South Africa celebrates Scotland

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The first Tartan Day South Africa celebrations are starting to get under way in Johannesburg.

A Taste of Scotland dinner is being held, a special tartan has been designed, and a golf tournament will start in May.

Tartan Day activities take place in a number of countries, including the United States, Canada and France.

They are usually held around 6 April to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.

Despite being called Tartan Day, some places - including Scotland and New York - host a week of activities.

'Very proud'

South Africa got involved after a group of competitors at the 2008 Tartan Day International Golf Challenge in Angus were inspired to start their own events.

The Tartan Day South Africa Golf Challenge will begin in May and the winners will be crowed in November.

Angus provost Ruth Leslie Melville is in Johannesburg to attend the inaugural dinner and will give the organisers of the golf tournament a specially commissioned Carnoustie Country trophy.

She said: "Everyone here is very excited about their first Tartan Day and I am very proud that our own Angus events prompted South Africa's participation in this growing global festival.

"It is an honour to have been invited to participate in the inaugural year and, as well as offering our support, we will be taking every opportunity to promote Angus and our vision for a worldwide Tartan Day celebration in 2020, with Arbroath Abbey at its centre."