By Steve Bargeton, political editor

POLITICS WERE set aside when First Minister Jack McConnell and Sir Sean Connery co-hosted a showcase of Scottish fashion in New York yesterday as part of the Tartan Week celebrations.

Rumours that SNP-supporting Sir Sean would snub the Scottish Labour leader proved unfounded as the two welcomed more than 1000 New Yorkers to the Dressed to Kilt fashion show at Sotheby’s, one of The Big Apple’s most prestigious venues in Upper West Side.

The two had what was described as a “very convivial evening together” and chatted about matters Scottish, particularly football.

“It was a great night, a terrific showcase for contemporary Scottish talent,” said Mr McConnell, who was sporting a contemporary black pinstripe kilt designed by 21st Century Kilts.

“Every Scot who was there, including myself and Sir Sean, was very proud of how Scottish talent captured the imagination of New York.”

Among the models wearing contemporary and traditional Scottish outfits was the actor Kyle MacLachlan, NBC anchor man Stone Phillips, Alastair Mackenzie from Monarch of the Glen and Scotland rugby cap Craig Chalmers.

Later Sir Sean and SNP leader John Swinney met Congressional leaders and members of the US Cabinet at a Tartan Week reception on Capitol Hill.

Today Mr Swinney is due to go on to Georgetown University to meet Democrat presidential hopeful John Kerry before delivering a speech to students.

“Over the next two days, Scotland’s voice will be heard at the most senior levels in Washington,” said the SNP leader.

“Congressional leaders from both parties, members of George Bush’s Cabinet and the Democrat frontrunner for the presidential nomination, will all hear what Scotland has to say.

“Tartan Week is not just about selling Scotland to the U.S. but also about forging the political links that put Scotland on the map.”