Tartan celebration in Turakina

Scottish descendant and Turakina resident Ewen Grant proudly wearing his kilt.

There will be a Kirkin 'o' the Tartan service at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Turakina on Sunday October 9.

The Scottish community are inviting every one who enjoys wearing the tartan or are of Scottish descent to attend.

This tradition was started by the Rev. Peter Marshall in New York in the 1940s raising funds for the British war relief during WWII.

The Rev Marshall was originally from Coatbridge in Scotland where stories abound of the Kirkin's roots when the wearing of kilts was banned.

The 1746 British Act of Proscription banned the wearing tartan in the Highlands until the laws were finally repealed in1782.

During the years of the ban, small pieces of tartan were taken to church to be secretly blessed and the practice became Scottish tradition.

The centuries old practice will be celebrated at the Turakina service and participants are invited to bring a piece of tartan to celebrate their heritage.

Piper Callum Cameron will be coming from Christchurch to join his parents Heather & Eoin Cameron who will be playing our organ.

The service begins at 2pm at St Andrews, 25 State Highway Turakina.