It was all sunshine and blue skies in New York on Friday where the Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge is representing the capital – the first Lord Provost from the capital to take part since 2007.
But it was the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren who took the opportunity to explain what “taps off” weather is to the largely American audience.
The day before the New York City Tartan Day Parade is one filled with Scottish music and dancing in a free event held in Bryant Park, nestled in the shadow of the New York Public Library, developed in the 19th century, partly with a donation of $5.2million from Scottish philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.
Performers, both amateur and professional, took over an area in the public park during the Tartan Day Observance which lasts for just more than an hour in the middle of the day.
There were words and music with readings from Senate Resolution and Presidential Decrees, as well as excerpts from the Declaration of Arbroath dating from 1320 on which the American Declaration of Independence is said to be modelled.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is in town with their dancers, and musical interludes from celebrated Scottish Piper, Craig Weir, and the trio of ex-pats, Georgia, Margaret & Marla – the Highland Divas who sang the US anthem and Flower of Scotland, the unofficial Scottish anthem.
The Lord Provost of Glasgow explained the “taps aff” comment in New York. She said: “It’s an old saying in Glasgow that as soon as the sun comes out, we’ve got the “taps off” because we don’t see the sun very often. So when we get sun, the taps come off.
“But when the Tartan Army come here to America, very soon, the saying taps aff will be everywhere across America. Be prepared. America!”Trade delegation from Glasgow
Ms McLaren explained she is accompanied by a delegation of ten businesses from Glasgow. She said: “it’s very important for the Civic lead to be here, the Civic head of the city to be here to engage.
“I’ve brought ten businesses with me as part of a delegation, so we’re all connecting to our US counterparts over here, chambers of commerce, the Chamber of New York. So we’re building more connections to try and do more work together. And I think it’s really important.
“Other people may not think that it’s important, but we live on a tiny island. Britain is an island, so we have to connect with our neighbours across the world, and tartan day is as a moment for us to do that as Scots.”
The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, is accompanied by the Lord Provost Consort, Colin Cunningham. He said, ahead of the entertainment: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be able to promote the City of Edinburgh to a whole lot of our American colleagues, potential investors, potential tourists, coming to our city to create jobs. So it’s great to be here.
“it’s a very, very busy programme. There’s lots going on, and there’s more that we could be doing if there were more of us here, I think.
“But we’ve already had meetings about heat networks, the possibility of investment in green energy around the city. We’ve had meetings with a reception with the American Scottish Foundation, where there were a number of potential investors in the city. I’m also joining with the Fringe in an event later today where we’re promoting the Fringe around New York and beyond.
“So it’s all about trying to make sure that Edinburgh is well represented, and particularly this year, when, because there’s elections going on for the Scottish Parliament, there’s slightly less of a Scottish government representation.”
Representatives from the Scottish and UK governments.
The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone, said: “When it comes to the value that we place in democracy and civic engagement, the power very much is with the people. We come together in these celebratory days to celebrate what we’ve achieved together as Scots and Americans, to reflect on the challenges that we face as one, but also to look at the future and how we can continue to develop together.
“We’ve had so many opportunities and worked over so many long years in areas like innovation, trade, culture. Of course, this year has a sporting focus, and it’s fair to say that many Scots are delighted to find ourselves back in the World Cup football finals.
“And you know, I know that the fabulous thing is that that Scots, who travel here to be part of that incredible sporting celebration will be met with open arms, and you will come together, and you will continue to build that friendship that means so much to so many.”
The Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh made a speech to the gathered crowd inviting everyone to join him in Edinburgh when the second Edinburgh Tartan Parade will take place.
The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “We know the overwhelming pride Americans have with Scottish roots in their Celtic ancestry. Today’s ceremony celebrating Scottish heritage marks these important links across the centuries and generations. Americans with tartan roots helped shape the United States from soldiers to statesmen.
“We are proud that our forefathers played a part in building such a remarkable land. Even now for the image of Uncle Sam is said to have been based on Samuel Wilton, a businessman with parents who sail from Greenock, not far from Glasgow, to a new life in America.
“Tomorrow, I’m told that the weather’s going to be great. So in Scotland, we always call that Taps Off weather – not sure you will see any of that here tomorrow!”
SATURDAY – The Parade
On Saturday the Tartan Week entertainment continues in Bryant Park with the Pipes & Drums on the Fountain Terrace from 10am until an hour before the parade steps off at 2pm.
A spokesperson for the American Scottish Foundation said: “This is a great way to begin Parade Day as pipe bands from near and far join us with great music and dance. Once again we will be filling the air with the sound of bagpipes in the run up to the Parade.
“Featuring Shot of Scotch, who will be bringing together over 80 dancers, Joy Dunlop, who will present the winners of the Tartan Day Mod, a Celtic singing competition, Jai MacDowall, and Sandi Thom.
“Pipe bands include Shamrock and Thistle, Robert Gordon Pipe Band, St Columba Pipe Band, Dunoon Grammar School Pipe Band, and more”
Andrew Carnegie donated to around 2,500 libraries between 1883 and 1929, some in the US and some in the UK. Notably the Central Library on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh is a Carnegie Library bearing the words Let there be light above the front door. The first Carnegie Library was built in the city of Dunfermline in Scotland where Carnegie was born.
Watch out for more photos and videos on Saturday – including a delegation from the SFA with Scotland manager, Steve Clarke also in town.
