I was honoured to represent Scotland at the annual Tartan Week parade through New York City last week, where I donned the Doddie Weir tartan to march through Manhattan.
The parade is a great event which helps to promote Scottish identity, traditions, exports, and the strong links between the two nations.
Over the few days of the trip, I represented the UK Government Scotland Office and promoted opportunities for Scottish and Borders exporters to break into the US market.
I marched in the Tartan Week parade alongside representatives from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Johnnie Walker whisky.
The parade on 15 April saw thousands of pipers, drummers, dancers and people with Scottish links march along Manhattan’s magnificent 6th Avenue.
I also took part in a recreation of the first ever Tartan Week event to mark the 25th anniversary of the celebration.
During the trip, I took the opportunity to wear the My Name’5 Doddie tartan tie to promote the important fundraising work undertaken by the charity named after the late Doddie Weir, which is seeking a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
I was delighted to meet with the New York City Mayor Eric Adams before the start of the parade when we were able to discuss the strong economic, cultural and academic ties between Scotland, New York and all of the United States.
As Minister for Scotland, I hosted a number of business events, including a panel discussion and reception with the Department for Business and Trade, in partnership with the Scottish North American Business Council. The discussion centred on climate and renewable energy opportunities for business, city operations, and the sharing of best practice between Scotland and New York and drew in around 70 corporate and public sector leaders.
There are endless exciting opportunities for Scottish and Borders businesses to take advantage of in the United States, which I am hoping we can help to encourage and support in the coming months.
