Tartan Week: Celebrating Scottish Heritage
Celebrate the legacy of our shared heritage
EVERY year during March and April--Tartan Week
In the United States, there are more than 20 million people who can claim descent from Scotland, most of whom take immense pride in their Scottish heritage. Throughout much of the country, the first week of April has come to be known as Tartan Week as the festivities of Tartan Day have increased and are now celebrated throughout the week. The festivities include a wide range of activities, cultural events and ceilidhs ('KAY-lees' - parties with singing and dancing) that celebrate the vibrancy of Scottish culture, past and present.
Woodrow Wilson said: "Every line of strength in American history is a line colored with Scottish blood." And this year's Scotland Week once again confirms Scotland's place in the hearts of Americans - and Canada too!
April 6 designated TARTAN DAY
by a Resolution passed by the U.S. Senate March 20, 1998
Numerous groups and societies throughout Canada and America have taken the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) as their national date to celebrate their Scottish roots.
On December 19th 1991, in response to action initiated by the Clans & Scottish Societies of Canada, the Ontario Legislature passed a resolution proclaiming April 6th as Tartan Day, following the example of other Canadian provinces. America followed suit on March 20th 1998, when Senate Resolution 155 (S.Res. 155), proposed by US Senate Republican majority leader Trent Lott, was passed unanimously.
from Declaration of Arbroath
..for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
THE RESOLUTION READS:

WHEREAS April 6 has a special significance for all Americans, and especially those Americans of Scottish descent, because the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, was signed on April 6, 1320 and the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on that inspirational document; and
WHEREAS this resolution honors the major role that Scottish Americans played in the founding of this Nation, such as the fact that almost half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, the Governors in 9 of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry, and Scottish Americans successfully helped shape this country in its formative years and guide this Nation through its most troubled times; and
WHEREAS Scottish Americans have made monumental achievements and invaluable contributions that have led to America's preeminence in the fields of science, technology, medicine, government, politics, architecture, literature, media, and visual and performing arts; and
WHEREAS there are more than 200 organizations throughout the United States that honor Scottish heritage, tradition and culture, representing the hundreds of thousands of Americans of Scottish descent residing in every state; and
WHEREAS those numerous individuals, clans, societies, clubs, and fraternal organizations join us in recognizing the great contributions of the Scottish people to this state and nation; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE U.S. SENATE that we hereby designate April 6, each year as National Tartan Day, in recognition of the immense contributions made by Scottish Americans.
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Tartan Week Table of Contents
- from Declaration of Arbroath
- THE RESOLUTION READS:
- Bagpipes & Chili Peppers
- COUNTDOWN TO TARTAN WEEK
- Tartan Day Proclamation from President Bush
- Presidential Candidates Back Scotland Week
- YOUR NATIONALITY
- Rainy Tartan Day Parade by dustin
- TARTAN WEEK 2008
- PHOTOS OF TARTAN WEEK
- TARTAN WEEK RESOURCES
- Rainy Tartan Day Parade by dustin
- ABOUT TARTANS
- TARTAN T-SHIRTS & STUFF
- NEWS ABOUT TARTAN WEEK
- Events Around the USA
- Tartan Day Ceremony at the Alamo 2008- Picture Courtesy of James David Calhoun
- Blog Posts About Scotland Week
- MY OTHER RELATED LENSES
- BAGPIPES OF SCOTLAND
- DISCOVERING SCOTLAND THRU FILM
- A WEE BIT O' SCOTLAND
- CELEBRATE SCOTLAND
- LEARNING ABOUT SCOTLAND
- Scottish Heritage & Culture Blogs Plexo
- SCOTLAND AND GOLF
- SCOTTISH TEA TIME
- PHOTOS OF SCOTLAND
- Ye Banks and Braes O'Bonnie Doon
- MUSIC OF SCOTLAND ON MYSPACE
- MY CLAN
- MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS
- AMAZON RECOMMENDATIONS
- I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
- SCOTLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
- BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW
The city of New York hosts a special parade that sees tartan-clad drummers, marching bands, dancers and revellers take to the streets for this fun and entertaining parade.
Thousands of spectators line the streets and many bars and restaurants along the parade route around 6th Avenue host special events with Scottish-themed activities and menus.
