Tartan Day 2010 - April 6 Events Are Celebrated in Angus

Issued: 8 April 2010

Tartan Day 2010 was celebrated across Angus on Tuesday, April 6 with a selection of well-supported events marking the Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320.

The Angus Archives Open Day – and the Open Day at Dundee Family History Centre - enabled people from all over the county to discover more about their family and their local community by providing access to a wealth of records, documents and photographs. "We had an excellent turnout at our open day," said Fiona Scharlau, Senior Archivist, Angus Archives. "People were waiting when we opened the doors at 10am and some of them were so fascinated by the information they discovered, they stayed all day."

Cousins Jean Fitchet and Jocelyn Mair from Brechin came across photos of their grandfather which they had never seen before. "Our grandfather was a great model maker," explained Jean. "I used to stand in his shed and watch him making them so it was wonderful to see these photos of grandfather with two of his models and to be able to tell Fiona Scharlau that the photos captioned as 'man with model' are actually of our grandfather, Joseph Eggo."

The Speaking of Scotland Debate was also a great success, as was the Torchlight Procession in Arbroath. Starting at the harbour, a large group of people proudly holding burning torches marched behind the Arbroath Branch of the Royal British Legion Pipe Band to Arbroath Abbey, scene of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath 690 years ago.

"The procession echoed the arrival of the barons at the Abbey, with the torches symbolising the light of democracy and peace expressed in the Declaration," said Dr Richard Irvine of Arbroath Abbey Timethemes, who was delighted by the good turnout.

Simon McCrodden from Kent took part in the procession, along with his two daughters, Chloé and Amy. "We certainly picked the right week to have a holiday in Arbroath," said Simon. "It was so good to be here on Tartan Day and to be able to take part in an occasion like this. My dad lived in Arbroath 22 years ago so it brought back many memories."

The procession ended with a fantastic concert in St Andrews Church, which starred artistes from the local area and included performances by singers Alan Mowatt, Maggie Finlay and Danny Laverty; salsa and hip-hop dancing by the Appolinari Dance Studio; a presentation by Friockheim Primary School; music by pipers from Arbroath RBLS Pipe Band; toe-tapping ceilidh music from Ewan and Kerr Barrack; a comedy sketch by Mark Masson; and a first-class lesson in how to Parliamo Aberbrothock by Bessie & Jessie.

The concert concluded with a re-enactment of the Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was very much appreciated by the large audience. "For me, the Celebration of Scotland Concert summed up Tartan Day perfectly," said Muriel Bruce from Arbroath.

The Tartan Day celebrations are an Angus Council tourism and community initiative. The Angus celebrations now extend to a week, from April 2 until April 10, with over 50 events taking place across the county.

To find out about all the events taking place across Angus during Tartan Day Scotland, which is sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, visit the What's On in Angus page.

The Tartan Day Events Guide is also available from accommodation providers and visitor attractions in Angus, Dundee, Perth and Aberdeenshire and at museums, libraries and Access offices in Angus.

      

Jocelyn Mair and Jean Fitchet with pictures of their grandfather Joseph Eggo and his models of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Taj Mahal.