Scottish politicians mark Tartan Week in New York
The First Minister will take part in a service at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
Scottish politicians are marking Tartan Week in New York by joining in with celebrations of Scottish culture and heritage.
First Minister John Swinney, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar, and Holyrood Deputy Presiding Officer Annabelle Ewing will take part in a parade down the city’s Sixth Avenue, joined by the event’s grand marshal Alan Cumming.
Mr Swinney is also set to attend the first Hoolie in New York, laid on by the organisers of Glasgow’s annual Hoolie in the Hydro.
The show will celebrate Scottish traditional music at the Carnegie Hall, which was built by and named for Scottish-born industrialist Andrew Carnegie, and where the First Minister will later hold a reception.
"Woven into the fabric of the United States"
He said: “Scottish history and heritage are celebrated the world over and woven into the fabric of the United States.
"I know it means a great deal to the millions of Americans with Scottish connections.
"I am looking forward to leading Scotland's presence during the Tartan Day parade alongside grand marshal Alan Cumming and to addressing the audience during at a venue named after one of Scotland's most famous sons.”
The First Minister is expected to welcome the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band and the Atholl Highlanders to New York in Bryant Park, before celebrating Americans of Scottish descent in the Kirkin O’ the Tartan service at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.
"Shining a spotlight on the vibrant, dynamic, innovative Scotland"
He added: “Today is a day to celebrate the best of Scotland and to promote the iconic and globally revered culture and heritage we have to offer.
"I recognise the significance of National Tartan Day and it is testament to the strength of the Scottish diaspora in the US.
"Tartan Day and the wider festivities in New York reaffirm the historic friendship between our two nations - a friendship that is deep and strong, and that dates back centuries.
"We want to continue to celebrate those ties, whilst also shining a spotlight on the vibrant, dynamic and innovative Scotland of today."