Glad to be plaid
Tartan Day a celebration of all things Scottish
Brittany Maniet and her mother, Pam, have never been to Scotland, but their country of origin is on their bucket list to visit. Until that day, they cherish the times they spend together at Pittsburgh Tartan Day.
In its 26th year, the event held the first Saturday in April at Bethel Presbyterian Church and hosted by The St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh, celebrates Scottish heritage with bagpipes, Highland dancing, folk songs, fiddlers, foods, workshops, exhibitors and vendors selling authentic kilts, jewelry and clan apparel.
“If you are excited about anything Scottish, this is the place to be,” said Maniet, 28. “You can have really good food. You can see great entertainment and also visit some unique vendors that you won’t normally get to see at the shopping malls. You get to ingrain yourself in Scottish heritage. It’s such a special day, and everyone should experience it at least once.”
For years, Maniet, who grew up in Mt. Lebanon and now lives in Bridgeville, performed Scottish dances during Tartan Day festivities. A Point Park graduate, Maniet majored in journalism but works in the marketing department of an ad agency.
“I enjoyed performing because it showcased my heritage and I was able to carry on the legacy of my grandfather because he was Scottish,” she said.
“While I don’t dance anymore, I now help my mom in whatever ways she needs. Lately I’ve been helping with the marketing materials. Billboards, radio spots, social media,” she added. “I get to see more of the behind-the-scenes activities and I get to see all that is involved in putting this together and how great an event it is.”
Not only does Tartan Day preserve Scottish heritage, it helps fund St. Andrew Society award scholarships to those learning the Scottish arts. Maniet has received several of these stipends, which have gone to recipients who have become fiddling champions as well as international piping champions and Highland dancing trophy winners.
“The society helped me so much when I was growing up. So now it’s a nice way for me to give back for what I received,” Maniet said.
Pam Maniet pointed out that last year, 17 students received scholarships from the proceeds of the Scottish food sales, raffles and donation jars.
“I’m over the moon and proud that we are able to pass on the traditions as well as promote and preserve Scottish heritage in this way,” she said. “It’s important to keep all the traditions alive and not let them go to the wayside.”
Manet’s Scottish roots run deep. Her relatives hailed from the Dunfermline, which is the hometown of Andrew Carnegie.
“My grandmother always told us that he lived just down the street,” Maniet said. “It’s a cute story.”
It’s true, however, that Angus MacDonald schooled his daughter in all the Scottish traditions long before his passing on Dec. 27, 2023. He taught Maniet about the traditional foods, including the meat and shepherd’s pies. She learned how to bake and her savory cranberry-orange and cheddar-dill scones as well as empire biscuits, shortbread-type sandwiched desserts topped with icing and a candied cherry, highlighted the menu items sold on Tartan Day.
“I’m proud of my heritage because I’m a Scot from my dad. A true lassie,” she said. “I miss him dearly, but he is here,” she said, patting her heart. “He’s looking over us from above.”
A vice president of St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh, Maniet again served as chairperson for Tartan Day, which is celebrated nationally and recognizes Scotland’s declaration of independence.
Since 1998 when the U.S. Senate passed a resolution, April 6 has been recognized as National Tartan Day. On that date in 1320, eight earls and 45 barons put their seals on the Declaration of Arbroath, which asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over its land.
A North Strabane resident, Maniet grew up in Bethel Park and attended services at Bethel Presbyterian Church. She and her husband, Matt, raised a son, Ben, in addition to Britany.
Maniet noted that while Tartan Day has been held in Pittsburgh for 26 years, it has been held in the Bethel Park church since 2015. Bethel Presbyterian Church is a “Scottish” church founded in 1776 by John McMillan.
“It’s as old as the country. You can see the original stone. It’s kind of neat that it’s here and we hold this event here,” she said.
“It’s an exciting day filled with traditions, but the people make it fun. I look forward to seeing everybody because sometimes our lives can get so crazy busy and you don’t get to see people as often as you would like. This is a great way to connect, catch up and find out what is going on in people’s lives. “It’s also the best way to keep traditions alive and learn about the culture and the people. I would say that the one characteristic about the Scots is that you can count us. No matter what, we will be there for you.”
Most everybody with a hint of Scot in them participated in the event. Dale McLeod served as emcee and John Hoffman was introduced as the new president of the St. Andrew’s Society.
The day’s events included performances from several pipe and drum bands, including the Balmoral Pipes and Drums and the MacDonald Pipe Band, as well as the Ringgold Harp and String Ensemble. The Pittsburgh Scottish Country Dancers, Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers and the West Virginia Highland Dancers were featured acts.
In addition to the Great Kilt Demonstration, Sean Patrick Regan and Ian McLeod instructed beginners to the bagpipes. Barra the Bard spun folk tales. Jack Webber gave workshops on Celtic Symbol Drawings as well as the origins and meanings of Scottish Names. Mary Beth Miller fiddled while George White, the Road to the Isles and Pint and a Half provided Scottish and Celtic songs.
“It’s a great event,” said Wendy Stier, who was looking for a cape to wear on a return visit to Scotland. “It’s nice to have people that have the same interest in things Scottish. A lot of people would not be too excited about this, but I am.”
“I am very proud of the independence that (the Scottish) have shown and how they have such a feeling of egalitarianism. Everybody is very democratic. Everybody has a say. It’s a very proud and independent people that were very instrumental in the founding of this country.”
Ralph Scott agreed. The Bethel Park resident operates St. Kilda, a traditional Highland wear company located in Carnegie.
“This is a chance to promote and celebrate Scottish heritage,” he said. “I do think there is Scottish pride basically. I love America. I’ve been living here for a long time, but you never forget your roots wherever you may be.”