, a new Saltire flag will be blessed and hoisted. The service, to be taken by the Rev Mike Watson, starts at 11am.

On Monday, Saltire Raceday takes place at Musselburgh Racecourse. Guests are encouraged to wear something tartan. Doors open at 11.30am.

A screening of the movie Robert The Bruce takes place on Wednesday at The Brunton, Musselburgh at 7.30pm.

There is a free drop-in event at Lanterne Rouge Café, Gifford, next Thursday (November 28), 1-4pm, to celebrate the launch of the Anthology ‘Lanterne Rouge: The Last. The anthology is a compilation of poems on the theme of ‘The Last’. There is live music and poetry from Yester Primary School pupils followed by a free, ticketed evening party, 7-9pm, where guests can hear readings from the poets.

Historian Arran Johnston provides an atmospheric tour of Prestonpans battlefield on the same day at 7.30pm.

Foxlake Adventures near Dunbar is hosting runs through illuminated woodland, with more than 200 runners in 5k and 10k trail runs. The Foxtrail Winter Running Series events start at 6pm next Friday (November 29).

A marathon event also takes place next Saturday (November 30) at 4pm around the 5km loop in the woods.

During the day next Saturday, Haddington Farmers’ Market celebrates St Andrew’s Day, 9am -1pm.

Scottish folk legend Barbara Dickson plays a full band show at The Brunton on the same day at 7.30pm.

Next Sunday (December 1), Dirleton Castle hosts a ‘Man at Arms’ talk which tells tales of siege warfare and castle life. Medieval weapons are on show at the event at 1.30pm.

To close the festival, punk/new wave band The Rezillos play a joint concert with Scottish rock band Big Country at The Brunton at 8pm.

More information and details of how to book all events can be found at visit eastlothian.org/the-saltire