What is this National Tartan Day?

**Spc. Scott** · 6th April 11, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Not on April 6 it isn't, we in OZ and NZ celebrate it on July 1 the date of the repeal of the Act of Proscription

I get in on that one as well.

**macwilkin** · 6th April 11, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Not on April 6 it isn't, we in OZ and NZ celebrate it on July 1 the date of the repeal of the Act of Proscription

With all due respect to Australia and New Zealand, in North America, Tartan Day is observed on April 6th, and is officially recognized by national & state legislative bodies.

T.

**robbiethepiper** · 6th April 11, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Not on April 6 it isn't, we in OZ and NZ celebrate it on July 1 the date of the repeal of the Act of Proscription

Just had a real belly laugh at myself that I'd like to share - First time through, I mis-read the above as "the date of the repeal of the act of PROHIBITION...." Yeah, right, whatever...

**macwilkin** · 6th April 11, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by robbiethepiper

Just had a real belly laugh at myself that I'd like to share - First time through, I mis-read the above as "the date of the repeal of the act of PROHIBITION...." Yeah, right, whatever...

Well, that's a date to celebrate as well:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...onrepeal_N.htm

:beer:

**seanachie** · 6th April 11, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

With all due respect to Australia and New Zealand, in North America, Tartan Day is observed on April 6th, and is officially recognized by national & state legislative bodies.

T.

....but c'mon aren't you a little cynical? I would not be surprised if someone said that date makes perfect sense but is too close to the 4th of July so lets figure out a more convenient date. If you ask why? Look how we dilute holidays in the US for the sake of creating 3 day weekends, diminishing the meaning.

**davidlpope** · 6th April 11, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

As the website should explain, April 6 was chosen because it was a day an early democratic document was issued, one that was a model for the US Declaration of Independence. I will not attempt the spelling of said Scottish document.

I think this is wishful thinking. The Declaration of Arbroath (to me) seems more of a letter of support for Robert Bruce after he was excommunicated by the Pope for (allegedly) killing the Red Comyn. It's tempting to make it a "proto-DOI" document, but a quick reading of the text shows that it really isn't.

On the other hand, I'm sure it could have been put to good use as propoganda by John Knox...

I have to agree with the Kiwis/Aussies. I think it's much more fitting to have Tartan Day commemorate the end of Proscription.

Cordially,

David

**macwilkin** · 6th April 11, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by seanachie

....but c'mon aren't you a little cynical? I would not be surprised if someone said that date makes perfect sense but is too close to the 4th of July so lets figure out a more convenient date. If you ask why? Look how we dilute holidays in the US for the sake of creating 3 day weekends, diminishing the meaning.

Would you care to explain how I am being cynical by simply stating the fact that Tartan Day in North America is observed on April 6th, and officially recognised by various legislative bodies in the US & Canada?

And as far as diluting holidays go, I am a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, that actively supports the return of Memorial Day to its traditional date of May 30th, so you're preaching to the choir, friend.

T.

**macwilkin** · 6th April 11, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I think this is wishful thinking. The Declaration of Arbroath (to me) seems more of a letter of support for Robert Bruce after he was excommunicated by the Pope for (allegedly) killing the Red Comyn. It's tempting to make it a "proto-DOI" document, but a quick reading of the text shows that it really isn't.

On the other hand, I'm sure it could have been put to good use as propoganda by John Knox...

I have to agree with the Kiwis/Aussies. I think it's much more fitting to have Tartan Day commemorate the end of Proscription.

Cordially,

David

I'm not so sure I agree with your comments, David. Number one, The Bruce and his henchmen did murder John Comyn -- no allegedly about it. Number two, I agree with this analysis:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottis...arbroath.shtml

Similar, but not quite the same. While I do agree that the end of the Proscription Act is more fitting, instead of quibbling over the dates, let's take the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Scots to North America.

T.

**davidlpope** · 6th April 11, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

I'm not so sure I agree with your comments, David. Number one, The Bruce and his henchmen did murder John Comyn -- no allegedly about it.

Spoken like a true Cumming!

Originally Posted by cajunscot

Number two, I agree with this analysis:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottis...arbroath.shtml

Similar, but not quite the same. While I do agree that the end of the Proscription Act is more fitting, instead of quibbling over the dates, let's take the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Scots to North America.

T.

I'll have to look this over and we can chat. Thanks for the link!

David

**macwilkin** · 6th April 11, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Spoken like a true Cumming!

I'll have to look this over and we can chat. Thanks for the link!

David

But of course -- we are the "Uncrowned Kings of Scotland" after all!

Let me know what you think of the article. Again, it's close to your idea, but it also brings in some other factors as well. Obviously Abroath does not have the influence on the Declaration that Locke did, and William & Mary's Bill of Rights certainly had more influence on George Mason and James Madison, but there is a certain connection, I suppose.

T.