Greetings for National Tartan Day – April 6, 2005!
For many people, National
Tartan Day is a day of remembrance as much as celebration.
It is a day when we remember that one way or another, one
day our families left their homes in Scotland and travelled
across the sea to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and
so many other places. With them they brought bits of their
homes, their cherished tartan and bagpipes, and their skill
and industry. They built new lives and helped build
nations. Today, we celebrate their achievement which led to
our own. We seek to educate so that the memory and
achievement of our families and Scots everywhere will not be
forgotten. Thus remembering, informed by our past we seek
to understand the present as we step into the future
together in the hope of building a better life for us all.
There are nearly as many
descendants of Scots living in Canada as there are people
living in Scotland; almost 5 million. In the US there are
more than 12 million people of Scottish descent. National
Tartan Day became a holiday when first enacted by the
Canadian government in 1993, and then by the US 1997.
Today, it is also a holiday in Scottish communities from
Australia to Iceland, and around the world. Last year, it
also became a holiday in Angus, Scotland – see “Scotland’s
Tartan Day is returning to Arbroath in Scotland for the
second year running. This now international event
highlights an annual celebration of all things Scottish.” -
http://www.scotlandstartanday.com/ .
What does Scotland mean on National Tartan Day 2005?
Is
it about tartan and bagpipes, or is it about families and
health care, education and self-reliance, entrepreneurship
and the environment, culture and innovation, the history of
Scots around the globe or the future of contemporary Scots
as global players, or is it about all of these?
Is it a day to
celebrate the best of our heritage and the land where our
families began, a day to learn about the rich culture and
enjoy the deep passion we feel toward this rarest of gifts,
Scotland and its people?
Why is National Tartan Day a holiday?
Is it because
the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320 is household
knowledge, or because Braveheart William Wallace was
executed for leading his belief in freedom 750 years ago
(his true sword will be on display in NYC in its first trip
outside of Scotland), is it because Scotland in 2005 is as
it was then, or is it because each of us relishes the spirit
of independence and cherishes the freedom that date
represents?
Is it because the 1747 Act of Proscription (repealed in 1782), and in 2005
Cambridge University prohibit wearing the kilt, or is it
that our beloved tartan is a reflection of the hues and
tones of human experience that bind us together from every
corner of the world where Scots helped build a better life
for themselves and those around them?
Is it because
Voltaire said “We
look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation.”,
because the great French philosopher saw the ideas that
shaped modern western society and philosophical inquiry in
the 18th century “Scottish Enlightenment”, or is
it because those same ideas thrive in contemporary Scotland
today?
Is it because Scots
everywhere, past and present, contribute to the world in
every walk of life from science to the arts, because they
are famous, or is it because they are like us, our families,
friends and neighbours, you and I?
Is
it because Scots alone built so many great nations, because
Scots have a corner on self-reliance and courage of
conviction, or is it because the ideals and values of a
people provided a vision and voice carrying inventiveness,
art and healing round the world?
How can we make this celebration meaningful to them?
There are so many ways to add
meaning to this celebration.
Honour your family, your heritage by
learning more about contemporary Scotland and its people
today. On National Tartan Day, 2005, wherever you are,
share the celebration of contemporary and historic
Scotland.
Celebrating the Pipes
Loch Broom Bay
(by Gordon Duncan)
CELEBRATE
NATIONAL TARTAN DAY IN NEW YORK 2005
Almost a month
of events
APRIL 1 - 24
GREAT
PARADE
Saturday, April 2nd at 2:00pm
6th Avenue, from
44th Street to 58th Street, great music,
costumes and photo opportunities,
COME MARCH WITH US!
