Kilt me now: International Tartan Day
- Ellen Hill
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
By Ellen Hill, nee McIntosh (with Mackenzie and Ross thrown in for good measure)
July 1 might be better known Down Under for a certain tax-related calendar event, but for nearly 2 million Australians with Scottish ancestry (and anyone partial to a dram and a pipe tune), it’s International Tartan Day.
Whether you're a proud McLeod, a Fraser or just enjoy shouting “Freedom!” at inappropriate times, this is your annual chance to embrace all things bonnie, brash and brilliantly Scottish.
On this day 278 years ago, the grim-faced, fun-hating Act of Proscription (1746) was repealed.
This notorious law made it illegal to wear Highland dress. Aye, your kilts and tartans were banned.
Offenders faced seven years of penal transportation.
When the ban was lifted in 1782, in true Scottish spirit the people didn’t just shrug it off – they made it a party.
International Tartan Day has been celebrated here in Australia since 1989 with all the Highland flair you can muster without accidentally flinging a haggis at the neighbour’s cat.
Och aye, the heritage
According to the 2021 Australian census, 130,060 Australian residents were born in Scotland, but a staggering 2,176,777 claimed Scottish ancestry, some in combination with another ancestry.
That’s a lot of tartan tucked into wardrobes across the land.
From NSW to Western Australia, you’ll find Scottish pipe bands, Highland dance groups, Gaelic societies and probably an uncle named Angus who still insists on leading the toast at every barbecue.
But it’s not just about looking good in plaid.
Tartan Day is a celebration of resilience, migration and cultural tenacity.
Scots have been arriving on Aussie shores since the 18th century, bringing with them traditions, stories, radical politics (cheers for the trade unions, lads) and culinary oddities like haggis, shortbread and deep-fried Mars bars.
Today, 250,000 Australians gather each year to honour their Scottish roots with pipe music, clan gatherings, Burns recitals and even haggisburgers.
Tartan around the world
Canada kicked off the global Tartan Day movement in 1987 and the US joined the ceilidh in 1998, and even Argentina and France have thrown their kilts into the ring.
The US went all-in with a Congressional proclamation and a parade through New York featuring 3000 pipers.
Some events have grown into week-long festivals, with storytelling, Scottish games, whisky tastings and folk concerts.
But wait, there’s Mair!
Get ready for a wee treat, because The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is bringing its kilts, cannons and choruses to Brisbane in February 2026.
Scotland’s most spectacular cultural showcase is marching into Suncorp Stadium for the first time ever, and it’s bound to be more dazzling than a ceilidh after three whiskies.
The Tattoo’s 75th anniversary show, The Heroes Who Made Us, will feature more than 1000 performers from around the world.
Expect precision drills, thunderous drums, swirling dancers and a sea of tartan.
If that doesn’t stir the blood of every Scot and Scot-at-heart, maybe the Tattoo Hospitality packages, complete with Scottish-inspired dining and fine Scotch whisky, will do the trick.
So, dust off your glengarry, polish your sporran and mark February 12–15, 2026 in your diary.
Tickets on sale at edintattoobrisbane.com.au.
A wee bit o’ how-to
In the meantime, if you’re wondering how to join in the Tartan Day fun, dinnae fash yersel ("Don't worry"). Here are some sure-fire ways to celebrate:
Wear your tartan: No clan? No worries! The Black Watch or Royal Stewart tartans are universal favourites
Eat Scottish fare: Try a Scotch pie, shortbread, cranachan (a raspberry, oats, cream, whisky and honey dessert) or (if you can stomach it) haggis
Blast the bagpipes: (Or at least a playlist.) Whether it’s The Skye Boat Song or a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland, crank up the pipes and annoy your neighbours
Join an event: Check out local parades, ceilidhs and Scottish dance groups
Slàinte Mhath!
Tartan Day isn’t just for the heritage minded. It’s a celebration of culture, courage, and the canny ability to throw a party with a fiddle and a dram.
Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool Scot or just enjoy the accent, this is your chance to raise your glass, embrace your inner Highlander, and shout "Alba gu bràth!" (Scotland forever!)
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be held at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, February 12 to 15, 2026. Click HERE for information and tickets.
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