Karen, the McQueen of New York City
Kilted star reigns on Tartan Day parade
HOLLYWOOD star Karen Gillan took more than a little bit of Scotland with her to yesterday’s Tartan Day Parade through New York as the big event kicked off with some traditional Highland drizzle.
However, things dried up rapidly on the streets of Manhattan to allow Inverness-born Ms Gillan to strut her stuff as Grand Marshal of the colourful Big Apple celebration.
This year marks the return of inperson celebrations for Tartan Week for the first time since 2019, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ms Gillan looked resplendent in a Clan McQueen mini-kilt designed by Howie Nicholsby of 21st Century Tartans, based at Duntarvie Castle, near Broxburn, West Lothian.
She is only the second female Grand Marshal of the celebrated parade after pop singer KT Tunstall in 2018.
Ms Gillan, 34, said: ‘I’m honoured to help celebrate Scotland in America, and I look forward to playing a part in broadening awareness of Scotland’s history and cultural contributions.’
Best known for playing Amy Pond in Doctor Who and Ruby Roundhouse in the Jumanji movies, Ms Gillan was a popular choice on the streets of New York as residents roared their support for Scotland.
Hundreds of bagpipers and drummers from all over the US wore kilts and traditional Scottish dress as they marched behind the Grand Marshal with their clans, accompanied by Scottish Terriers.
National tourism body VisitScotland also treated New Yorkers to tasty street food served by Leith-born TV chef and restaurateur Tony Singh, featuring Punjabi salmon tacos and kheer with Islay whisky and sweet mango, washed down with Scotland’s other national drink – Irn-Bru.