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Billy Connolly gets kilted out in New York

Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly

Billy Connolly hit the streets of New York for New York City Tartan Day Parade as Grand Marshal as 30,000 spectators looked on. 

The 76-year-old was surrounded by solo pipers and drummers, Highland dancers, pipe bands, Scottish clans and Scottish dogs on Manhattan's Sixth Avenue.

He was following in the footsteps of the previous grand marshals such as Sean Connery, Alan Cumming, Sam Heughan and Brian Cox and KT Tunstall.

Billy Connolly in his tartan

Connolly said: "I've absolutely loved being Grand Marshal of this year's New York City Tartan Day Parade.

"The crowds were brilliant and hearing the skirl of the pipes echoing along Sixth Avenue made me dance a wee jig in my heart. What a day."

The comedian retired from touring last December and is based in the US. In January he said in a BBC documentary that he was "slipping away" and "near the end".

President of the New York Tartan Day Committee Kyle Dawson said: "What an incredible 21st year this has been for New York City Tartan Week.

We've enjoyed a phenomenal week of celebrations - from ceilidhs to workshops and pipe bands performances to parties."

He added: "The annual Tartan Day celebrations are always a spectacular showcase of Scotland." 

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