KT Tunstall to become first woman to lead New York Tartan Day parade

Scotish singer KT Tunstall is to become the first woman to lead the annual Tartan Day parade through New York.

The Brit Awards winner has been unveiled as the Grand Marshal when the event is held for the 20th time next month.

Edinburgh-born Tunstall will follow in the footsteps of big-name actors like Sir Sean Connery, Alan Cumming, Brian Cox, Kevin Mckidd and Sam Heughan, who have all previously had the honour.

More than 30,000 specta- 0 New York Tartan Day role for Scots singer KT Tunstall tors turned out for last year’s parade, which traditionally starts at 44th Street, and heads on Sixth Avenue to 55th Street.

Tunstall, who was brought up in St Andrews, played in a number of indie and folk bands before finding fame as a solo artist in 2004 after an appearance on the TV show Later...with Jools Holland.

Tunstall, who will lead the parade on 7 April, said: “I’m delighted to participate in this twenty-year tradition and very proud to be the first female solo Grand Marshal.

“It is especially meaningful to step into this role with the movement for gender equality picking up great speed all over the world.”

“I’m always happy to celebrate my roots as a Scottish musician, and I’ve never felt more empowered in my own career than I do now, it’s an exciting time.”