Scottish Holidays & Kilt 'Excuses'

[brbaritone]

No one needs an excuse to wear The Kilt. Even so, it is useful to have a ready answer to the question, "What's the occasion?" This is usually easy, since I wear The Kilt to work on certain important days - St. Andrew's Day, the Birthday of Robert Burns, the Battle of Culloden Anniversary, etc. Here is a list of Scottish Holidays to allow some planning, and also preparation for education of the curious. What thinkest The Rabble? Any additions or suggestions?

January 25 - Robert Burns' Birthday (1759)
February 1 - Imbolc (Beginning of Spring)
February 2 - Candlemas (Scottish Quarter Day - alternately February 28)
February 8 - Mary, Queen of Scots, executed (1587)
March 25 - Robert the Bruce crowned King of Scots (1306)
April 6 - Tartan Day - Declaration of Arbroath Anniversary (1320)
April 16 - Battle of Culloden Anniversary (1746)
May 1 - Beltane (Beginning of Summer); original Scottish Parliament disbanded (1707)
May 12 - First meeting of the new Scottish Parliament (1999)
May 15 - Whitsun (Scottish Term Day - alternately May 28)
May 24 - Victoria Day
June 24 - Battle of Bannockburn Anniversary (1314)
July 1 - Repeal of the Act of Proscription (1782)
July 25 - King James VI of Scotland crowned King of England (1603)
August 1 - Lughnasadh or Lammas Day (Scottish Quarter Day - alternately August 28)
August 1 - Act of Proscription came into effect (1746 - banned Highland Dress, kilts, and tartan)
August 15 - Sir Walter Scott's Birthday (1771)
August 23 - William Wallace executed (1305)
September 11 - Battle of Stirling Bridge Anniversary (1297)
September 28 - Balmoral Castle foundation stone laid (1853)
November 1 - Samhain (End of harvest season)
November 11 - St. Martin's Day (Scottish Term Day - alternately November 28)
November 16 - Stone of Scone returned to Scotland (1997)
November 30 - St. Andrew's Day
December 26 - Boxing Day
December 31 - Hogmanay (Scottish New Year)