Events and Activities to celebrate 2021 Tartan Day Safely
National Tartan Day recognizes the contributions of Scottish Americans to the U.S. and commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath 701 years ago which declared Scottish independence.
For 175 years Chicago Scots have delivered on life’s most important values — Home, Family and Love. On Tuesday, April 6th we want every Chicago Scot to observe National Tartan Day at home safely. We’ve compiled a list of events and activities every Scot can enjoy at home to commemorate National Tartan Day. We encourage you to post your photos and videos of your celebrations by tagging Chicago Scots on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Tartan Day
We are thrilled to announce that Chicago Scots President Gus Noble will receive the Scottish Coalition USA’s National Tartan Day Award in recognition of the work he and Chicago Scots have done to grow the Scottish American Diaspora and our service during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This prestigious award is the highest honor given for outstanding leadership in the Scottish-American community.
Join the Celebration and Award Presentation on Zoom
Tuesday, April 6 Tartan Day starting at 5:30 PM CST
Click Here to sign up.
Tickets for the event are $20 for members of a Scottish Organization so make sure to say you are a proud Chicago Scot!
Tartan Week
The New York Scots are hosting a National Tartan Day Cocktail Zoom, with music, break out rooms and special quests including our friend, Chef Gary Maclean National Chef of Scotland. This is a free event, registration is required.
Join the Celebration on Zoom
Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 5:00 PM CST
Click Here to register.
Later
We are very excited to invite everyone to the first Scottish American History Forum of 2021! Join Ian Riches, Archivist at the National Trust for Scotland to talk about the Historic Archive Collections of the National Trust for Scotland, with a focus on St. Kilda. This is a free event over Zoom so save the date!
Scottish American History Forum
Ian Riches, The National Trust for Scotland
Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 9:45 AM – 11:30 AM CST
Save the Date! Zoom link to be published.
Other Ways to Celebrate
Test Your Scottish Crossword Skills While ‘sheltering in place’ the Cameron brothers of Chicago — Angus (14), Max (13) and Hamish (11) – created a crossword puzzle about all things Scottish. See if you know the places, food and sites they’ve seen.
Watch Traditional Scottish Dancing
The Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers have been performing at every Chicago Scots event for the past three decades thanks to troupe founder and accomplished dancer, Nancy Strolle, also a member of the Board of Governors of Chicago Scots. Review their playlist of videos to inspire your own Highland dance.
Listen to Bagpipes!
If you don’t know Dave Johnston by sight you know him by sound. Dave and his professional pipers stir the souls of everyone who is Scottish by birth, heritage or inclination at every Chicago Scots event. Click here to select your favorite tunes from Chialba’s playlist. The name means (Chi – Chicago/Alba – Gaelic for Scotland).
Make Scottish Shortbread
If you’re looking for a great Scottish shortbread recipe to bake during Tartan Week why not try the official Caledonia Senior Living shortbread recipe. We’ve been baking this recipe for decades at The Scottish Home! From our house to yours, enjoy!
Read the full resolution that established National Tartan Day
Excerpt: “Whereas this resolution honors the major role that Scottish Americans played in the founding of this nation, such as the fact that almost half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, the governors in nine of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry, Scottish Americans successfully helped shape this country in its formative years and guide this nation through its most troubled times.”
Find Your Tartan
Use Scotland Shop’s tartan finder to locate your clan’s tartan. You can order tartan sneakers, boots and so much more!
Every year at our Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the Chicago Scots feature a family or an organization as our Honored Clan. This year, to recognize and celebrate its’ strong Scottish roots, our Honored Clan is Rotary International. We are proud to announce that Rotary International’s Scottish President, Gordon McInally has agreed to lead our Parade of Tartans at 12:30 p.m. Gordon will also receive the Salute to the Chieftain from the Massed Pipe Bands at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024.