Tartan Day celebrations

Tartan Day is a celebration of Scotland. Our vision is to see Scotland at the heart of a global Tartan Day celebration, bringing to the world's attention our creativity, our innovation, our heritage, our business success – and our people.

Tartan Day was first celebrated in Canada. The Canadian Tartan Day celebrations were such a success, America decided to join in! In 2004, the House of Representatives decreed that April 6, the date of the signing of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath, should be established as National Tartan Day, to recognise 'The outstanding contribution and achievements made by Scottish Americans to the United States'.

Since then, Tartan Day has gone from strength to strength and, in 2004. Angus Council was the first council in Scotland to celebrate Scotland and all things Scottish with a week-long programme of special events leading up to April 6. Scotland's first Tartan Day was voted a success and, over the last three years, other areas of Scotland have also celebrated Tartan Day, which is now a national day of celebration!

The Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath was a declaration of Scottish Independence and set out to confirm Scotland's status as an independent sovereign state and its use of military action if unjustly attacked. The declaration, which was signed within the hallowed ground of Arbroath Abbey, is in the form of a letter to Pope John XXII dated April 6, 1320.

Click here to find out more about the Declaration of Arbroath and read the original wording.

What Happens on Tartan Day?

Tartan Day is a week-long celebration, with events taking place all over the country in the lead up to Tartan Day, April 6. Click here to find out what's happening, when it's happening and where it's happening.