Borders MP John Lamont said he was “honoured” to represent the UK Government at the annual Tartan Week parade through New York City last week, where he donned the Doddie Weir tartan to march through Manhattan.

Over the few days of the trip, Mr Lamont represented the UK Government Scotland Office and promoted opportunities for Scottish and Borders exporters to break into the US market.

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He marched in the Tartan Week parade through the streets of Manhattan alongside representatives from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Johnnie Walker whisky.

The parade on April 15 saw thousands of pipers, drummers, dancers and people with Scottish links march along Manhattan’s magnificent 6th Avenue.

Mr Lamont also took part in a recreation of the first ever Tartan Week event to mark the 25th anniversary of the celebration.

Border Telegraph: Borders MP John Lamont at the annual Tartan Week parade through New York City

The Scotland Office Minister took the opportunity to wear the My Name’5 Doddie tartan tie to promote the important fundraising work undertaken by the charity named after the late Doddie Weir, which is seeking a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

During the trip, he met New York City Mayor Eric Adams and took the opportunity to discuss how they could further advance the links between businesses in Scotland and the US.

The Minister for Scotland hosted a number of business events, including a panel discussion and reception with the Department for Business and Trade, in partnership with the Scottish North American Business Council.

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The discussion centred on climate and renewable energy opportunities for business, city operations, and the sharing of best practice between Scotland and New York and drew in around 70 corporate and public sector leaders.

A further roundtable was held, supported by Scottish Financial Enterprise, focusing on investment opportunities in Scotland with representatives from across academia, local Government and business, including a number of major banks. Discussion similarly focused on green growth opportunities, including ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) developments and investment opportunities.

Border Telegraph: Borders MP John Lamont with New York City Mayor Eric Adams

He said: “I was honoured to represent the UK Government at the annual New York Tartan Week parade, a great event which helps to promote Scottish identity, traditions, exports, and the strong links between the two nations.

“There are endless exciting opportunities for Scottish and Borders businesses to take advantage of in the United States, which I am hoping we can help to encourage and support in the coming months.

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“I was delighted to meet with the New York City Mayor Eric Adams before the start of the Parade when we were able to discuss the strong economic, cultural and academic ties between Scotland, New York and all of the United States.”