Past Tartan Weeks

2011 - New York celebrated Scottish-American heritage

Officers and members of the ASF march up Avenue of the Americas
during the 2011 Tartan Day Parade

The American-Scottish Foundation® is proud to be one of the three founder members of The National Tartan Day New York Committee and to have been involved with Tartan Week and the Tartan Day Parade from the outset.

April 3 to 10: a full week of events, topped off with a parade.

In addition to the ASF undertaking several events in New York during Tartan Week 2011, the ASF as a member of the Scottish Coalition attended ceremonies in Washington DC on National Tartan Day, April 6th. ASF Board member, Brian Andersson, joined members of the Scottish caucus and organization in the nation's capital in honoring the day.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Tartan Week 2011!

The National Tartan Day New York Committee invited all New Yorkers to join in celebrating the 13th Annual Tartan Week from April 3 to 10, with a full range of Scottish-themed activities and events that covered the city. There were plenty of events to choose from during the week.

Pipers, drummers, members of Scottish organizations and clans (and cute wee Scottish and West Highland Terriers) were all there. We had a great day.

And following the Parade, ASF members enjoyed cocktails and conversation at Scotland House® and many went on to a wonderful After Party at STOUT.

A Selecion of Tartan Week Events in which ASF was involved

April 6, 2011
Lunchtime Concerts in celebration of Tartan Week - free concerts organised by The American-Scottish Foundation® in The British Garden at Hanover Square.

Thursday, April 7, 2011
Alexander Hamilton: Lineage and Legacy - a reception showcasing an exhibit organized in association with The Museum of American Finance as part of the Tartan Week events.

Saturday, April 9, 2011
National Tartan Day Parade and Tartan Week, April 3-10
Marching in the Parade up Sixth Avenue on April 9!

2010 - New York celebrated Scottish-American heritage
April 3 to 10, culminating in the National Tartan Day Parade

The National Tartan Day New York Committee invited all New Yorkers to join in celebrating the 12th Annual Tartan Week from April 3 to 10, with a full range of Scottish-themed activities and events that covered the city. From a 10k run in Central Park, to the sound of bagpipes and Scottish music in Lower Manhattan; from the celebration of fashion innovation to the discussion of business opportunities; there were events for all during the week.

On Saturday April 10, the thrilling sounds of marching bands brought the 12th Annual Tartan Day Parade to the Avenue of the Americas. The parade began at 2pm and Alex Fergusson, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, was Grand Marshal. The parade ran from 45th Street to 55th Street. Over 3,000 pipers, drummers, enthusiasts, and members from Scottish clans and societies near and far were joined by the biggest pack of wee Scotties and Westies in any parade, bringing New Yorkers together in celebrating Scottish-American heritage and friendship.

Events During Tartan Week 2010 included :

Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 4
On Ellis Island, there will be two days of events and pageantry representing Scottish immigrant history. www.tartandayonellisisland.com

Saturday April 3
Tartan Week began with the annual Scotland Run, a 10k event through Central Park commencing at 10am on Saturday April 3rd: www.nyrr.org

Monday, April 5
Lower Manhattan was filled with the sound of bagpipes, from Stone Street to Water Street, as Scotland’s contribution to the US is celebrated. Stone Street’s cobbled walkways once again rocked with a range of Scottish and Scottish-American music, following a concert at 6pm in The British Garden at Hanover Square with MacTalla Mor, Laura McGhee, A Whisky Kiss "unplugged" and the New York Scottish Pipes and Drums. Music continued on Stone Street from 7pm with performances at Ulysses and Beckett's.

Later that evening, fashion took center stage with Dressed to Kilt, a gala evening of celebrities and models showing tartan-inspired fashion with a definite twist: www.dressedtokilt.com

Tuesday, April 6
On Tuesday afternoon The American-Scottish Foundation® hosted, in association with the Scottish Government and the Financial Times, the Adam Smith Business Forum. The discussion was on the very timely topic of moral leadership and “the economic imperative.”

Wednesday, April 7
One of Scotland’s leading exports was highlighted at the Chelsea Piers, when Whisky Live presented an evening of great whisky, fine food and entertainment: www.whiskylive.com

Thursday, April 8
The St. Andrew's Society hosted a reception and private viewing of an exhibit of Harry Benson’s photographic work. www.standrewsny.org

Friday, April 9
The New York Caledonian Club hosted their annual Pre-Parade Ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee), a true down-home Scottish dance party: www.nycaledonian.org

Saturday, April 10
Parade Day began at 10am with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, followed by the Parade up Sixth Avenue at 2pm: www.tartanweek.com

Having watched and joined in the fun of the Parade on April 10, patrons headed to Stout, 133 West 23rd Street, which featured the best in live Scottish music as Enter The Haggis and Barleyjuice rocked the stages, starting at 4.30pm and running to the late hours.

Sadie is indeed a Great Scot! Sadie the Scottie wins Westminster…

Scottish terrier Sadie has became America's new top-dog, winning Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden, New York.

This is Sadie’s 112th Best In Show ribbon … so this really gives the New York’s Scotties a reason to come join the Parade.