Scottish Society of Wilmington
Celebrating Scottish culture and heritage in North Carolina's historic Cape Fear region
Kirkin' o' the Tartans
Sun, Oct 26
|First Presbyterian Church
Members of The Scottish Society of Wilmington participate in this annual celebration of Scottish heritage. No registration is needed for the service at First Presbyterian Church. Participants are asked to gather in the gymnasium at 9:15 am. The Service starts at 10:00 am. See below for contact info.
Time & Location
Oct 26, 2025, 9:15 AM
First Presbyterian Church, 125 S 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
About the event
While the Kirkin' o' the Tartan service celebrates Scotland and Scottish heritage, it is a truly a Scottish-American custom. If one searches the Internet for information, stories abound of the Kirkin's roots being in days of the Act of Proscription, when the wearing of the kilt was banned in the Highlands - according to the legend, Highlanders hid pieces of tartan and brought them to church to be secretly blessed at a particular point in the service. Ask any Scot or Scottish expatriate about the Kirkin', and chances are you will be met with a questioning look and an admission of ignorance of this supposedly centuries-old Scottish tradition.
Participants are asked to meet in the Church at 9:15 am to organize our procession. Please call or email Joan Ruden (910-350-2981/ orjmanson@ec.rr.com) to confirm participation. Young children may walk with an adult and children 10 or older may carry a Banner.…