LIVE SCOTTISH VILLAGE
by VisitScotland at New York’s Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central
Terminal during Tartan Week, April 2-10
Calendars of
events below and also available online at:
www.TartanWeekNY.com ,
http://www.tartanweek.com/ ,
http://www.standrewsny.org/ ,
http://nycaledonian.org/events.php ,
http://www.clancurrie.com/
Friday, April 1
National
Tartan Day Observance on Ellis Island,
Opening of "The Life and Legacy of John Muir", Statue of
Liberty/Ellis Island, National Monument,
http://www.clancurrie.com/
Pre-Parade
Ceilidh
& Concert – Join the
New York Caledonian Club for a performance of “Scotland’s Heroes”
followed by piping and dancing. Held at the 7th
Regimental Armory, 643 Park Ave, 7pm, $15 for members, $20 for
others, www.nycaledonian.org,
212-662-1083
Saturday,
April 2
Kirkin
of the Tartan
-- Free non-denominational church service held at 10 am, Central
Presbyterian Church, 593 Park Avenue,
followed by brunch ($20 tickets,
reservations required),
http://www.standrewsny.org/ , 212-223-4248
LIVE SCOTTISH VILLAGE
-
a modern, modular exhibition space
created by VisitScotland to travel around the world, making visitors
aware of the many attractions Scotland offers will be making its
international debut at New York’s Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central
Terminal during Tartan Week, April 2-10. Exhibitors in
the Scottish Village for Tartan Week include VisitScotland, the
Scottish Executive, Glenfiddich, Scottish Development International,
Taste of Scotland, Historic Scotland, Ancestral Scotland, Golf in
Scotland, Local Authorities and Continental Airlines. The Scottish
Village is open to the public 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, April 2 through
April 9, and 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, April 10. Admission is free.
Live Music
– Check out two of Scotland’s hottest Celtic-inspired bands,
Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries, performing live at Vanderbilt
Hall. Free and open to the public. Noon
Live Scottish
Cooking Demonstrations
– Join Scottish chefs Kevin MacGillivray of the Ballathie House
Hotel and Joe Queen, a former member of the Scottish Culinary
Olympic team, as they prepare Scottish delicacies at Vanderbilt
Hall. Free samples! 1 and 5 pm
NATIONAL
TARTAN DAY NEW YORK PARADE
-- Scottish groups, pipe bands,
individual pipers and drummers join in the celebration of Scottish
heritage and culture. Parade starts at 2 pm on 6th Avenue and runs
from 44th Street to 58th Street, great music,
costumes and photo opportunities, come march with us!
Post-Parade
Party
– Live Scottish music at Maggie’s
Place performed by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries, sponsored
by Glenfiddich Whisky. 21 East 47th Street, 3-7 pm
Live
Dance
– “Off-Kilter” is a sexy, funny and
uplifting production that combines dance, live music and film in
celebration of Scotland’s unique culture. Performed at Vanderbilt
Hall, free and open to the public, 4 pm
ENTER
THE HAGGIS New York Caledonian Club Post-Parade Party
- Enter the Haggis's explosive Celtic rock combines the traditional
sounds of the highland bagpipe and fiddle with a powerhouse rhythm
section and strong vocals to create an infectious, danceable hybrid
of old and new. The five members bring the same high energy to their
renditions of Scottish and Irish folk tunes as they do to their
original compositions, which also draw on bluegrass, Latin, and jazz
influences. Their boisterous live show has made them a favorite at
festivals and clubs across North America since they formed in 1996
in Toronto, Canada. $15 Advance, $20 at the door,
6 PM at Knitting
Factory, Main Performance Space, 74 Leonard Street,
www.nycaledonian.org
Tartan Army NYC
Tartan Day Party
– Scottish music, cuisine and
drinks beginning at 8 pm. Free admission. Mundial, 505 East 12th
Street,
www.tartanarmynyc.com
Sunday,
April 3
Live
Music
– Free live performances by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries at
Vanderbilt Hall. 11 am and 6:30 pm
Live
Scottish Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! Noon and 3 pm
Live Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall is a sexy, funny and uplifting production that
combines dance, live music and film in celebration of Scotland’s
unique culture. Performed at Vanderbilt Hall, free and open to the
public, 1 and 5 pm
Scottish
Fashion Show
– See the latest fashions from Scottish designers Howie Nicholsby
and Jilli Blackwood at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the
public. 2 and 5:45 pm
Scottish
Run
– Led by an authentic British
“tartan taxi,” hundreds of kilt-wearing runners compete in this 10K
run – the last qualifying run for the New York Marathon – which
begins at 9:30 am Central Park West near 62nd and
finishes at 67th.
212-860-4455
Monday,
April 4
Live
Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall. 11am and 3 pm
Live
Scottish Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! Noon and 5 pm
Live
Music
– Free live performances by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries at
Vanderbilt Hall. 1 and 6:30 pm
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. 2pm and 6 pm
Journey
Through Scotland
– Exhibition of finest watercolors, prints and drawings from
Scottish artists. Free event, open through June 12 at 34 East 69th
Street.
