The streets of New York City are set to come alive with the vibrant sounds of bagpipes, the swish of kilts, and the enduring spirit of Scottish heritage as Tartan Week 2025 approaches. This annual celebration is not just a tribute to Scotland’s rich culture but also a unique opportunity to strengthen international ties. At the heart of this year’s festivities, First Minister John Swinney will represent Scotland, seizing the moment to celebrate heritage while fostering transatlantic business connections.
Tartan Week, which culminates in the iconic Tartan Day Parade on April 5th, has grown into a marquee event for Scottish Americans and enthusiasts alike. Since its inception in 1999, it has become a beacon of cultural pride, drawing thousands to Sixth Avenue for a grand display of Highland dancers, clan banners, and even Scottish terriers. This year’s parade promises over 4,000 marchers and an audience of tens of thousands, all united by their love for Scotland’s traditions.
For First Minister John Swinney, Tartan Week is more than a cultural celebration—it is a strategic platform to showcase Scotland’s economic potential. Speaking ahead of his visit, he emphasized the enduring ties between Scotland and the United States. “The US is both our largest inward investor and second-largest export market after the European Union,” he remarked. In 2023 alone, Scottish exports to the US were valued at £4 billion, while over 700 US-owned enterprises provided jobs for more than 115,000 people in Scotland.
Swinney’s agenda reflects this dual focus on culture and commerce. During his time in New York, he will meet with high-profile investors and business leaders to promote Scotland as a hub for innovation and sustainability. His pitch is compelling: Scotland boasts a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem with growing numbers of start-ups and scale-ups. Moreover, it is positioning itself as a global leader in renewable energy, particularly in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and energy storage projects.
The First Minister’s participation also highlights the importance of Scotland’s diaspora in bridging international relationships. The United States is home to approximately six million people of Scottish descent who take immense pride in their heritage. Tartan Week offers them a chance to reconnect with their roots while celebrating the contributions of Scottish Americans to US society. From the Declaration of Arbroath inspiring America’s Declaration of Independence to modern-day achievements in business and culture, these connections run deep.
Beyond the parade, Tartan Week features a rich tapestry of events that celebrate all things Scottish. From whisky tastings to ceilidh dances and educational programs on Ellis Island, these activities provide an immersive experience for attendees of all backgrounds. They also serve as a reminder that Scottish culture continues to thrive far beyond its borders.
Swinney’s presence at these events underscores Scotland’s progressive international outlook. By blending cultural diplomacy with economic outreach, he aims to position Scotland as not just a land of history and tradition but also one of innovation and opportunity. “Scotland is open for business,” he declared confidently. His message resonates strongly in an era where global collaboration is key to addressing challenges like climate change and economic inequality.
As New York prepares for the 27th annual Tartan Day Parade, the city will once again become a stage for celebrating Scotland’s past while envisioning its future. For those marching up Sixth Avenue or cheering from the sidelines, it will be a moment of pride and unity. And for First Minister John Swinney, it will be an opportunity to reaffirm that Scotland’s ties with the United States are not just historical but dynamic and forward-looking.
In many ways, Tartan Week encapsulates what it means to honour heritage while embracing progress. It reminds us that culture is not static; it evolves and adapts, just like the nations it represents. As bagpipes echo through Manhattan and tartan-clad marchers stride forward, they carry with them not just the weight of history but also the promise of what lies ahead—a future where tradition meets innovation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Later, speaking at an event today to mark the Confederation of British Industry’s 60th anniversary, Mr Swinney set out his commitment to continue working with the business community to grow Scotland’s economy,
He also called on their representatives to join the mission to deliver a Scottish Graduate Visa and retain top talent in Scotland.
First Minister John Swinney said, “Scotland consistently ranks as the UK’s top investment destination outside of London and the South-East of England. We have significant offshore renewables resources, and we’re ranked first amongst the UK’s nations and regions for green growth potential and opportunity.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic about Scotland’s economic potential and Scotland’s economic performance, but there’s also a need to be realistic about the challenges and the issues that the business community and the Scottish economy faces at this time.
“Since I came into office, I’ve set out a clear and focused agenda for the government around eradicating child poverty, about supporting the transition to Net Zero, about improving our public services, and particularly our National Health Service, which are fundamentally anchored on delivering higher levels of economic growth within Scotland, because we cannot hope to achieve our objectives on Net Zero, or on eradicating child poverty, or on improving our public services without generating the wealth that is going to be at the heart of future success for our country.”
“We have to act to take steps to boost the working age population in Scotland. The proposals I’ve put forward around a dedicated Scottish graduate visa where we enable international students who come to Scotland to be able to develop longer routes and stay for a longer period, will help to encourage the growth of our working age population and also to boost economic activity within Scotland.
“And we pursue those proposals with the United Kingdom Government because for Scotland, measures of that type are critical, mission critical, for enabling us to fulfil our growth ambitions and your support in persuading the UK Government within that step would be enormously welcome,” he added.
