12.04.2007
The Presiding Officer the Rt Hon George Reid has arrived in Québec, Canada as part of this year’s Tartan Week activities.
The programme includes:
- Discussions with the Rector of Laval University, Michael Pigeon, and other professors of law, political science and government experts on devolution of the powers within the United Kingdom.
- Meetings with the President of the Assemblée Nationale, Michel Bissonnet.
Presiding Officer George Reid said: "This week has seen Scotland showcase its culture, business and sport to New York.
"I am now looking forward to discussions with our Canadian friends as to how we can continue to build upon our links with Québec.”
On April 14, Mr Reid will be in New York again where he will head up the 2007 New York City National Tartan Day Parade as Grand Marshal. He will lead the anticipated 2,000 marchers up 6th Avenue.
The three-hour parade will be the culmination of a fortnight of meetings and activities undertaken by the Presiding Officer on behalf of the Scottish Parliament in acknowledgement of Tartan Week.
Saturday 14 April – New York
- 10am Kirkin O’ the Tartan, Central Presbyterian Church.
- 2pm 9th Annual NYC Tartan Day Parade (Organised by New York National Tartan Day Committee), 6th Avenue, New York
The Parade begins at 45th Street and concludes at 58th Street on 6th Avenue, New York.
The Presiding Officer will be the Grand Marshal for the Parade. Previous Grand Marshals include Randall Wallace, author of the screenplay “Braveheart” and Brigadier Melville S. Jameson CBE DL for his services to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Activities will take place throughout the day.
Background
Tartan Week is a celebration of all things Scottish which takes place the first week of April each year in New York City and across the USA .
This is the ninth Tartan Week showcasing all aspects of Scottish culture and promoting Scotland as a place to live, study, work, visit, do business and invest.
The anticipated cost for the Scottish Parliament's participation in Tartan Week, will be £16,000.