Tuesday, April 5
Live
Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall. 11 am and 3 pm
Live
Scottish Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! Noon and 5 pm
Shooglenifty,
Live at Vanderbilt Hall
– Free live performance by Shooglenifty. 1 pm
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. 2 and 5:30 pm
Peatbog
Faeries, Live at Vanderbilt Hall
– Free live performance by Shooglenifty. 6:30 pm
Icons of
Scotland
-- Winners of the annual Icons of Scotland awards will be honored at
the Waldorf Astoria, featuring actor Alan Cumming. Cocktails begin
at 6:30 pm, dinner at 7:30 p.m. Invitation only.
www.scotlandmag.com/icons2005
Wednesday, April
6 – NATIONAL TARTAN DAY
Ancestral
Scotland
-- Scotland’s leading genealogist,
Cameron Taylor will help Scottish-Americans trace their roots during
live demonstrations and free one-on-one sessions at Vanderbilt Hall.
11 am
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. Noon
Shooglenifty,
Live at Vanderbilt Hall
– Free live performance by Shooglenifty. 1 pm
Live Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall. 3 pm
Live Scottish
Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! 5 pm
Peatbog
Faeries, Live at Vanderbilt Hall
– Free live performance by Shooglenifty. 6:30 pm
Live Music at St. Andrews
– Join Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries as they perform at
New York City’s only Scottish pub,
St. Andrews. 120 West 44th Street, 8:30-11 pm
British
Memorial Garden
– Scotland's Three Tenors will perform at the future home of the
British Memorial Garden, honoring the 67 British victims of the 9/11
attacks. Scottish Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Patricia
Ferguson will present a symbolic stone for the garden to Manhattan
Borough Commissioner William Castro.
www.britishmemorialgarden.org, Hanover Square,
Pearl Street, 11:45 am
Dressed to Kilt
-- This celebrity
fashion show is held annually during Tartan Week to celebrate
Scotland’s greatest icon -- the kilt.
This year’s celebrities include Sean
Connery, Gerry Butler (Phantom
of the Opera), Ted Allen and Thom Filicia (Queer
Eye for the Straight Guy), Bill Hemmer (CNN)
and many more.
www.dressedtokilt.com
Thursday, April
7
Live
Scottish Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! Noon
Live Music
– Free live performances by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries at
Vanderbilt Hall. 1 and 6:30 pm
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. 2 and 5:45 pm
Live Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall. 3 pm
Ancestral
Scotland
genealogy one-on-one sessions at
Vanderbilt Hall. 5 pm
Whisky Live
is making its New York debut this year during Tartan Week, where
whisky lovers can gain incredible insight into the world of whisky
as they taste Scotland’s best. Tickets begin at $80. The event
begins at 6:30 (5:30 pm for Platinum ticket holders) at Tavern on
the Green.
www.whiskylive.com/usa/newyork-2005 or call 866-700-7320
Battlefield Band -featuring Paul Anderson
- Inspired by
their rich heritage of Celtic music and fired by the strength and
vibrancy of today's Scottish cultural scene, which indeed they have
done much to create and fuel, they have led, and been at the
forefront, of a great revival in Scottish music. Refusing to be
limited musically by suffocating antiquarianism, or the music
business' fashions, they have mixed the old songs and music with a
new self-penned repertoire, all played on a fusion of ancient and
modern instruments - bagpipes, fiddle, synthesiser, guitar, flutes,
bodhran and accordion, 7:30pm, SATALLA, 37 WEST 26TH ST,
212-576-1155,
www.satalla.com
Friday, April 8
Live Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall. Noon and 3 pm
Live Music
– Free live performances by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries at
Vanderbilt Hall. 1 and 6:30 pm
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. 2 pm
Live Scottish
Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! 5 pm
Ancestral
Scotland
genealogy one-on-one sessions at
Vanderbilt Hall. 6 pm
Saturday,
April 9
Ancestral
Scotland
-- Scotland’s leading genealogist,
Cameron Taylor will help Scottish-Americans trace their roots during
a live demonstration at Vanderbilt Hall. 11 am
Live Music
– Free live performances by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries at
Vanderbilt Hall. Noon and 5:45 pm
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. 1 and 5 pm
Live Dance
