I am one of approximately 15 per cent of Canada's population that are of Scottish descent. I've had the pleasure of being a bagpiper since 1958. During that time I've played in parades, tattoos, individual solo, duets, trios, quartets and band competitions, as well as weddings and funerals.

I've played with seven different pipe bands, and I've played in Japan, Scotland, and the USA. With good luck and good health I like to think I have more piping left in me.

What I haven't experienced is Tartan Day, and I am going to tell you what I've learned.

I have never experienced a Tartan Day and only this year have had a chance to learn about it. In Scotland, the clan system used a specific tartan to identify their group or clan. Specific designs for patterns emerged with time and the tartan has spread to many parts of the world. You might know that each province and territory in Canada has a specific tartan. You might not know that the Vancouver Canucks have their own tartan, used in promoting their team.

Tartan Day started in Nova Scotia in 1987 as a way to promote Scottish heritage, and April 6 has been the official day designated, although there is a great deal of latitude, as you will learn. Canada declared April 6, 2010 as National Tartan Day. There are many examples of Tartan Day that began as small events that have grown to weekly and monthly events.

Why April 6?

The Declaration of Arbroath is a historical record of a letter written to the Pope in 1320 in Latin and sealed by eight Earls and about 40 Barons:

"As long as 100 of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to the lordship of the English. It is in truth not for glory, for riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."

The declaration was written during the long war of independence with England, which began in 1296, with Edward I's attempt to conquer Scotland. The Pope wrote to Edward I urging him to make peace, but it was not until 1328 that Scotland's independence was acknowledged.

While researching, I was surprised to learn that Argentina has around 100,000 people of Scottish descent, that also celebrate Tartan Day on April 6. The beginning event was held in Buenos Aires in 2006.

There are a number of countries that have chosen to use July 1 as the date for Tartan Day, including Australia and New Zealand. July 1 was chosen to celebrate the repeal of the Highland Dress Proscription, which was in force for 36 years 1746 to 1782.

What happens on Tartan Day varies from place to place, and what has started in some communities with a small parade, has grown to include weeks of festivities.

Current Plans for Tartan Day activities in Vernon Sunday include a Tartan Day Church Service at Trinity United Church, 10 a.m. Tartan tie, clan crests, tartan sashes and wearing your kilt is encouraged, but not essential.

Tom Skinner is a member Sons of Scotland, Kildonnan Camp, # 166 Vernon. Keep watching for Skinner's look at how local pipe bands have played a role in Vernon's Scottish history