Scotland Week 2008, sponsored by the Scottish Government, launches on Sunday the 30th March with the Scotland Run in New York. The run is one of many events being held in North America to celebrate Tartan Day.

A ambitious programme of events is being held around Tartan Day 2008 (6 April) in North America. Scotland Week 2008 will showcase Scotland's academic reputation, business expertise and cultural successes on the world stage. Support for Scotland week has come from a number of famous Scots around the world including Sir Sean Connery he said; "Scotland and North America have a strong bond and that's why Tartan Day has been and continues to be a tremendous success in New York. It's great to see this natural affinity expanded through Scotland Week across the US and Canada, spreading the message that whether it's exciting business opportunities, critically acclaimed theatre productions such as the Black Watch or even world famous NFL players like Lawrence Tynes- Scotland has a lot to offer!"

Events kick off on Sunday, March 30th with the fifth-annual 10K Scotland Run through Central Park. Sponsored by the Scottish Government and the New York Road Runners the Scotland Run Celebrates Scottish Heritage and Culture. It attracts runners and families from across the globe -- many outfitted in kilts and face paint -- as they sprint to the skirl of bagpipes and the beat of drums through a 6.2-mile loop in Central Park. The run starts at 10:00 a.m. on March 30, at West Drive and 68th Street in Central Park, and ends at Tavern on the Green. Following the race there will be a special live music performance by Scotland's own, Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

The First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond said; "We want to build on the success of Tartan Day with an expanded programme for Scotland Week 2008. Events are taking place in seven cities across North America which will highlight Scotland as a dynamic market with great investment potential, showcase Scotland's outstanding academic reputation and global cultural success. The First Minister will be travelling to Boston, Washington DC, Virginia and New York. Events are also being held in Houston, Seattle, Chicago and Toronto.

Also in North America for Scotland Week is the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani who will attend a range of events in New York, Washington and Toronto. Ms Fabiani will engage with the cultural sector and attend the closing night performance of Scottish Youth Theatre's "When a Star Falls" in New York. While in Toronto, Ms Fabiani will visit the Scottish Studies Program at Guelph University to hear about their work and the historical and cultural links between Scotland and Canada.

The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Jim Mather will travel to the states of Washington, California and Texas to host business events promoting Scottish enterprise and innovation and will meet with the Vice President of Microsoft in Seattle. He will engage with business leaders around the US through private meetings and targeted business events.

Find out more about Scotland Week at Scotland Week.