6 April 1320 - the Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath

Tartan Week celebrates all that is great about Scotland and its people, but one of its most important focuses is the Declaration of Arbroath. Signed at Arbroath Abbey on April 6 1320 – during the Scottish Wars of Independence - it took the form of a letter from the Scottish nobles to the Pope.

In it, they declared Scotland to be an independent nation with the right to live free from rule or oppression by other countries. It also claimed that Scottish independence was the right and responsibility of the Scottish people, not the King – and that the nobles would choose another king if they had to.

It is probably best known for the passage:

"...for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself"

The Declaration of Arbroath is famous not only because of its role in shaping Scottish national identity, but also because of its international influence.
In particular, it is believed that its ideas about independence, kingship and the rights of the people formed the basis
of the American Declaration of Independence - many of the signatories of which were Scottish or had Scottish ancestors. For this reason, Tartan Day is held on April 6 each year, when the Declaration of Arbroath is celebrated all around the world.

This year, Arbroath Abbey Timethemes will hold two very special events to commemorate the signing of the Declaration on April 6. A Declaration Celebration will take place in St AndrewsChurch, Arbroath on the 6th called'Shining the Spotlight on Scotland' and will feature music, dance, comedy, drama, and a special re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration.This will be followed by a spectacular torchlight procession from Arbroath Abbey courtyard to Dangerpoint, Arbroath. View the full list of events for Tartan Day 2011.