Over the last week Angels' Share Director Karen and Customer Service manager Helen have been in New York , celebrating Tartan Week a week long celebration of all things Scottish and Tartan.
New York Tartan Week was founded in 1999 but the official committee was not formed until 2002. So 2022 was not only a momentous event it was also the first in person event they had had since the 2019 pandemic hit.
It's mission is to celebrate and spread awareness of the contributions made by Scottish Americans to the United States, the committee continually partners with organisations throughout New York City, the United States, and Scotland to present opportunities for those who have or identify with Scottish heritage to connect through more than a dozen Scottish-themed events each year during NYC Tartan Week. Tartan week generally kicks off on Tartan Day which this year was the 6th of April.
The trip was organised and supported by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and in conjunction with Scottish Business Network and Visit Scotland
Scottish Government representative Angus Robertson was at many of the organised events and cemented the passionate links between both cultures.
Many fabulous Scottish Companies applied to attend and fourteen were chosen from a huge selection.
Drinks Bakery, Ochil Fudge, Amy Britton, Mairead Hume Golf Collection, Love Scottish, Glaswegin, Ardgowan Distillery, Quirky Chocolate, Kingdom Scotland, Positive Qualities, Pillow Partners and of course Angels' Share.
A full programme of events and networking and 121 meetings were planned and the group made the most of being in this iconic city.
The culmination of all this organisation and hard work was to be able to march down Sixth Avenue with 2500 other Scots and celebrate Scotland in the Grand Tartan Parade organised by New York Caledonian Club and the Tartan Day Committee. “NYC Tartan Week,” includes over 2,000 bagpipers, Highland dancers, clan organisations, Scottish dog breeds, and more, proudly marching up Sixth Avenue amongst tens of thousands of spectators
We also had the unique experience of displaying our products in Glasgow Caledonian University NY campus building alongside an amazing recognition and exhibition of famous Glasgow photographer Oscar Marzaroli.
The Black Barn Restaurant opposite Madison Square Gardens was also the pop up Scotland House for the week and Visit Scotland hosted many events such as ministerial engagements and Scottish Business Network Lunch and network.
A huge Ceilidh was the opening night's entertainment and included Pipers, Highland Dance displays and kids from Scotland's Theatre School all set in the idyllic location of The View Battery Park, with views out to The Statue of Liberty. Dancing , Tartan and Whisky with some veggie haggis on the side. Sponsors Braeburn Whisky also had us enjoying our national drink.
The Parade has a Scottish Grand Marshall every year and this year's was Hollywood star Karen Gillan star of Jumanji, Marvel and many more Hollywood blockbusters, originally from Inverness Karen joined the parade to celebrate with us.
The entire week was organised to perfection and the organisers Lynn, Diana, Kat all from Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce did Scotland proud. It really was an empire task of a trade mission and they executed it professionally and wholeheartedly with the business interests at heart.
Many connections have been forged and we hope to make this an annual event for our staff and Company.
See you in New York 2023 !
