Dan's Papers - March 28, 2008 - When In Manhattan with Christian McLean

Grab your kilt, a bottle of single malt and get your Scotland on. It's Tartan Week! Ten years ago the United States government officially acknowledged the influence of the Scottish in the shaping of America. On April 6, 1320 the Declaration of Arbroath was drawn up to declare Scottish independence from England. When the Continental Congress began devising their own Declaration of Independence, they looked to that of Arbroath for guidance. Beyond the 1320 document, countless Scottish descendants have had a hand in sculpting the U.S. including Alexander Hamilton (descendant), Washington Irving (descendant), and Andrew Carnegie (immigrant).

With so much Scottish influence on the island of Manhattan, New York decided that one day just wasn't enough to celebrate the Scottish, and so now we don't have just Tartan Day (April 6th), but Tartan Week. The celebrations begin March 30th with the 5th Annual 10k Scotland Run through Central Park. Winners get the opportunity to compete in marathons in Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you're not into running, don't worry, there's plenty else to do.

What would Tartan Week be without a wee game of golf? The folks at Glenlivet have created City Links, a traveling 9-hole indoor course crafted by world-renowned golf course designer, Arne Lundmark. It's mini-golf inspired by the sights and beauty of Scotland. There's also a driving simulator for those who are looking to play the long ball. Oh, and what course would be complete without a clubhouse? That's right, sit back and enjoy a nice dram of Glenlivet after the game. The course is open from April 1-11. As to the where, the location was undisclosed as of press time, but when the time is right the people at Glenlivet will post it on their website, tglsociety.com.

Whisky Live could be a "When In Manhattan" all by itself. Picture the wine event I talked about a few weeks ago and then dream of something 10 times better. Some of the finest distilleries have sent their "water of life" to America for you to enjoy. Not only are there tastings, but lectures by some of the industry's experts. It's an evening event so you won't even have to call in sick two days in a row. It gets going around 5:30 at the Puck Building in SoHo (295 Lafayette St.) and ends at 10 p.m.

If music is your thing, but you're not into that old stodgy Scottish fare, the Red Hot Chili Pipers might be for you. Stout, on 133 W. 33rd St., is hosting this band touted as "pipes with attitude," Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. Entrance is free.

For those looking to rub elbows with very important Scottish descendants, there are two events that might do the trick. The New York Racquet & Tennis Club has been gracious enough to open its doors to two Saint Andrews Society events on April 3. From 5:30-7:30 p.m. there is a National Tartan Day Cocktail Reception - jacket and tie are required as are reservations (212-223-4248). If you don't think cocktails are enough (and they never are) the Tartan Ball kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The black tie or preferably Highland Formal Dress event features dinner and dancing. At $235 (which includes the cocktail hour) it begs to be a not-to-be-missed event. Reservations are required.

Everyone loves a parade, right? On Saturday, April 5 the Tartan Day Parade will march down 6th Ave. The grand marshal this year will be Giants' kicker Lawrence Tynes. If you recall, he kicked the overtime, game-winner to get the boys in blue into the Super Bowl. An after-party celebration will be held at Stout.

On Sunday - the actual Tartan Day - catch the Homecoming Scotland 2009 Seminar (The NY Public Library South Court Atrium, Humanities and Social Sciences Library, 5th Avenue at 42nd St.). Kicking off at 10 a.m. the day consists of tracing ancestral lineage, works by the Scottish Bard Robert Burns and talks on the Scottish Enlightenment. The all-day affair is more to the point of the Tartan Day. It is a chance for those of Scottish ancestry to get in touch with their past by tracing their heritage and learning about the homeland.

Pop Braveheart into the DVD player, dust off that bottle of Oban, or work on your short game. Do whatever you it takes to get you fired up for Tartan Week. I just dropped my kilt off at the dry cleaners!