A Tartan Day Scrapbook
Currying favour with visiting Scottish VIPS
COMMANDER ROBERT Currie was chosen to receive the US National Tartan Day Award this year recognising his accomplishment for promoting Scotland in the US. This is an extract from his Tartan Week scrapbook published online:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 (TARTAN DAY) WASHINGTON, DC
Our final night in Washington was marked with an exceptional Tartan Day reception at the Metropolitan Club. I enjoyed the welcome remarks by Stewart D. McLaurin and the Rt. Hon. Angus Robertson, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture. Robertson very generously included a mention of my Tartan Day Award.
He said: “I want to take the time to recognise a few familiar faces in the room who have gone above and beyond, year on year, to help us celebrate and promote Scotland.
“For example, Bob Currie, who this year was awarded the National Capitol Tartan day award for his stellar contribution to the Scottish American community. I was reading in The Edinburgh Reporter - my local newspaper - when news broke of his award, that 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of Bob’s first trip to Scotland. His commitment to keep on promoting the impact of Scots in the US to this day makes him a more than worthy recipient of the award – congratulations Bob.”
The club was the perfect setting for informal networking between US and Scottish diaspora, leaders in business and the arts. Drinks provided by the Distilled Spirits Council of the US, performances included the OZScot dancers and the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums.