Scotland Minister John Lamont Takes Tartan Week by Storm in New York
Scotland Office Minister John Lamont is in the Big Apple this weekend, championing Scottish culture, trade, and investment at New York’s iconic Tartan Week. The annual celebration, marking its 25th anniversary, honours the deep-rooted ties between Scotland and the United States – complete with a lively bagpipe parade through Manhattan’s bustling streets.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Joins the Parade
Lamont won’t be flying solo. He’ll march alongside the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s all-female troupe, featuring two pipers, a fiddle player, and four dancers. This is the Tattoo’s debut at Tartan Week, adding international flair to the festivities.
But that’s not all. John Lamont is set to attend a host of other events, including:
- A throwback to the first-ever Tartan Week parade, retracing the route from the British Consulate to the UN Plaza.
- A reception co-hosted with the Tattoo and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, showcasing Scotland’s vibrant arts scene, with Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky on hand to keep spirits high.
- A high-level panel discussing renewable energy and the journey to Net Zero, organised by the Scottish North American Business Council.
- A financial services roundtable with industry leaders, hosted by EY and the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.
Scotland-US Trade Ties in the Spotlight
Minister Lamont’s presence shines a light on the robust relationship Scotland shares with the US. Scottish exports to the States are booming, with services worth £5 billion and goods £4 billion annually. Scotch whisky alone pulls in over £1 billion, proving Scotland’s economic strength across the Atlantic.
John Lamont, UK Minister for Scotland, said: “I’m thrilled to represent the UK Government at New York’s Tartan Week. It’s a brilliant chance to celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage and world-class exports – from financial services to Scotch and ceilidh dancing. The bonds between Scotland and the US are unshakeable, and events like this showcase the lasting friendship between our nations.”
Nigel Huddleston, Business and Trade Minister, said: “Our trade links with the US are crucial. Scottish businesses export billions of pounds’ worth of top-quality goods and services each year. Tartan Week not only celebrates these connections but helps deepen ties with American buyers. We’ve made solid progress removing trade barriers and will keep pushing to support Scottish firms and consumers.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’re honoured to join New York’s 25th Tartan Week. Marching alongside other Scottish groups spotlights our military and cultural heritage on the world stage.”
Allan Hogarth, Executive Director of the Scottish North American Business Council, said: “For Tartan Week’s anniversary, we’ve gathered experts to showcase Scotland’s renewable energy prowess and tackle shared environmental challenges, exchanging ideas between New York and Scotland.”
The UK Government Powering Scotland’s Global Reach
Backing this cultural and business push is the UK Government’s global network: 282 missions in 180 countries promote Scotland’s interests worldwide. Recent breakthroughs include tackling trade hurdles with US states, lifting bans on Scottish beef imports, and smashing 25% tariffs on British steel.
The much-loved Tartan Parade on Saturday 15 April never fails to pack the streets with thousands of spectators cheering for bagpipers, dancers, and marching bands – a true testament to Scotland’s enduring legacy and friendship with America.