Other events, such as sporting contests and ceilidhs, take place during the week
(Tartan Week is April 6, 2009)
Tartan Day Proclamation from President Bush
"Scotland and the United States have long shared ties of family and friendship, and many of our country's most cherished customs and ideals first grew to maturity on Scotland's soil. The Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence signed in 1320, embodied the Scots' strong dedication to liberty, and the Scots brought that tradition of freedom with them to the New World. Sons and daughters of many Scottish clans were among the first immigrants to settle in America, and their determination and optimism helped build our Nation's character. Several of our Founding Fathers were of Scottish descent, as have been many Presidents and Justices of the United States Supreme Court. Many Scottish Americans, such as Andrew Carnegie, were great philanthropists, founding and supporting numerous scientific, educational, and civic institutions. From the evocative sounds of the bagpipes to the great sport of golf, the Scots have also left an indelible mark on American culture.
"National Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate all Americans who claim Scottish ancestry, and we are especially grateful for the service in our Armed Forces of Scottish Americans who have answered the call to protect our Nation.
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 6, 2008, as National Tartan Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by celebrating the continued friendship between the people of Scotland and the United States and by recognizing the contributions of Scottish Americans to our Nation."
Presidential Candidates Back Scotland Week
12 U.S. Presidents were of Scottish descent - and with all Presidential candidates claiming Scottish descent, it seems the next President will be as well! This year, in addition to a proclamation from President Bush, all three Presidential candidates have sent messages of support to the Scottish Government for the Tartan Day and Scotland Week celebrations.
Statement from Senator Barack Obama:
"I am proud to recognize the tenth anniversary of the Senate's resolution commemorating Tartan Day. With millions of Americans of Scottish descent living throughout the country, it is important to celebrate the historic relationship between the United States and Scotland, and the great contributions Scottish Americans have made. I wish you the best during this Scotland Week celebration."
Statement from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton:
"I want to extend my congratulations to the millions of Americans of Scottish descent during the April 6 celebration of National Tartan Day, which marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. On this day, we recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Americans of Scottish descent who have played a prominent role in the founding of this country and throughout our history, and who have helped foster a strong relationship between the U.S. and Scotland. I want to reaffirm the tenth anniversary of Senate Resolution 155, which designates this and each April 6 as 'National Tartan Day'."
Statement from Senator John McCain:
"I am pleased to commemorate our nation's longstanding relationship with Scotland. I am particularly honored to do so now, during the first official 'Scotland Week' in the U.S. Marking April 6 as National Tartan Day helps raise awareness among all Americans of the great contributions made by their fellow countrymen of Scottish descent."
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YOUR NATIONALITY
Rainy Tartan Day Parade by dustin
TARTAN WEEK 2008
From its humble beginnings in 1998 in New York City when 2 pipe bands and a ragtag but spirited group of Scottish Americans, including Cliff Robertson, walked from the British Consulate to the United Nations, the parade has evolved to include many bands and 2000 participants.
- MySpace profile for Tartan Week 2008
- MySpace profile for Tartan Week 2008 with pictures, videos, personal blog, interests, information about me and more
- New York Tartan Week - Official Website
- New York Tartan Week - 10th Annual NYC Tartan Day Parade
Saturday, April 5, 2008
PHOTOS OF TARTAN WEEK
TARTAN WEEK RESOURCES
Parades and Celebrations
- Tartan Week 2008 - Scotland's Tartan Day
- Information for Scotland's Tartan Day celebrations in Angus, Scotland. On April 6th every year, Tartan Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath and we have a week of events planned around this festival every year, inviting guests from round the world.
- Scotland: Scotland Vacations, Travel Packages, Tours, Hotel Accommodation & Scottish Lodgings Guide
- The official Scotland travel and tourism Website provides information and offers on Scotland tours, accommodation and vacation planning. Come to Scotland - Welcome to Our Life.
- The Scottish Tartans Museum
- The Scottish Tartans Museum
86 East Main St Franklin,
NC 28734 (828)524-7472 - Scottish Clans Tartans Kilts Crests and Gifts
- Scotclans, a website dedicated to Scottish Clans , Scottish Tartans and historical information.
