Townsville Tartan Day 2025

Come along to the 11^th Annual Townsville Tartan Day – the day the Scots of Townsville and everyone who loves all things Scottish come together for a free community event in conjunction with the Cotters Market.

'Tartan Day' is an international event that celebrates the lifting of the English ban that prevented the wearing of Scottish attire from 1746 to 1782.

The Honoured Clan for 2025 is Clan Forsyth and Glenys Ashton, President of the Clan Forsyth Society of Queensland Inc., will be in attendance. If your surname is Forsyth, Forsythe, Forsaith, Foresyth, Forsite, and several other spellings this is your year! Please spread the word and make contact for details.

• massed band of pipes and drums plus individual bands playing
• Kirkin' o' the Tartans in Flinders Square
• Iain Mckenzie, internationally recognised Scottish accordionist
• Brian Bisset, Scottish bass baritone singer from Brisbane
• Scottish dancing displays and participation
• Clan Parade in Flinders Street at 10:30am
• get tips for your family history search from the Family History Assoc. of NQ
• add your clan to the Clans in Townsville Tree
• Dogs of Scottish Breeds in the Clan Parade

Contact us to register in advance to join members of your clan in the Clan Parade!

The day opens with the massed pipe bands marching through Flinders Street at 9am where there will be a Kirkin' of the Tartans (a blessing ceremony) at Flinders Square. Bring your own tartan to take part in this blessing. Enjoy a coffee and shortbread or pastry from the surrounding vendors in our beautiful winter sunshine!

Then move back into Cotters Market to watch non-stop Scottish entertainment while you patronise the stalls. The entertainment continues until 1pm.

Get your vantage point in Flinders Street by about 10:15am for the Clan Parade that moves off at 10:30am featuring members of local and visiting pipe bands, the largest display of Clan Banners in Australia and the Dogs of Scottish Breeds.

Following the parade will be the final event of the Townsville Scottish Heavy Games – a challenge of strength by the kilted men and women each striving for the top award of Strongest Woman and Strongest Man.

Send us a message through Facebook, phone Marie on 0413 456 542, or email mlg7@optusnet.com.au to be put on the Townsville Scottish Community Inc. mailing list to receive further updates.