
I went to university in St Andrews, Scotland – a cobble-stoned village by the sea – and I remember it so fondly. It gave me some of my best friends, happiest memories and brilliant opportunities (and some semi useful knowledge). So when my Scottish pal Louise said that a Tartan Parade was coming to toun, I jumped at the chance to wave a saltire in support.
The parade was part of New York’s Tartan Week, which celebrates Scottish culture every year. There are ceilidhs (‘kaylees’ – Scottish dances), bands and art on display, but the week is welcomed by the glorious spectacle of kilt-clad bagpipers playing along Sixth Avenue.
In a flurry of Glasgow accents, Louise and her relatives met me and Ryan at the start of the parade. Unlike other parades we’ve been to in the city, this one wasn’t super busy, so we could nab a good spot with relative ease.
Then the pipes and drums began and groups – including New York Scottish societies and school bands – started their march. From tots dressed in mini kilts to stern band leaders with perfectly-groomed mustaches, the parade welcomed any Scotland fan.













One of the highlights was seeing my alma mater represented. Why aren’t I a part of this?


As they passed, I waved my flag so vigorously that it broke.


But by far the best moment was the dogs! Scottie dogs and West Highland Terriers proudly pounding the pavement dressed in a selection of tartan outfits.





Some of the marchers were pretty lackluster (like the teens walking along looking at their phones), but I loved checking out the different tartans, some beautifully-groomed facial hair and of course those fashionable little pooches.
Thanks for bringing me a taste of home, New York! And now I’m looking forward to some more Scottish events in the week ahead. Perhaps I’ll track down some veggie haggis?
Hi Lydia, if your enjoying thoughts of tartan and saltire, maybe think about heading over to St. Andrew’s Restaurant and Bar on 46th street? I promise you it has the very best beer…..Ever.
It’s the Belhaven Wee Heavy and it’s like drinking a fluffy rainbow flavored cloud of goodness. It’s by far the best beer I’ve ever had!
Just throwin’ it out there for ya!
Ooh that’s some description! And you don’t have to twist my arm too much when there’s beer involved 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll check it out!
You have to get scruff one of those kilts like ‘brave hounds’
I couldn’t hold it together when they walked past! It was so, so cute and they all looked so happy.
Currently staying just outside of St. Andrews. Visited today, love the place! X
Amazing! I’m actually visiting next month and can’t wait – it was such a lovely place to study. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Loved all the “Licky Look A Likes”! Enjoy your revisit to St. Andrews next month x
aw, this looks like so much fun! I usually hate the crowds at parades, you can never see anything, but this one looks like that wasn’t a problem. Seems like there are quite a few Scottish events this month, have you visited The Kelpies in Bryant Park yet?
Yes, I’ve been to many a parade where all I’ve seen is the backs of people’s heads, so this was quite a novelty! And yes I actually saw The Kelpies before heading up to the parade — pictures to follow 🙂
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