John Swinney to lead Tartan Day parade in New York amid charm offensive (2025)

The First Minister is in America on a charm offensive and will spend the day touting Scotland's cultural heritage in the US and join the parade's grand marshal, actor Alan Cumming

Scotland's First Minister is set to participate in New York's celebrated Tartan Day parade this Saturday. John Swinney will spend his day promoting Scotland's rich cultural roots in the US and take to Sixth Avenue alongside grand marshal and actor Alan Cumming.

Also anticipated to join the procession are Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, and Holyrood Deputy Presiding Officer Annabelle Ewing. The day is a celebration of Scottish heritage in the US.

In addition to the march, the First Minister will partake in the inaugural Hoolie in New York: an offshoot of the annual Hoolie at the Hydro extravaganza that honours traditional Scottish music; hosted at the iconic Carnegie Hall, a legacy of Scottish-born tycoon Andrew Carnegie, where Mr Swinney is also slated to hold a reception.

Mr Swinney looks forward to welcoming the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band and the Atholl Highlanders to Bryant Park in New York, prior to honouring Americans with Scottish ancestry at the "Kirkin' O' the Tartan" ceremony in Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church.

Before embarking on the second day of his trip, the First Minister expressed: "Scottish history and heritage are celebrated the world over and woven into the fabric of the United States.

"I know it means a great deal to the millions of Americans with Scottish connections.

"I am looking forward to leading Scotland's presence during the Tartan Day parade alongside grand marshal Alan Cumming and to addressing the audience during at a venue named after one of Scotland's most famous sons.

"Today is a day to celebrate the best of Scotland and to promote the iconic and globally revered culture and heritage we have to offer.

"I recognise the significance of National Tartan Day and it is testament to the strength of the Scottish diaspora in the US.

"Tartan Day and the wider festivities in New York reaffirm the historic friendship between our two nations a friendship that is deep and strong, and that dates back centuries.

"We want to continue to celebrate those ties, whilst also shining a spotlight on the vibrant, dynamic and innovative Scotland of today."

But the trip to New York by the First Minister has not been without controversy- with some branding it a 'jolly'.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Scottish Lib Dems leader, said: "In the middle of a trade crisis, taxpayer funded flights and overseas government missions should be being used to deliver for those Scottish businesses under threat of tariffs.

"Instead it seems like John is on a jolly.”

Swinney said yesterday he had to be mindful that international affairs was a matter reserved to the UK Government.

Speaking to journalists in the Scottish Parliament, he said: "The purpose of my visit is about promoting Scotland, engaging with the diaspora community, and doing what I can to promote trade and business activity in the US."