Tartan Day - A Day to Celebrate All Things Scottish and Awesome Scots

From its origins in Canada, Tartan Day has grown to become a worldwide celebration of Scottish national identity, history and people.

Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage. It’s a celebration of Scotland, its people, heritage, history, culture and its legacy to the world. Tartan Day celebrations typically include parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and other Scottish-themed events.

Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6^th, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland’s sovereignty and independence from England. This document served as the model for the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence.

A timeline of events leading up to Tartan Day:

• In 1982, New York State Governor Hugh Carey, and New York City Mayor Ed Koch declared July 1, 1982, as Tartan Day. It was originally a one time celebration commemorating the 200^th anniversary of the repeal of the Act of Proscription, the law forbidding Scots to wear tartan.

• On March 9, 1986, a “Tartan Day” to promote Scottish heritage in Canada, was proposed by the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia. The provincial legislatures were petitioned to recognize April 6 as Tartan Day. Today all provinces recognize April 6^th as Tartan Day, however, the day is not recognized by the federal government in Canada.

• In 1997 the United States Senate passed a resolution recognizing the influential role that Americans of Scottish descent have played in the development of the United States of America. This was a single year resolution.

• On March 20, 1998 the Senate passed another resolution (Resolution 155) recognizing April 6th as National Tartan Day on a permanent basis. On March 9, 2005 the United States House of Representatives passed a companion resolution (Resolution 41) with the same wording as the Senate resolution.

• On April 4. 2008 President George W. Bush issued a Presidential proclamation declaring April 6, 2008 as National Tartan Day.

Americans of Scottish descent have played a vibrant and influential role in the development of the United States. From the framers of the Declaration of Independence to the first man on the moon, Scottish-Americans have contributed greatly to the fields of the arts, science, politics, law, and more. Today, over eleven million Americans claim Scottish and Scotch-Irish roots, making them the eighth largest ethnic group in the United States. These are the people and the accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day.

Scottish recipes

Scotland is famous for its culinary delights and has produced a number of world-class chefs. Have some Tartan Day fun in the kitchen with the following Scottish recipe.

Tartan Day Recipes

Salad of Hot Smoked Salmon, Mozerrella, Pear and Balsamic Glaze

For 4 people

• 2 pieces of hot smoked salmon,
• 2 balls of buffallo mozerrella,
• 2 conference pears,
• 1 bottle of balsamic glaze.
• 1 bag of seasonal baby salad leaves.

Method

• Core the pear but leave the skin on.
• Quarter lenghtways and slice into 1/2 cm sticks.
• Tear the buffallo mozerrella into chunks.
• Remove the skin underneath the salmon and disregard.
• Break off chunks of Hot smoked salmon.
• Prepare the salad leaves (wash).

Take a handful of salad leaves and place gently onto plate, scatter chunks of salmon and mozzerella over the top and arrange roughly 3 pear slices in the middle. To finish drizzle the balsamic glaze in a zig/zag pattern over the top. Yum!