Scotland's Snack Shack & Spring Fling in the Park

Bringing a Taste of Scotland to the Heart of NYC 

NEW YORK, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, April 3rd, New Yorkers can experience a taste of Scotland with free street food, live music, and high-energy ceilidh dancing as part of NYC Tartan Week.

Scotland's Snack Shack

Starting at 12pm, VisitScotland will take over 5th Ave and E 20th St, opposite Madison Square Park, with a pop-up food truck: Scotland's Snack Shack.

Food lovers can enjoy complimentary, mouth-watering Scottish street food created by Chef Clare Coghill, owner of Café Cùil.

The menu features classic dishes with a Scottish twist, inspired by Chef Clare's Hebridean heritage: Lobster rolls with Isle of Raasay Distillery whisky butter, veggie haggis quesadillas and Scotland's most popular soda, Irn Bru.

A Highland Coo-R code will also be available for visitors to scan for more information on planning a trip to Scotland with travel itineraries, suggestions, and advice.

Chef Clare Coghill says, "I'm so excited to make the trip to New York City to represent Scotland and participate in Tartan Week with VisitScotland! 

It really is a dream come true to share our culture and traditional food and drink with fellow Scots living in New York and people who might not have tried our fabulous produce and recipes before."

Scotland's Spring Fling

After indulging in Scottish flavors, New Yorkers can step into a whirlwind of music and dance at Scotland's Spring Fling in the Park.

From 1pm to 3pm, Madison Square Park will come alive with a traditional Scottish ceilidh - a high-energy, inclusive dance party led by Mickela Mallozzi, the Emmy-winning host of PBS's Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, and performers from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Attendees can jump in, learn some easy dance steps, and experience the electrifying energy of a Scottish ceilidh - all while standing a chance to win roundtrip flights from New York to Scotland, courtesy of JetBlue.

Mickela Mallozzi says, "I'm thrilled to bring a proper Scottish ceilidh to New Yorkers for NYC Tartan Week"

"When I experienced one of the world's largest ceilidhs during Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations, I fell in love with the energy, joy, and community of Scottish culture. I know everyone who joins us will feel the same!"

Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, adds, "In our 75th year, we are delighted to partner with VisitScotland to showcase Scotland's rich culture, world-class food, and warm hospitality - right in the heart of New York. Celebrating Scottish heritage on the global stage is at the core of the Tattoo's work, and we are thrilled to inspire audiences across the pond to experience Scotland for themselves.

"Our Tattoo performers are equally excited to be part of Scotland's Hoolie in New York, making their mark on the world-famous Carnegie Hall stage. From the historic Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to one of the most iconic venues in the world, it's a fitting tribute to Scotland's enduring cultural legacy."

Celebrate Tartan Week in NYC:

The events are part of NYC Tartan Week, an annual celebration of Scottish American heritage and its enduring connections today. 

Other must-see events include

• Friday, April 4th – Albert's Bar x Café Cùil (6pm - 8pm, Albert's Bar)
  A second chance to experience Chef Clare Coghill's dishes and drinks from Isle of Raasay Distillery.
• Saturday, April 5th – NYC Tartan Day Parade (2pm, 6th Ave & W 44th St)
  NYC's biggest annual celebration of Scottish culture features hundreds of bagpipers, drummers, clan associations, and Scottish Terriers! Led by Grand Marshal Alan Cumming, award-winning actor and host of The Traitors US.
• Saturday, April 5th – Scotland's Hoolie in New York (8pm, Carnegie Hall)
  An electrifying evening of Scottish music and performance led by musician and broadcaster Gary Innes and hosted by Grand Marshal Alan Cumming. Featuring Mànran, an award-winning Scottish folk band blending tradition with modern energy, Julie Fowlis & Dougie MacLean two of Scotland's most celebrated vocalists and live performances from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Ever thought about living, working or studying in Scotland? Visit scotland.org to learn more.

For more information contact: [email protected]

Listing information

Scotland's Snack Shack
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025,
From 12pm
5th Ave & E 20th St 
Eventbrite link

Scotland's Spring Fling
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
1pm - 3pm
Madison Square Park
Eventbrite link

Notes to Editors

VisitScotland

• VisitScotland is Scotland's national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to drive the visitor economy, growing its value in Scotland.
• As an economic growth agency, VisitScotland's activity focuses on three key priorities – market development, place development and business and experience development.
• VisitScotland's work helps deliver the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, for Scotland to be a world leader in 21st century tourism, and the national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage.
• It leverages tourism and events as a force for good for all of Scotland's people and places and builds Scotland's international profile as a leading place to visit, live, work, study and do business.
• VisitScotland is a proud signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.
• For VisitScotland's press releases go to Media Centre (visitscotland.org).
• For holiday information on Scotland visit www.visitscotland.com

Brand Scotland

Brand Scotland has a clear vision; for Scotland to be recognised as a dynamic, inclusive country in which to live, work, study, visit, trade and invest. It brings together the collective communications of the Scottish Government and key partners VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Development International, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Universities Scotland, Creative Scotland and Scotland Food & Drink to harness our energy, expertise and resources, increasing the impact of all our work in building Scotland's global reputation.

Brand Scotland tells the authentic story of Scotland as a nation on a quest to make good things happen – to use innovative thinking to pioneer better ways of doing things, to celebrate progress and kindness in equal measure and to turn ideas into action.

SOURCE VisitScotland