Tartan Day is a celebration of Scotland - its people, its heritage, its history, its culture and its amazing legacy to the world.
From the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320, which triggered the birth of democracy, to the immense contributions made by Scots and descendants of Scots to science, culture, sport, the economy and almost every other aspect of the modern world, Scotland has an incredible amount to be proud of. And we are!
From March 29 to April 6, unite with us in a week of very special events commemorating the very best of Scotland and the Scots, home and away…
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 mightily 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 accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day, April 6th.
July 1st 2006 sees the 224th anniversary of the repealing of the Act of Parliament (British) that made it punishable with SEVEN YEARS TRANSPORTATION for wearing the TARTAN. On the 1st of July 2006 we are encouraging as many Scots and their descendants to wear something TARTAN.
There are two dates currently used to celebrate Tartan Day - 6th April in North America and July 1st in Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
The significance of the 6th April 1320 relates to the Declaration of Arbroath when 6 years after Bannockburn 100 men gathered at Arbroath to write a Declaration of their loyalty to Scotland and forward this to the Pope in Italy to have him support their case for Independence.
The significance of the 1st July is the fact that on the 1st July 1782 an Act was passed called the Repeal Proclamation. This Act repealed the Act of Proscription 1747 which made it an offence to wear tartan amongst other things. Many believe the significance of this anniversary acknowledges this Act as having far greater relevance to Tartan and therefore the International promotion of a Tartan Day of recognition and celebration.
By celebrating Tartan Day on the 1st July we can also acknowledge the restoration of the Scottish Parliament took place on the 1st July 1999.
Australia has just gone through a process of a referendum to ascertain if we were to become a Republic. Had this Referendum been successful would we now call the day of the Referendum Australia Day, the day we became an Independent Nation Australia Day, the day we became a Federation in 1901 or the day we currently call Australia Day. January 26th when the First Fleet landed (Not a day the Aboriginal people of Australia are inclined to celebrate)???
When deciding on a day for Celebration the most appropriate day should be chosen for the most relevant reason.
John Clelland Hocknull J.P. (Qual)
Founder Clan Cleland Society
Former President Australian-Scottish Community (Qld) Inc.
Download the full Word document outlining the above, here.