Tania Pramschufer has been organizing events for two decades, but her latest endeavor – the Edinburgh Tartan Parade – is perhaps her most ambitious and meaningful yet. With a deep love for Scotland’s cultural heritage and a passion for creating events that bring people together, Pramschufer is spearheading an initiative that will weave the past, present, and future of tartan into a vibrant and inclusive celebration.

Born into a family with a rich and diverse heritage, Pramschufer has always had a deep appreciation for Scotland’s history and traditions. “My mother’s family names, Coutts and Petrie, trace back to the Forres area of Scotland, while my father’s German and Swedish lineage adds another layer to my story,” she shares with Celtic Life International via email. Now residing in Portobello, Edinburgh’s beloved beach suburb, she benefits from being close to the lively Scottish capital, with its thriving community of independent businesses and stimulating activities.

Harnessing her extensive experience, Pramschufer’s journey with tartan parades began in 2017 when she developed a small procession to launch the World Fair Trade Tartan.

“It was just 500 people, but the moment was electric. We marched from the Royal Mile to the Ross Band Stand in Princes Street Gardens, and I knew then that this had to grow.” Inspired by the annual NYC Tartan Day Parade, she brought World Fair Trade Tartan to The Big Apple in in April of 2018. “It was overwhelming, absolutely incredible. The pride, the spectacle, the sheer cinematic joy of it all – I wanted to create something just as special in Edinburgh.”

That dream has now become a reality. Following the success of her participation in the NYC Tartan Day Parade – where she returned in 2023 with 30 young drummers from Leith-based charity Pulse of the Place – Pramschufer and a team of five like-minded individuals founded Tartan Parade Scotland.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” she says enthusiastically. “We began working on the project last spring, and the inaugural event is set to take place this coming May 10. The timing is perfect, as Edinburgh is celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2025.”

Registrations filled up quickly. “We capped participation at 1,600 for this first year, and we reached that limit three months ahead of schedule! The interest has been phenomenal – from Edinburgh, across Scotland, and even from as far as New York and Washington. We even have Vikings joining us from Shetland, Bay City Roller fans, and the Chinese Entrepreneur Society, who will bring tartan-adorned lions and dragons!”

The Edinburgh Tartan Parade is designed as a tribute to Scottish pride, inclusivity, and positive energy.

“We are all about celebrating tartan – the fabric of Scotland that weaves connection, identity, and friendships around the world…”

The parade will kick off on the Royal Mile in front of City Chambers, a site steeped in history dating back to the 1300s. Participants will march through Cockburn Street, cross Waverley Bridge, and through East Princes Street Gardens before concluding at the Mound Precinct near the National Galleries.

Following the parade, attendees will be treated to a free Ceilidh at the Ross Band Stand, with Edinburgh Castle providing a breathtaking backdrop. “We’ve got two world-renowned, award-winning bands – Whisky Kiss and Gleadhraich – to keep the energy high,” notes Pramschufer. “And for those who want to keep the party going, the Usher Hall after-party will feature Rura and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers for a night of incredible music.”

Organizing such a large-scale gathering is a formidable task. “Funding a first-year event is always a challenge, but we are delighted to have Belhaven Brewery, Hand Up Events, and LocalMotive Markets as our sponsors.”

A welcome hurdle, however, is the sheer volume of interest the event has generated. “We will definitely be looking to expand next year – there is clearly a huge demand!”

The rewards, she shares, far outweigh the challenges. “Watching this idea blossom, seeing people come together in a shared love for tartan and Scotland – that is the greatest gift. It’s about community, joy, and making something meaningful that will last.

“This is a Scotland-wide event, but it’s deeply rooted in the local Edinburgh community. Pipe bands, dance groups, organizations, and individuals are all taking part.

With the parade now firmly placed on Edinburgh’s cultural calendar, Pramschufer’s vision of a grand tartan procession has come full circle. “We have planted the seed of an idea and are watching something beautiful grow.”

edinburgh.org/900/event/edinburgh-tartan-parade