CONSULS GENERAL from Europe and as far afield as China, Russia, Taiwan and Malawi signed a declaration of support for Scotland’s Tartan Day yesterday at Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.

The 10 visitors were entertained at the abbey by Stonehaven musicians The Trybe, with their unique blend of drums, Highland bagpipes and bhodran.

School pupils from Arbroath Academy carrying the flags from each country acted as a guard of honour as the consuls proceeded through the medieval doors into the grounds of the abbey.

The Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society was on hand dressed in period costume to administer the signing of the declaration.

The group were accompanied by MSP Andrew Welsh, Convener of the Tartan Day Cross Party Parliamentary Group.

He said, “Freedom, the sovereignty of the people, the right to choose their leaders were very modern ideals that were set out in the Declaration of Arbroath almost 700 years ago.

“Tartan Day takes this message of human rights and freedom to reach out to all the people of the world.

“Tartan Day is also a celebration of Scotland and all things Scottish.”

Angus Provost Bill Middleton added, “Our 2020 vision for Scotland’s Tartan Day is that by the year 2020 —the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath—we will have established a truly global celebration, here and abroad, with Scotland at its very heart.”

The group had a tour of Arbroath Abbey and went on to visit historic 15th century Guthrie Castle, where they had lunch.

Last stop on their itinerary was Glamis Castle for a tour of the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother.

Norwegian Consul Oystein Houdkinn said, “Arbroath Abbey is a very attractive and well preserved ruin.

“I think Tartan Day is a good idea to promote Scotland and I agree with its aims.”