The North American Émigré, highland games, and social capital in international communities

Lord and Lady Malcolm Douglas Hamilton founded the American-Scottish Foundation in 1956 with the broad purpose of building bonds of interests and cooperation, both social and commercial, between the people of Scotland and the United States. An increasing number of Americans of Scottish descent have joined regional Scottish and clan societies, attend Highland games, and subscribe to Scottish-oriented publications. The U.S Senate conceived of Tartan Day in 1998 in recognition of the contribution made by Scots to the foundation, character, and prosperity of America. The date selected was the sixth of April, the same day when in 1320 the Declaration of Arbroath, affirming an independent Scotland, was signed and presented to the Pope. This same declaration allegedly informed the American Declaration of Independence. Enter the American-Scottish Foundation Web site, and you will be informed that there are at least thirteen million Americans claiming Scottish ancestry, according to the latest census figures, and that further research indicates the figure might be nearer thirty-five million. The American-Scottish Foundation is one of nine American-Scottish organisations forming the Scottish Coalition that also includes the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals.