MSPs to head to New York for Tartan Week

Published on Thursday 1 April 2010 16:46

MSPs are embarking on a week-long tour of America as part of the annual Scotland Week celebrations, it was announced today.

• Holyrood Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson

The 30,000 programme of events rounds off with a Tartan Day parade in New York led by Holyrood Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson as grand marshal.

Beginning on Saturday, his tour takes in cities across the US and appearances at universities and state parliaments.

Mr Fergusson, who will also start a run in Central Park, said the celebration tells the story of the "unique bond" between Scotland and America.

He added: "This year's programme reflects the history of that bond and will celebrate our rich, shared heritage, but it will also look to the future and explore our environmental and economic links around the green agenda with the United States."

MSPs Jamie McGrigor, Pauline McNeill and Gil Paterson are also travelling to discuss green issues in Washington DC, New York and Boston "to help inform the Parliament's future scrutiny".

A Holyrood spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Parliament is acutely aware of the current economic climate and, with that in mind, the budget for Scotland Week has been held fixed at 30,000 for the third year in a row, representing a reduction in real terms.

"Despite the exchange rate being less favourable than in previous years, we are confident that the final cost for the 2010 programme will be comfortably within budget."

Scottish actor Alan Cumming will also feature in Scotland Week as part of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama's (RSAMD) celebrations.

He will mentor a student and chair the Glasgow-based academy's inaugural meeting of its American Foundation.

Mr Cumming said: "I'm really excited that the American Foundation of the RSAMD is making its presence felt this Scotland Week, and I look forward to these events being the first of many I'll be a part of to promote the academy and all it has to offer in the States."

Musicians from Scotland and America will link to perform at events in New York and in Toronto, Canada.