2024
Dougray Scott
Actor, TV Personality, Model
In 1999, two pipe bands and a small but enthusiastic group of Scottish Americans, led by Grand Marshal and Academy Award-winning actor Cliff Robertson, marched from the British Consulate to the UN in the first New York City Tartan Day Parade. Since then, the annual NYC Tartan Day Parade has brought together thousands of people from across NYC, the United States, and Scotland by providing meaningful connections through the celebration of Scottish heritage and culture.
Organized by the National Tartan Day New York Committee, the Parade plays an integral role in marking National Tartan Day (April 6), a day declared by the U.S. Senate in 1998 to officially recognize the “outstanding achievements and contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States.” The NYC Tartan Day Parade, which is free to all those who participate and represents the highlight of a week long series of Scottish-themed festivities designated as “NYC Tartan Week,” includes over 3,000 bagpipers, Highland dancers, clan organizations, Scottish dog breeds, and more, proudly marching up Sixth Avenue amongst tens of thousands of spectators in person and online.
The NYC Tartan Day Parade and NYC Tartan Week continue to attract the best Scottish and Scottish-American artists, entrepreneurs, organizations, and more in an effort to promote, support, and develop deeper personal connections with Scottish heritage in America. To find out more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @nyctartanweek
The National Tartan Day New York Committee was formed in 2002 and obtained official nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 2003 to organize the NYC Tartan Day Parade and all the associated activities that make up NYC Tartan Week. In following its mission to celebrate and spread awareness of the contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States, the committee continually partners with organizations throughout New York City, the United States, and Scotland to present opportunities for those who have or identify with Scottish heritage to connect through more than a dozen Scottish-themed events each year during NYC Tartan Week.
The committee is committed to providing meaningful exchanges and inspiring experiences in order to showcase the rich Scottish heritage that continues to thrive in America. The committee is comprised of representatives from The Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, The New York Caledonian Club, The American-Scottish Foundation, and Clan Campbell.
President
The New York Caledonian Club, established in 1856, is a not-for-profit society that is “open to the world” and provides Scots, Scottish-Americans and anyone with an interest in Scotland with opportunities for fellowship and cultural expression. The NYCC hosts a number of cultural and social events, including its annual Burns Supper (a traditional celebration of the creative genius of Robert Burns) and day trips to regional festivals. The Club’s offers classes in varied subjects, and makes charitable contributions to organizations in the U.S. and Scotland. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Treasurer / Clan Liaison
Clan Campbell has long been one of the most numerous and powerful in the Highlands of Scotland, and those born as Campbells or of related names are automatically members. The Society is designed for those who are actively interested in their clan heritage and kin, and anyone interested may join. The aims of the Society are educational and social, to re-forge the link between Campbells and their Highland heritage, and to re-forge their links with their worldwide kinsfolk. The primary benefit of membership is the quarterly Journal, which carries a variety of articles on Campbell history, genealogy, and social events. The Society also provides a genealogical service and reference library.
Executive Director / Specialty Groups
Founded in New York City, NY 1956. The mission of The American-Scottish Foundation® is to be the pre-eminent, national, US-based not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening ties between individuals, institutions and businesses of Scotland and the United States through the pursuit of contemporary social, cultural, educational, philanthropic, scientific and economic interests and activities. The American-Scottish Foundation® champions the extraordinary and creative relationship between the US and Scotland for mutual benefit.
Executive Director
For over 250 years, the St. Andrew’s Society and its distinguished membership have provided charitable relief, academic sponsorship, community and identity to the natives of Scotland and their descendants. As one of the oldest not-for-profit organizations in the country, the St. Andrew’s Society celebrates Scottish heritage and tradition through fund-raising and other social events, fostering the good will, understanding and communication between the people of New York and the people and leadership of Scotland.
