Must See Scottish Places in NYC

Let’s start off with where you, yourself, might start! If you’ve just arrived in NYC and settled into your midtown hotel, Deacon Brodie’s Tavern located in Hell’s Kitchen is the place for you to head next for some good Scottish refreshment. It’s certainly an old school establishment and you’re likely to feel right at home if you’re a regular of the Edinburgh location. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because Deacon Brodie is quite the infamous Scottish figure. He’s an 18th century character who was involved in Edinburgh society and also a cabinet-maker, a member of the Town Council, and acted as deacon of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons. Impressive, right? Perhaps even more impressive was his secret involvement with a gang of robbers, of which he was actually the leader! No one suspected him until 1788, when he was caught, found guilty, and sentenced to execution. Perhaps not the happiest ending, but certainly a spectacularly interesting Scottish story. You can also enjoy the tavern directly after the parade and before the post-parade party…there’s been a Highland dancer or two known to perform a rowdy Highland fling on top of the bar over the years.

This NYC icon is the perfect excuse to venture down to the financial district! This historic church has been part of the history of the city for hundreds of years, with the original building predating the American Revolution. It was the very first Anglican Church in Manhattan and as such, Trinity and it also has connections with some of America’s most illustrious historic figures! Buried in the churchyard is founding father Alexander Hamilton, along with his family (which you probably know from listening to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat) and a few other revolutionary characters, like Hercules Mulligan. Hamilton was, of course, a Scot and each year, members from the Scottish community gather at Trinity for a remembrance service.

Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott Statues

We know you’re probably dying to get to Central Park, especially if this is your first visit to NYC, but did you know that you can find a not-so-subtle bit of Scotland in this famous park? That’s right, two of Scotland’s most famous figures—Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott—can be found on Literary Walk. Shaded by elm trees, this Central Park path is just perfect for wandering literature lovers where statues of illustrious writers can be found side by side. Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott can be found directly across from one another, which is quite fitting, if we do say so ourselves. Fun fact: the Robert Burns statue was actually commissioned by founding members of the NYC Tartan Day Committee, including the St. Andrew’s Society of the State of New York, the New York Caledonian Club, and the American Scottish Foundation.

If you’ve been to NYC before, you may have had the MET on your itinerary already, but were you able to spot some of the incredible Scottish artefacts? Check out some of our favourites below.

First up is this pre-1940’sPiob Mhór, or Highland bagpipe made by 20th century pipe maker, Peter Henderson. Be sure you check in Gallery 684 for this incredible piece.

Next is this incredible Basket-Hilted Sword—just look at that gorgeous colouring! While it’s thought to have been updated in the 19th century and decorated as such, the sword is from the 18th century and we know any of you Outlander fans are going to want to see it (hint: check Gallery 376).

Finally for our absolute favourite, also in gallery 376 and also for Outlander fans, you’ll go mad for this authentic Highland Targe. These were often used in battles where the Scottish armies utilized the famed Highland charge. As this one is dated between 1700 and 1750, it’s possible that it was even used in the Battle of Culloden.

We understand if you can’t score tickets to Hamilton this trip, but there are more Hamilton sites to see besides the Broadway show and Trinity Church! Did you know that Alexander Hamilton’s uptown home is located near City College in Upper Manhattan? Known as the Hamilton Grange, the Revolutionary-era building is now a National Memorial and museum. Although the entire house had actually been picked up and moved over a few blocks, it’s been at its current location at the entrance to St. Nicholas Park since 2008. A trip to the Hamilton Grange might also be a great opportunity to explore historic Harlem—don’t throw away your chance!

Also, you might have recognised Hamilton Grange from our interview last summer with Miss New York, Sydney Park!

Lastly, we have a Brooklyn favourite—Iona! You can tell from the name that this is a bar that clearly wants to celebrate Scotland, but it gets even better! Every Monday, Iona features a traditional Scottish music session, with regulars that you might spot performing in various other Tartan Week events. It’s probably the very best place to get your pipe and fiddle fix in Brooklyn! If you’re staying through Monday, this is a great way to end your trip, especially if you’d like to cross the bridge and head on over into Brooklyn to explore. That is, if you haven’t quite had enough of the pipes yet…