This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tartan Day 2004
18/03/2004
The annual Tartan Day events in theUSare to be bigger and better than previous years according to its organisers.
The Executive's 2004 programme was launched today by First Minister Jack McConnell, who will be in New York and Washington to take part in the celebrations next month.
For five days New York will host a range of events ranging from a 10k kilted fun run, a ceilidh, a 'dressed to kilt' fashion show, and a parade of pipers and drummers down 6 th avenue.
Behind the Tartan festivities there is also an economic imperative driving the Executive's activity overseas. Among various business events the First Minister will host a breakfast with potential investors and key contacts from USfinancial services.
Tartan day began in 1998, the same year the Scotland Act was past re-establishing the Scottish Parliament, and it is now firmly part of theUScalendar.
Executive's 2004 Tartan Day programme:
Sunday 4 April
ScotlandinCentral Park
Scotland Run - a 10k qualifier for the New York Marathon, sponsored by the Scottish Executive. Five thousand runners likely to take part, including Finance Minister, Andy Kerr.
Showcase Scotland - an all day exhibition of the best of Scotland, participants include VisitScotland, Scottish Parliament, National Museums, several universities, SDI, and ourselves. Andy Kerr will attend.
Evening reception - hosted by First Minister and Presiding Officer, 250 guests.
Monday 5 April
First Minister to address to Columbia University, speech on theme of Fresh Talent.
Andy Kerr will take part in a number of business related visits, organised by Scottish Development International (SDI).
First Minister and Andy Kerr attend Dressed to Kilt, Scottish Executive one of the co-sponsors. Sean Connery also there. www.dressedtokilt.org
Tuesday 6 April (Tartan Day)
First Minister and Andy Kerry host business breakfast with potential investors and key contacts from US financial services.
First Minister attends Icons of Scotland dinner - event co-sponsored by VisitScotland and Scotland magazine.
First Minister and Andy Kerr attend Matt McGinn tribute concert.
Wednesday 7 April
First Minister meeting with Mayor O'Malley to discuss Fresh Talent and look at ways in which Baltimore are encouraging immigrants to settle there. www.ci.baltimore.md.us
First Minister meets Arthur Herman, author of How Scots Invented the Modern World (Washington).
First Minister guest of honour at Embassy Reception to celebrate Tartan Day (Washington).
Andy Kerr in Washington to attend ground breaking ceremony for the Capitol Hills project with Deputy Mayor Eric W Price. www.dcbiz.dc.gov