Join Us for the 2025 Kirkin' o' the Tartan!

The tartan embodies the unity and affection we share, irrespective of our backgrounds. During our Kirkin' ceremony, we honor our ancestors and current family members, seeking divine guidance and blessings for the days ahead. The prayers, hymns, and flowers are chosen with the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church in mind on this day.

We’re excited to invite YOU and your family to take part in the 2025 Kirkin' o' the Tartan, a heartfelt celebration of Scottish heritage, culture, and community!

Whether you're of Scottish descent or just love the rich traditions, this event is the perfect way to connect with others, enjoy some fantastic music, and show off your family’s tartan pride!

What’s Happening?

  • Traditional worship service with the blessing of the tartans during our Reformation Sunday Service

  • Pipes to fill the air with unforgettable sounds

  • Tartan Parade where you can carry a tartan banner and wear your tartans proudly

  • Fun, fellowship, and lots of laughs—a chance to make memories!

  • Scottish Pastries & sample Haggis—Haggis, the national dish of Scotland, is an enduringly popular dish that is a type of savory pudding that combines meat with oatmeal, onions, salt and spices

The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan is a time for families to unite, for friends to gather, and for us all to celebrate our shared heritage. If you have a kilt, a tartan scarf, or even a plaid shirt—bring it out! If not, don’t worry—come just as you are!

Save the Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025 during our 10:30 A.M. Worship Service
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Dunn - 901 N. Park Avenue, Dunn, NC 28334

We can’t wait to celebrate with you and your family! Drop a comment or message if you’d like to join us!

What is a Kirkin' o' the Tartan

History Lesson

The tartan embodies the unity and affection we share, irrespective of our backgrounds. During our Kirkin' ceremony, we honor our ancestors and current family members, seeking divine guidance and blessings for the days ahead. The prayers, hymns, and flowers are chosen with the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church in mind on this day.

History of the Service

We honor clans and tartans because they symbolize the profound bonds of brotherhood among clansmen, where the clan served as their family unit. In ancient times, clans formed as communities for mutual protection, economic stability, and social support, often not bound by blood relations. Scotland faced strict measures from the English parliament and monarchy in the mid-18th century, including the Disarming Act of 1746 to 1782, which prohibited Highland clansmen from carrying weapons and wearing tartan or kilts (enforced from August 1747). According to a later legend, clansmen would clandestinely carry small fragments of the banned tartan cloth to church (Kirk), where clergy would offer blessings during services. Specific tartan patterns emerged organically as different regions favored certain designs woven from local herb dyes.

In commemoration of early Scottish Presbyterianism, Kirkin' o' the Tartan worship services have become a tradition across America. A significant event took place on Sunday evening, April 27, 1941, in Washington, D.C., where a special service was conducted by the renowned pastor Peter Marshall (1935 - 1949) of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. This service was organized to raise funds, aiming to support Scottish churches during the initial phases of World War II and contribute to the British war effort by providing a mobile kitchen, as stated in the church bulletin. This humble beginning of the Kirkin' service eventually evolved into what we now know as the Kirkin' o' the Tartan. Since 1954, an annual Kirkin' o' the Tartan ceremony has been held at the National Cathedral in the nation's capital.

Resources

  • In Scottish clans, septs are smaller families that are part of a larger clan and have a different surname from the clan chief. Septs may have originated from people who were allied with or part of the clan, or who followed another family's chief. Families may become septs for various reasons, such as marriage, moving near clan lands, or swearing loyalty to the clan chief.

  • First Presbyterian Church provides the following information as a resource but does not endorse the use of any company.

    • Atlanta Kilts - US Based Company - Traditional Highland apparel for rent or purchase. Our clothes are custom-fit and feature several options for customization, and our library of materials was curated to impress both our value-minded and our quality-minded visitors. Buy an affordable acrylic kilt for $89 or an exquisite Scottish-imported heirloom kilt starting at $379. Need rental outfits for a special occasion? We offer complete Prince Charlie and Argyle outfits starting at $159. Our down-to-earth staff are non-commissioned so that everyone can concentrate on a smooth and confident shopping experience

    • USA Kilts - US Based Company - USA Kilts are American kilt makers who have been tailoring men’s kilts in authentic clan tartans since 2003. We offer a full range of kilts & highland wear accessories from different Celtic countries - Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and the USA. We offer the best quality for competitive prices. Through our Q & A / tutorial videos on our Facebook page and our Youtube channel, we address customer questions surrounding highland wear and offer expert opinions and advice.

    • The Celtic Croft - US Based Company - The Celtic Croft is a company that sells Scottish and Irish kilts, clothing, accessories, jewelry, gifts, and homegoods.

  • If you have questions or suggestions about this year’s Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan, please contact any of our committee members. You can email by clicking their name.

A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA)