Jonathan Sayers, Charlotte Manoff, Julia Nelson, Hank Collins and Morgan Manoff at the St Andrew's Society party

The New York Tartan Day Parade, hailed as one of the highlights of the Scottish heritage scene in the United States, took place on 11th April.

The event involved thousands of clansmen, from both sides of the Atlantic, marching up New York's historic Sixth Avenue, through the heart of Manhattan, to the sound of the pipes.  Leading the parade this year were the distinguished Scottish actor Graham McTavish, star of the 'Outlander' television series, and Tricia Marwick MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.

Following the parade, it was reported that the legions of American Scots taking part in the parade had literally stopped the New York traffic.  The event was described by Alan Bain, President of New York National Tartan Day, as 'a celebration of Scottish American heritage and the continuing bonds of friendship between our two countries.'

Among many highlights of the day, the Scottish comedian Billy Connolly was presented with a 'Great Scot' award by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

This year, Clan Hay in Scotland was represented in New York by Jonathan Sayers, Pincerna to the Chief.

Clan Hay later attended a reception at the Racquets and Tennis Club in New York's Park Avenue, as guests of the St Andrew's Society of New York, an organisation that has been providing charitable relief and academic sponsorship to Americans of Scots descent for more than 250 years.