Scottish Tartans - National Tartan Day

It's National Tartan Day, celebrated annually on April 6th. Originating in Canada in the mid-1980s to celebrate Scottish heritage. It is now celebrated throughout North America. Read how the declaration of Arbroath inspired the American Declaration of Independence when Sir Billy Connolly led the largest celebration in New York and more!

Original Red Scottich Tartan ©MDHarding

Scottish Tartans - National Tartan Day

About National Tartan Day

Did you know that it is also the 700th anniversary of when the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320? A letter declaring Scottish Independence from English rule and naming Robert the Bruce as the lawful King of Scotland.

The document is said to have inspired the American Declaration of Independence, of which two signers were Scottish-born and half were of Scottish ancestry.

In 1998, the U.S. Senate declared April 6th to be National Tartan Day in recognition of contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States. Local celebrations are often held on the Saturday leading up to National Tartan Day — the largest is an annual parade in New York City which was called off in early March this year. In 2019 Sir Billy Connelly led the New York Parade as Grand Marshall. Over 30,000 people lined the streets to watch the pipe bands performances, ceilidhs, attend workshops and of course parties.

About Scottish Tartan

Scottish Tartan once illegal to wear was outlawed in 1746, and banned by an Act of Parliament following the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746. It was thought that if it was banned it would stop the Scottish Clans. That was until 1782 when the ban was lifted and became the national dress for Scotland. In the 19th century when Queen Victoria and other Royal Family members sons had it accepted as a proper dress once more. Originally made of pure wool but today made from other materials. It's ma