Canada joins US in celebrating Tartan Day

CANADA has joined the United States in celebrating its historic links with Scotland by officially recognising Tartan Day.

The Federal Government of Canada's move means that for the first time, the contribution of Scots and Scotland to the founding of North America will be celebrated across the whole of Canada and the US on Tartan Day, 6 April.

In the run-up to the day, Scotland's minister for enterprise, energy and tourism, Jim Mather, along with representatives of Scottish Development International and VisitScotland will carry out a "Scotland week" programme of business meetings and other engagements to promote the country as an "internationally competitive and innovative business location".

Mr Mather said: "My programme will focus firmly on creating and seizing opportunities to strengthen Scottish economic growth. I will be in several cities across the USA and Canada to meet with existing and target investors across a range of sectors and to showcase the numerous and superb investment opportunities Scotland has to offer."