Americans of Scottish descent have played a vibrant and influential role in the development of the United States. From the framers of the Declaration of Independence to the first man on the moon, Scottish-Americans have contributed mightily to the fields of the arts, science, politics, law, and more. Today, over eleven million Americans claim Scottish and Scotch-Irish roots -- making them the eighth largest ethnic group in the United States. These are the people and the accomplishments that are honored on National Tartan Day, April 6th.

This date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on this day in 1320, which asserted Scotland's sovereignty over English territorial claims, and which was an influence on the American Declaration of Independence.

National Capital Tartan Day Committee, Inc., is the original Washington, D.C.-based organization created specifically to support and promote Tartan Day in the United States. A nonprofit, tax-exempt membership organization, NCTDC was incorporated in the District of Columbia in March, 2002.

Events for National Tartan Day 2008:

By Invitation Only:
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
National Tartan Day Cocktail Reception on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., with the Friends of Scotland Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives and Scottish Parliament members, including Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland.

Friday, April 4, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Star Spangled Scot: How They Shaped America from Yorktown to the Moon
Location: Heritage Foundation's Allison Auditorium, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20002