Tartan Day set to be traditional treat
25/07/08
Aberdeen will play host to a wide and diverse programme of events to celebrate the rich colourful culture, language and traditions of the North-east of Scotland on Tartan Day, Saturday, 2 August.
From the sound of massed pipe bands, re-enactments, traditional music, family history to a traditional Scottish market showcasing the best in local food, arts and crafts, Aberdeen Tartan Day will have something for everyone.
Celebrity spotters will have a busy time with an array of stars lending their support to Tartan Day. Making guest appearances at Union Terrace Gardens will include Steve Robertson (Scotland the What), Joyce Falconer, Peter Mullan, Andy Gray, Cameron Stout and actors from “Braveheart”.
Dawn Schultz, marketing and events manager, Aberdeen City Council said: “With such a wonderful selection of regional music, culture and traditions being celebrated on Tartan Day in Aberdeen there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. It will be without doubt a great day out.”
Aberdeen Country Fair
Belmont Street 9am – 5pm
Aberdeen Country Fair can be found in the city centre in Belmont Street. Aberdeen Country Fair features everything from Aberdeen Angus beef, fish landed at Aberdeen and Peterhead Harbours, local fruit and vegetables and handmade crafts.
Kirk of St Nicholas
Union Street 10am – 4pm
A free illustrated talk on the 2006 excavation of the West Kirk of St Nicholas will be given by assistant archaeologist, Alison Cameron who was the director of the dig.
The first talk will be at 11am and the second at 2.30pm. The talks are free and last approximately 50 minutes followed by a question and answer session.
Massed Pipe Band Parade
Union Street
12 noon
See massed pipe bands march through the heart of the city to Celebrate Aberdeen’s Tartan Day in true Scottish style. Watch as the parade winds its way through the streets taking the salute from Lord Provost Peter Stephen at the Town House.
Auld Tolbooth Tours
Castle Street
11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Members of the public will have the chance to participate in the trial of a real criminal from Aberdeen's dark and murky past. In the late 16th century Harry Domingo Moir was arrested and tried for being a 'cut throat...and a cut purse...'. For months he had attacked and robbed travellers coming to, and leaving from, Aberdeen. Having eluded capture for some time the magistrates eventually arrested him. Members of the public will have the chance to hear his side of the story and then cast verdict on this local notorious highwayman.
St Nicholas Kirkyard
Open Day and Tours
1.30pm-3.30pm
Take time to visit the St Nicholas Kirkyard during the day and experience a number of performances from local music and entertainment groups.
VSA launches new tartan
Union Terrace Gardens
1.30pm - 3.30pm
Local social care charity Voluntary Services Aberdeen (VSA) is delighted to launch its own new tartan during Aberdeen’s Tartan Day celebrations. Visit the VSA’s stall in Union Terrace Gardens to see the tartan on display, and look out for Scott the Dog in his splendid new VSA tartan kilt as he hands out balloons throughout the afternoon.
Tartan at the Terrace Matinee Concert
Union Terrace Gardens
1.30pm-3.30pm
The gardens will come alive with traditional music, entertainment along with a host of performers from the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and will be hosted by Gordon Bathgate, founder of Grampian Hospital Radio.
Local History Day
Town House, Union Street
10am-4pm
Delve into the past at Aberdeen’s local history fair. This unique event in Aberdeen’s Town House will encourage visitors to trace the local history of their own particular area and family roots while browsing a local history stall.
For further information the events above contact the City Council’s events team on 01224 522998.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
