National Tartan Day Parade

National Tartan Day Parade – highlights of 2023 event:

The piper, Connell Sanderson, lead our Tartan Day Parade commemorating the April 6, 1320 date of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, which asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over English territorial claims, and which was an influence on the American Declaration of Independence.

Fiona Ritchie of NPR’s award-winning program The Thistle & Shamrock introduced the WORLD PREMIER video of recently uncovered James Mackintosh tunes composed in Scotland in the 1930’s. The video featured historical images from the Dunkeld Community Archive where the Mackintosh manuscripts are stored. Preforming the Mackintosh tunes were Munro Gauld on flute and Niel Baillie on cittern, which is a modern interpretation of a renaissance 10-stringed instrument. Fiona was delighted to be able to share some of Dunkeld’s unique musical heritage with Sister City friends in Asheville.

Thanks to Jessica Coffield, ASCI President, for providing the following memories of Tartan Day:

National Tartan Day Parade – original event calendar listing:

Wear your favorite tartan cloth and join fellow clans and Asheville Sister Cities’ PARADE OF TARTANS at a free public celebration of

Program Schedule

4:00 – Assemble in the Black Mountain Town Square Public Park with your fellow clans
4:15 – Piper Connell Sanderson leads the procession throughout the park to “Scotland, the Brave”
4:30 – Parade marches to the White Horse Black Mountain for remainder of program
4:45 – Extensive assortment of beers and wines avaliable at cash bar
5:00 – Several selected tunes from piper Connell Sanderson
5:15 – Welcome from Asheville Sister Cities, Dunkeld & Birnam Scotland Committee
5:20 – A video musical feature in honor of Tartan Day from Dunkeld & Birnam hosted by Scotland’s Fiona Ritchie of NPR’s The Thistle & Shamrock award-winning program
6:00 – Conclusion of National Tartan Day Parade Program; Dinner available at several area restaurants within walking distance
7:30 – Concert performance featuring traditional Irish dance music by Stoneback with Megan Drollinger on Fiddle, Charles Furtado on hand percussion, and Connell Sanderson on Cittern and Uilleann Pipes – $15 admission.

Parking is available adjacent to the park and the White Horse Back Mountain.

Optional contributions to ASCI, a 501c3 organization, at the event.