Tartan Day is a relatively recent event, and it actually began in the USA. In that country and in most of the world (including Scotland!), it is celebrated on 6 April. This marks the day in 1320 when the Declaration of Arbroath, a declaration of Scottish independence, was signed.
But in New Zealand and Australia we do things differently and celebrate Tartan Day on 1 July, the anniversary of the repeal in 1782 of the Act of Proscription of 1747, which had made wearing tartan an offence punishable with up to seven years’ transportation. Of course you don’t have to wait until either 1 July or 6 April, and can celebrate your highland pride at any time.
Find out where to buy the right gear.