2024 marks a milestone in the achievements of NTSUSA. Whilst NTSUSA has participated in New York Tartan Week events previously, this was the first time with the enthusiast support and participation of our Emerging Leaders group that NTSUSA marched in the annual Tartan Day Parade in New York City. Beginning in 1999, the first parade was a reasonably small affair consisting of a march from the British Consulate to the UN by two pipe bands and a small group of Scottish Americans. However, as the years have gone by the event has become a celebrated, significant part of New York Tartan Week. NTSUSA was lucky enough to march with National Trust of Scotland President, Jackie Bird, who attended the week’s festivities in the city.

Whilst NTSUSA attended many Tartan Week events to collaborate and support other Scottish organizations, the following week was host to many anticipated events held by NTSUSA itself. On Tuesday April 9, the organization hosted an event together with textile designer Araminta Campbell in the Museum of Arts and Design. This exclusive event featured a private tour of the museum’s latest exhibition followed by an interesting Q+A with the artist herself to learn how her atelier uses traditional Scottish weaving combined with modern techniques.

The following evening, April 10, an inspiring event took place in downtown New York hosted by The MaCallen, the official whiskey sponsor of NTSUSA’s A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures gala. This event was specifically to honor and introduce NTSUSA’s next generation of leaders. Amongst many influential Emerging Leaders were Iona MacGowan, a talented media host and content creator and Molly Melville, the national brand ambassador for The Macallan, both admired representatives of Scotland.

Marking the final celebration of the week, NTSUSA’S 17^th annual fundraising gala, fondly known as A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures took place on April 11, 2024 at the magnificent Metropolitan Club in New York City. In attendance were around 250 valued trustees and members of NTSUSA, coming together to celebrate the organization, and Scotland’s heritage. Raising an incredible $380,000, the funds gathered from this spectacular event are critical in ensuring the beautiful sites in Scotland remain protected and preserved by NTSUSA for years to come. With over 100 sites, the mission to preserve Scotland’s rich history and landscape was at the forefront of this event, with a Silent Auction being held to raise as much money as possible. Included in this auction were one-of-a-kind items such as a beautiful gold necklace, as well as incredible exclusive experiences from Scottish brands and partners such as Scottish Creations, Barbour and Luxury Scotland.

 

In celebrating Scotland’s rich culture, this evening included a much-loved whiskey tasting by renowned distillery and cherished partner of NTSUSA, The Macallan, as well as incredible live music by the Skye Trio. Adding to the wonderful atmosphere of this evening was the final Ceilidh hosted in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Club where guests of the gala enjoyed Scottish dancing, a tradition so dear to Scottish cultural heritage.

As with every year previous, the Gala holds the honor of naming a Great Scot, an award which, as president of the National Trust of Scotland, Jackie Bird, describes, acts as ‘a tribute to someone who has enhanced Scotland’s Reputation around the World.’ This year, the award was given to acclaimed Scottish actor, director, and novelist Tom Conti who has featured in notable films such as Oppenheimer, Reuben, Reuben, and Shirley Valentine. Conti has received several awards for his roles including a Tony award, as well as being nominated for an Oscar. He was chosen as the Great Scot of 2024 for proudly representing Scotland through his distinguished achievements within the arts, as highlighted by Jackie Bird in an inspiring speech moments before the award was received.

Next year will be the 25^th Anniversary of NTSUSA as well as the 18^th Gala, undoubtedly an important year to celebrate the achievements of the organization and the continued support and appreciation of our valued members. It is thanks to the generous donations and passionate supporters that NTSUSA continues to acquire Scottish properties for preservation, sustaining the protection of Scottish heritage and landscapes.