1st July International Tartan Day

1st July has been International Tartan Day in Australia since 1996, whereas it is celebrated in April in the United States and Canada. It falls on the anniversary of the repeal of the 1747 Act of Proscription, which had made wearing tartan an offense punishable by law. The earliest known tartan in Scotland can be dated to the 3rd century AD, but it only acquired cultural significance in Scottish Highland culture around the 17th century. Millions of Australians descend from Scottish ancestors, so one aim of Tartan Day is to help them reconnect with their roots. The observance features wearing tartan, parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing, and other Scottish-themed events.

It would be fun to do this using picture books!

This is a perfect first introduction to Scotland for all young children. When Katie meets the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, fun and adventure soon follow. Katie and Nessie discover how beautiful and stunning the country is as they take in the sights, from the Highlands to the Edinburgh Festival. Features: Loch Ness, Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park and Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, The Royal Mile, The National Gallery and Portrait Gallery and Greyfriar's Bobby. And if you can't find this one, try:

Maggie really doesn't like wearing her mittens. Perhaps on her trip around Scotland she'll find a way to get rid of them without Mum noticing. She throws, flings, and catapults the mittens towards a number of potential new owners on their way to Granny's house. But mittens are made to be worn by a child, not a lobster, or the Loch Ness Monster! As the weather turns, Maggie realises that her mittens are useful after all. But is it too late?

Meet Katie Morag: Katie Morag McColl and her family live on the Isle of Struay. There are many adventures to be had on the Isle of Struay. There's her mum and dad's Shop and Post Office, Grannie Island's house across the bay, the dancing classes at the hall - and just wait till the mischevious Big Boy Cousins come to visit - they're lots of fun! There are single story books and windups with several stories.

The heart-warming tale of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye terrier, is well-known and loved throughout Scotland and the world and he features in many Scottish stories. 

There are several stories about highland cows.

There are stories which feature bagpipes.

You will find stories about puffins,  popular birds found on the coasts of Scotland. Lynne Richards has several.

Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn. The backdrop for Meg McLaren’s stunning picture book, The Wee Unicorn is the glorious Highlands! The region’s Highland Games tradition also serves as inspiration for the fun-filled The Great Highland Games Chase by Kate Abernethy and Laura Darling.

And it is a good day to read a biography about someone who is Scottish. This inspiring picture book tells the true story of world-famous deaf percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie. As a child, Evelyn Glennie's ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers. Ringing phones sounded like muffled crunches in her ears. But when she was told that she would need to wear hearing aids for the rest of her life, Evelyn was determined that this this would never stop her from playing music. Instead of giving up on her dreams, Evelyn found new ways to listen...

And of course it is a good day to practise putting 'wee' in every sentence you utter and 'bonny' occasionally!