NYC's Great Leap Upward

When you have a kilt skate in the heart of Manhattan, the imagination tends to run vertical. Once again this year, the American-Scottish Foundation held its Second Annual Tartan Kilt Skate NYC in partnership with Bryant Park at the Bank of American Winter Village. Next door to the New York City Library, and a block from Grand Central Station, skaters weave around the rink where the skyline soars high above. This inspires some to make a great leap upward.

This skater had come all the way from Washington DC to attend the Tartan Kilt Skate NYC. Originally from Texas, he had learned figure skating moves somewhere along the way.

“The Waltz Jump is basically the only jump that you can do on a crowded rink,” he explained. “It doesn’t take a lot of real estate to take off or land.” He continued, “Sadly, I lost my ability to do a successful axle a long time ago.”. But at least he landed. No secrets of Scottish culture revealed here! 

He had come to Bryant Park to celebrate Scotland’s continuing legacy in the American melting pot. “I will certainly make every effort to make it up for the skate next year,” he said. “And I’ll do my best to bring along NYC friends for it too!”

Live Music was provided by the NYU Pipes and Drums.

Dancers came from the NYC branch of Shot of Scotch. (Hmm, maybe their colleagues in Vancouver would like to host a kilt skate. Just sayin'....).…

There was lots of Walkers shortbread and lots of saltire flags and beanies to give away — thanks to support from the Scottish Government..

A Scottish saltire became the fashion statement of the day.

Kilt skate day is an occasion to bring out the inner Scot that resides in all of us!

A time to celebrate Scottishness with bare knees and ice.

And a time to get together with old friends…

And make new ones.

See you all again next year!