Tartan Day History

Tartan Day was conceived by the U.S. Senate in 1998 in recognition of the valuable contribution made by the Scots to the foundation, character and prosperity of America. The date was selected to commemorate 6th April, 1320 when the Declaration of Arbroath, initiating an independent Scotland, was signed and presented to the Pope, a document later to be the inspiration behind the American Declaration of Independence.

Today there are said to be at least 13 million Americans claiming Scottish ancestry, according to the latest Census figures. Further research increases this figure to nearer 35 million - or even more. Statistics aside, the importance is the undeniable fact that many entrepreneurs, industrialists, inventors and politicians over the past few hundreds of years who achieved remarkable success across America came originally from Scotland. Andrew Carnegie, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Neil Armstrong and John Muir are just a few of the many famous Scots who made America great.

Over the past four years Tartan Day has grown in cultural and political significance with events taking place in Washington, Chicago and New York to promote business, arts, travel and tourism.

The Wallace Award

p>The Wallace Award is an asset of the American Scottish Foundation®. First awarded in 1970, it was awarded annually thereafter until 1988. The Foundation revived the Wallace Award in 2000. The recipient was Senator Trent Lott, then Republican Senate Majority Leader. Senator Lott received the Award in recognition of his sponsorship of Senate Resolution 155 that adopted April 6, in perpetuity, as National Tartan Day... Read more >>

The Declaration of Arbroath

Arbroath Abbey hosted the most significant event in Scottish history. On 6 April 1320 the Scottish Declaration of Independence was signed by the assembled Scottish nobility in Arbroath Abbey. The Declaration was addressed to the Pope who had given his support to Edward II and excommunicated Robert the Bruce. The nobles had to intervene in the dispute between the Bruce and the Pope. The Declaration explained how the Bruce had rescued the country from a dreadful situation and for this they would support him in all things. Read a translation of the Declaration >>