March 13th, 2020

One of the American-Scottish Foundation's favorite times of year is 
Tartan Week, a week when the Scottish American community comes together and celebrates our heritage and culture - culminating in the wonderful  New York Tartan Day Parade.  It has been held every year for 
the past 22 years, but this year the Parade which was to take place on 
April 4th, has had to be cancelled.

The decision taken by the National Tartan Day New York committee, of which the ASF is a founding member, was taken with deep regret and I share Kyle Dawson, President of the National Tartan Day New York committee letter with you below. 

The escalating situation around COVID-19 and the banning of gatherings over 500 persons by  the State of New York, and New York City left no other choice. 

The ASF schedule of events through April 6th is being adjusted and we will advise further around this early next week. 

April 6th is Tartan Day and we hope we can look to honor and celebrate the Day in a limited way.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation and we need to look to take it day by day.  The health and safety of our community is our first concern.

Sincerely
Camilla G Hellman

President
American-Scottish Foundation 

Dear Friends,
 
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the New York City Tartan Day Parade will not be taking place in 2020. We had hoped that we would be able to go ahead with the Parade being 3 weeks away, but following yesterday's news the State of New York, and New York City are banning large gatherings until further notice.
 
We are so sorry. This is hugely disappointing news for us to share with you.
Given that the COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, we will not be rescheduling this year's Parade. Instead we'll be focusing on returning stronger than ever in 2021.
 
Thank you for your ongoing support,
 
We would like to take this time to thank Marti, Audrey, Bob, Barbara, Suzanne, Fraser, Dan, Steve, Caroline, and our PR team in Glasgow, Victoria and Pam, for all of their hard work over the past year. Without this amazing team, we would not be able to put on such a spectacular series of events. And to Howie and Charlie your support over the years has been unfounded. Thank you, from the bottom of our Tartan Hearts.
 
Kyle Dawson
President
National Tartan Day NY Committee

Lesley MacLennan Denninger
Camilla Hellman
Lebby Campbell

_____________________________________________________________________