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 the accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day, April 6th.

This date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on this day in 1320, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over English territorial claims, and which was an influence on the American Declaration of Independence.

National Capital Tartan Day Committee, Inc., is the original Washington, D.C.-based organization created specifically to support and promote Tartan Day in the United States. A nonprofit, tax-exempt membership organization, NCTDC was incorporated in the District of Columbia in March, 2002.

2008 Presidential Proclamation

On April 4, 2008,  President George Bush signed a Presidential Proclamation making April 6th National Tartan Day. See complete text of thearbroath1! Proclamation.

Events for National Tartan Day 2009:

Saturday, March 28, 2009, 7:00PM
Living Legacy of Scotland Annual Dinner
Arts Club of Washington, .  Theme:  Scottish Fiddle Music.  Performer:  Elke Baker.  Advance reservations required.  No tickets will be sold at the door.  Contacts for purchasing tickets and other details:  Anne Robertson Kennedy, President, LLS (kennedyar@aol.com ), or John King Bellassai, Secretary, LLS and Event Chairman (jbellassai@danya.com ). 

By Invitation Only:
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Capitol Hill Reception in Honor of Tartan Day and the Friends of Scotland Caucus in the US House of Representative. This will be a widely attended event.  Space is limited.  If you want to get on the guest list, contact John King Bellassai, Vice President, NCTDC and event Co-chairman, at jbellassai@danya.com.   Donation to NCTDC requested to help defray the cost of the event, etc.  (Location will be announced later.)

Saturday, April 4, 2009, 1:00pm to 5:00pm
National Tartan Day 2009 Festival on the Suare
Market Square  (Directly in Front of City Hall), 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA
Come Join Us for This Free, Family-Friendly Event to Celebrate Our Scottish Heritage!