Tartan Day and the Annual Tartan Trivia Contest
By Liz Smith
Tartan Day, held every April 6, is a celebration of Scottish heritage and the cultural contributions of Scottish and Scottish diaspora In Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
The event originated in Nova Scotia in 1987. April 6 is the date on which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. Essentially the Declaration was intended to assert Scotland’s status as an independent sovereign state and to defend Scotland’s right to use military action when unjustly attacked. Scotland remained independent until willingly opting to enter The Acts of Union, passed by the English and Scottish Parliaments in 1707, which led to the creation of a “united kingdom” called “Great Britain” on May 1st of that year.
Tartan Day has expanded into an entire Tartan Week in New York City, with an exuberant annual parade this year led up by celebrated actor Alan Cumming, this year’s Grand Marshall. “Scotland Week” has also been promoted in Scotland, with events typically including parades, pipe bands, Highland dancing and festive spirits.
In Canada, Tartan Day is now an annual celebration of the contribution of more than four million Canadians who claim Scottish heritage. The day is marked from coast to coast, and acknowledged by the federal government.
Tartan Day Trivia in Ottawa
Here in Ottawa the Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO) held its second annual Tartan Day Trivia Contest. Five teams, colourfully named and clad in Scottish-themed clothing and accessories, mustered up their knowledge of Scottish-Canadian history, and cultural, military and sporting connections – as well as, not surprisingly, their fierce competitiveness.
It was a terse two hours – broken only by interludes for dancing and piping performances and restorative food and drink. Quiz Mistress and SSO Communications Director, Liz Smith, asked some 50 questions, aided by SSO Chair, John McLuckie. The five teams – “The Tartan Terrors”, “If it’s Nae Scottish it’s Crap”, “The MacSmarties”, “The Gang Agleys”, and “Scots Wha-EH” battled it out, and all put up a valiant fight with sometimes, some wild guesses, but in the end, Team Scots Wha-EH triumphed for the second year in a row. Will this winning streak continue in 2026?
Prizes were awarded, no broadswords were drawn, and there were lots of laughs and genuine camaraderie at the Royal Oak at Centrepointe. Thanks all for being good sports! Hope to see you next year!
Our thanks also to our sponsors the Scottish Government and the Royal Oak.