Happy Tartan Day! What is Tartan Day? Scots in London (SIL) - 3,000+ dynamic and passionate Scots - are pleased to wish you and yours a very Happy Tartan Day, the 686th Anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.

Here's a wee bit of background to The Declaration of Arbroath and Tartan Day for those unfamiliar with it. The Declaration of Arbroath is probably without doubt the most famous document in Scottish history. It is recognized by many worldwide as the founding document of the Scottish nation.

Picture the scene - the English armies were routed at Bannockburn in 1314, however they continued to mount attacks into Robert the Bruce's Scotland in the years that followed. The Pope had not accepted Scottish independence, perhaps partially because Robert the Bruce was out of favour for killing John Comyn, a Guardian of the Realm, in a church in Dumfries in 1306.

The Declaration of Arbroath was prepared as a formal Declaration of Independence. Arguably, it has been unequalled in its eloquent plea for the liberty of man. From the darkness of medieval minds it shone a torch upon future struggles, which its signatories could not have foreseen or understood. It was drawn up in Arbroath Abbey on this day, the 6th April 1320, most likely by the Abbot, Bernard de Linton, who was also the Chancellor of Scotland.

The Declaration urged the Pope to see things from a Scottish perspective and not to take the English claim on Scotland seriously. It used strong words, indicating that without acceptance of the Scottish case that the wars would continue and the resultant deaths would be the responsibility of the Pope. An extract from the "Declaration of Arbroath" reads: "As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."

The Declaration was signed and bore the seals of 8 earls and 45 Scottish barons. It was conveyed to Rome and the Pope accepted the Scottish case. Two key points make the Declaration of Arbroath the most important document in Scottish history. Firstly it set the will and the wishes of the people above the King. Secondly, the manifesto affirmed the nation's independence in a way no battle could, and justified it with a truth that is beyond nation and race.

Since the 1990's in the United States and Canada, following Government resolution, the 6th April has been declared as National Tartan Day to honour the major role that Scottish Americans and Scots-Canadians have played in the founding of their respective countries. Notably, almost half of the signatories of the American Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, the Governors in 9 of the original 13 States were of Scottish ancestry, Scottish Americans have successfully helped shape America and continue to do so.

Scots in London (ScotsIn / SIL) will be gathering tonight in London in the magnificient Common Room of the Law Society's Hall, 113 Chancery Lane (Fleet Street end) from 6.30-11pm to echo these sentiments and celebrate the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath / Tartan Day. See map/room below **. All Scots and those who appreciate Scotland are welcome - GBP 20 on door. Scots all around the world will be celebrating - the biggest celebrations will be taking place in New York as part of Tartan Week. More details via www.scotsinlondon.com.

Major Tartan Day events in New York: Tartan Army NYC Tartan Day and Tartan Week and Tartan Week NY. Please join Scots in London (SIL) and dynamic, passionate Scots all over the world today and raise a glass of whisky (Whyte and Mackay - the Scotch that Scots drink!) to Scotland, the Declaration of Arbroath and Tartan Day! Slainte! Please quote "Scots In London.com".

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