– “Off-Kilter” performs live daily
at Vanderbilt Hall. 2 and 7 pm
Live Scottish
Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! 4 pm
Sunday,
April 10
Scottish
Fashion Show
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free and open to the public. 11 am and 5 pm
Live Scottish
Cooking Demonstrations
at Vanderbilt Hall. Free samples! Noon and 4 pm
Live Music
– Free live performances by Shooglenifty and the Peatbog Faeries at
Vanderbilt Hall. 1 and 5:45 pm
Ancestral
Scotland
genealogy one-on-one sessions at
Vanderbilt Hall. 2 pm
Sunday,
April 24
Phil Cunningham & Aly Bain -
Widely regarded as
one of the most exciting and innovative accordion players of the
times, Phil Cunningham has taken this instrument from strength to
strength, setting the standards by which many young players fix
their sights today. Aly Bain is Scotland's supreme traditional
style fiddler. His playing is unique - driving, impassioned and pure
- with vibrant, unmistakable tone that has earned him a following of
ardent fans throughout the world. 7 pm, SATALLA, 37 WEST 26TH ST,
212-576-1155,
www.satalla.com
Events subject
to change, for updated information please visit the calendars online
at:
www.TartanWeekNY.com
http://www.tartanweek.com/
http://www.standrewsny.org/
http://nycaledonian.org/events.php
http://www.clancurrie.com/
"Figh
breacan an ama tha romhainn, Alba ar latha-ne, ionnsaich e, gabh ris,
cuir ris."*
"Weave
the tartan of tomorrow, contemporary Scotland, learn it, love it,
invest in it."
"Moran
taing," Many thanks,
Chris
Dr.
Christopher Pratt
globalscot
-
http://www.globalscot.com/public/index.aspx
74th Chief, New York Caledonian
Club, 1856 -
http://nycaledonian.org
Board Member At Large, Clan Grant
Society USA -
http://www.clangrant-us.org/ - "Tenons
Ferme",
Stand Fast!
Saint Andrew's Society of the State
of New York, 1756 -
http://www.standrewsny.org/
Founding Director, National Tartan
Day - New York, 2003 -
http://www.tartanweek.com/
Saint David's Society of the State
of New York
Friends of Scotland UK -
http://www.friendsofscotland.gov.uk/
National Trust for Scotland -
http://www.nts.org.uk/web/site/home/home.asp?
Historic Scotland -
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/
Scottish Heritage USA, Inc -
http://www.scottishheritageusa.org/
646-314-8464
"Cuimhnich
air na daoine on tàinig thu."* Remember those from whom you are
descended.
*Translation
thanks to Scotland's only Gaelic College,
Sabhal Mor Ostaig,
Sleat, Isle of Skye,
University of the Highlands and Islands by Iain MacDiarmaid and
Susie Hardy -
http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/
The Auld Alliance
The treaty became known as 'The
Auld Alliance' and lasted for seven centuries.
Under John Balliol, Edward I's
nominee, Scotland felt to the full its humiliating position as a
vassal kingdom, and on 23 October 1295 made an alliance with
France, another country which was actively hostile to the
English. The treaty was confirmed by Balliol on 23
February following when the 'communities' of the burghs of
Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh, Roxburgh and Berwick, as
well as clerical and lay magnates, appended their seals in token
of their approval. The treaty provided for the marriage of
Edward, son of John Balliol, to the niece of King Philip of
France, but the more significant clauses related to promises of
mutual assistance against England.
Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrive;
Contre nous, de la tyrannie
L'etendard sanglant est leve,
L'etendard sanglant est leve.
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces feroces soldats?
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
Egorger nos fils, nos
compagnes.
Aux armes, Citoyens!
Formez vos bataillons!
Marchons!
Marchons!
Qu'un sang impur abreuve nos sillons.
Amour sacre de la Patrie
Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs
Libertie, Libertie cherie,
Combats avec tes defenseurs;
Combats avec tes defenseurs;
Sous nos drapeaux, que la Victoire
Accoure a tes males accents,
Que tes ennemis expirants
Voient notre triomphe et votre gloire.
Aux armes, Citoyens!
Formez vos battaillons!
Marchons!
Marchons!
Qu'un sang impur abreuve nos sillons.
Footnote - This marching song of the French
Army of the Revolution became the National Anthem of France. We print it
to celebrate both the French National Day, Bastille Day on 14th July,
and to commemorate the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France.
