What is Tartan Day?
Tartan Day takes place on 6 April and is a chance for people around the world to celebrate their connections to Scotland. First recognised in Canada in 1987, the event is now marked around the world.
From family heritage, doing business, studying or a favourite destination, Tartan Day provides an opportunity to showcase what Scotland has to offer.
Tartan Day was founded in Nova Scotia as an annual celebration of Scottish culture and heritage and has grown more popular every year. In the US, it was declared ‘Tartan Day’ by the Senate in 1998 to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States.
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Photo credit: Andrew Kelly Bowery Image Group New York
The biggest global celebration is held in New York, with a week of events culminating in the NYC Tartan Day Parade, which takes place this year on Saturday 11 April.
Tartan Day is an opportunity to celebrate this special connection from across the globe. Scotland is not just a place, it’s a feeling, and if you could bottle it, the spirit would warm the hearts of people all over the world.
Yet we're not talking about whisky - we're talking about the thousands of people who come together every year to celebrate the spirit of Scotland.
Celebrating Scotland in style
From its origin in North America, Tartan Day has grown to be celebrated around the world, from Australia and New Zealand to Argentina.
In some locations, including the US and Canada, Tartan Day is marked on 6 April. This date coincides with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath – Scotland's own Declaration of Independence – which took place in 1320.
Inspired by the NYC Tartan Day Parade, the Edinburgh Tartan Parade will take place on 9 May in the heart of the city. The event will showcase dancers, pipe bands, musicians and clan tartans to celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage and culture.
Find out more about the Edinburgh Tartan Parade (handupevents.co.uk)
In Australia and New Zealand, Scottish heritage is marked with an International Tartan Day on 1 July, celebrating the repeal of an Act of Parliament that banned the wearing of tartan.
Fast-forward to today and these global celebrations prove that Scotland is now, more than ever, on the world stage. Our generosity of spirit, progressive mindset and innovative streak are the beating heart of a small nation with a huge global ambition.
Building our business connections
Tartan Day celebrates the deep business ties between the US, Canada, and Scotland. If you’re sourcing, partnering, or investing, Scotland offers proven strengths in data and digital, energy transition, and life sciences – developing intelligent, low carbon, tech driven solutions that improve lives and protect the planet.
Scotland has been the UK’s top location for foreign direct investment outside London for ten consecutive years, and global companies such as JP Morgan, GSK and Amazon continue to grow here. With competitive operating costs and easy access to skilled talent, we’re a smart choice for ambitious businesses.
Our companies blend craftsmanship and design with innovation and sustainability - from advanced manufacturing to low carbon technologies - delivering quality, provenance, and lasting impact.
On Tartan Day, connect with Scotland’s networks across the USA and Canada and explore opportunities with Scottish Development International (sdi.co.uk).
Building our study connections
Scotland has a long tradition of welcoming students from North America to study at one of our 19 higher education institutions.
There are currently over 7,000 students from the USA and Canada studying undergraduate or postgraduate courses, which represents nearly 10% of our total international student population.
Many of our universities offer scholarships specifically for North American students. Many also have strong ties to sister universities, offering exchange programmes so that students from the USA and Canada can experience the unique mix of stunning outdoors and vibrant city life that Scotland has to offer. Our visa programme means that graduates can stay in Scotland for up to two years after they graduate.
From gaming technology to space sciences, Scotland’s unique and innovative courses make it a world-leading destination for North American students. Did you know you can even study the history of tartan on our fashion and textile courses?
The Scottish Government also supports ground-breaking research and development projects through research grants. There is currently a wide range of bespoke research studies happening right now in Scotland, from research in virtual reality aiding motion sickness to decommissioning oil rigs in a sustainable way to support Scotland’s net zero goals.
Discover more about studying in Scotland.
Scottish culture around the world
Tartan Day is an amazing opportunity for people to reconnect with all they love about Scotland. In equal measure, the event is also a fantastic opportunity for people to learn about why Scotland is such a special place in the world to live, work, study and do business.
Tartan Day celebrations around the world serve as a reminder that Scotland offers a transformative journey like no other. It's an immersive experience which marries ancient history with modern luxury in new and surprising ways, all against the vibrant tapestry of Scotland’s unique and distinctive culture.
Visitors to Scotland feel a connection with the country, its people, and its heritage, from deep-rooted ancestral connection to a sense of connection with the Scotland they’ve seen on film and television, our rich musical traditions, or a yearning for adventure in our unspoiled natural playground.
These rich musical traditions provide the perfect backdrop for a vibrant contemporary trad music and festival scene across Scotland. The city of Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music, offering an enviable programme of music year-round.
Upwards of 40 million people across the world claim Scottish ancestry, Tartan Day strikes a chord through exciting music, theatre, and art.
Want to know why Scotland’s such a special place? Explore more about why Scotland should be on your wishlist.
Find out more about Tartan Day in Canada.
Learn more about Tartan Day in the USA.
Our global community
Millions of people around the world share a special connection to Scotland. There are lots of ways to get involved in our global community.
Header and Tartan Day in the USA photo credit: Andrew Kelly Bowery Image Group New York