- A Taste of Tartan Week
- Videos of Tartan Week
- National Tartan Day USA
- National Tartan Day on April 6th honors the Americans of Scottish descent that have played a vibrant and influential role in the development of the United States. Events throughout the country are planned for this Scottish-American holiday created by the U.S. Senate.
- The Caledonian Foundation USA- Home
- THE CALEDONIAN FOUNDATION USA was incorporated under New York State law on March
15, 1976, as a nonprofit organization for the purpose of building support in the
United States for Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow.
Rainy Tartan Day Parade by dustin
ABOUT TARTANS
You can purchase books by clicking on the Titles.
The word "tartan" refers to the pattern of traditional Scottish highland clothing and has become a word that refers to all of Scottish culture, said John Bellassai, president of the Washington St. Andrew Society.
"The terms 'tartan' and 'plaid' get kind of confused and interchanged, but tartan is the proper word," he said.
TARTAN T-SHIRTS & STUFF
NEWS ABOUT TARTAN WEEK
- A BREATH OF SCOTLAND
- The Alexander Brothers will top the bill at next week's show (July 29). Tickets are available from the Webster box office, 01241 435800. The Tartan Lads ...
- NYPD launch Tartan Week hunt for missing city woman
- NEW York police have launched a campaign during Tartan Week in a bid to track down a missing Edinburgh woman. Rosemary Cosgrove, who would now be 52, ...
- Richard Bath: Lights, cameras and plenty of action for 'village of ...
- This week sees the beginning of filming for Hope Springs, a new prime-time BBC1 drama series from Shed Productions, the outfit which has provided the nation ...
- Joburg Fashion Week
- Individuality was inherent in the detail of the collections, from the quirky embroidery patches on the Pink Art frocks to the tartan trim on the tulle ...
Events Around the USA
- National Tartan Day USA
- National Tartan Day on April 6th honors the Americans of Scottish descent that have played a vibrant and influential role in the development of the United States. Events throughout the country are planned for this Scottish-American holiday created by the U.S. Senate.
- New York Tartan Week - Official Website
- New York Tartan Week - Official Website

Tartan Day Ceremony at the Alamo 2008- Picture Courtesy of James David Calhoun
Blog Posts About Scotland Week
- Lloyds TSB Scotland League week 14
- Grange face a vital test at Uddingston as they look to take the Premier title for the second time in three years. Lloyds TSB Scotland League week 14.
- Bingo Scotland Heaps of Great Prizes to Win!
- ... in the Bingo Scotland Bingo Hall, to win you will need to claim the full house in 30 numbers called or less, you can also boost your bingo balance by playing in the awesome chat games that are played 24 hours a day 7 days a week. ...
- Comment on Reformed Presbyterian History: Week 8, Scotland and ...
- I produced a chronological outline of Presbyterian history in Scotland and Ireland for an American pastor, which has been published on my blog here (skip past the first post you see). It is written from an RP perspective, but covers all ...
- Re: What is a Bear rally
- After a nine-week run of losses, the FTSE 100 hit its lowest level in almost three years on July 16. It then bounced, rising almost 6 per cent on the back of better-than-expected results from US banks and a lower oil price before ...
MY OTHER RELATED LENSES
- St. Patrick's Day
- Welcome to the St-Patricks-Day Lens dedicated to the Irish around the world.
- Celtic Women
- It is important to briefly note that the term "Celtic" refers to a diverse body of languages and a varied group of people. The Celtic language includes Irish, Manx, Scots-Gaelic, Welsh, Breton and Cornish. Further, the term "Celtic" has only be en in use since the 18th century classicists coined it. It was they who "lumped together" the Celts as "noble savages" and circulated the modern stereotypes persistent to this day.Celtic Women
- Celebrate Everyday!
- Find something to celebrate everday!
Every Day there are holidays and celebrations around the world.
BAGPIPES OF SCOTLAND
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DISCOVERING SCOTLAND THRU FILM
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Braveheart (Special Collector's Edition)
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Mary of Scotland
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A Shot at Glory
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A WEE BIT O' SCOTLAND
If you are a Neil Young fan or a child of the 60's, be sure to watch the Neil Young video (1976)
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