Declaration of Arbroath 1320

It is the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath a letter which was signed in 1320. The declaration was written in Latin and sealed by eight earls and at least 40 barons. It was sent to Pope John XXII seeking to confirm Scotland’s status as and independent nation.

The Pope listened to the arguments and encouraged Edward II to make peace with the Scots. Eight years after the Declaration on 1 March 1328 the new English King signed a peace treaty between Scotland and England.

This passage from it is widely quoted

It is thought to be the document on which the American Constitution is based and it is read out ahead of the New York City Tartan Day Parade each year which takes place around Tartan Day.

This day was decreed by a US Presidential Decree to be observed each year, as it already was in Canada.

This year's Tartan Day Parade was to be led by actor Brian

Cox CBE but has of course been cancelled. The organising committee is adamant that there will be a marking of the day however.

President Kyle Dawson has called for everyone to hold a virtual Tartan Day.

He said: "On 6 April we want you to flood our social media accounts withh videos and photos showing you in all your Scottish splendour. Post to our Facebook page and tag uus @nyctartanweek on Instagram and Twitter.

"Gather your pipes and play your wee hearts out, record us a Celtic tune or recite your best Burns quote! Covid-19 You may take our parade this year, but you'll NEVER TAKE OUR PRIDE!"