Rain soaks Tartan Parade pipers

The bands played on, despite the downpour in Manhattan

Torrential rain failed to dampen spirits at the 8th annual Tartan Parade in New York.

Crowds lined 6th Avenue in Manhattan as more than 2,000 pipers and drummers marched past.

Bands from across Scotland and the US took part along with dignitaries, including the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid.

First Minister Jack McConnell chaired a meeting with officials to discuss bird flu and did not attend the parade.

Mr McConnell had hoped to participate but was unable to do so because of meetings, one of which was a conference call with ministers and Scotland's chief veterinary and medical officers.

I love everything about Scotland and I wanted to watch the parade Eileen Bourne Parade spectator In Pictures: Tartan Parade

He is now returning to Scotland at the end of Tartan Week, during which Scotland was promoted in New York through a variety of events.

The centrepiece was the Scotland Village at Grand Central Station, where live music was staged and a series of stands encouraged Americans to book up for a visit.

The Tartan Parade was the culmination of the week and was watched by visiting Scots as well as Americans with Scottish roots.

Eileen Bourne, 77, braved the rain and travelled from New Jersey for the event.

The Hand family cheered on those marching in the rain

Mrs Bourne, whose family name is McLeod, booked her vantage point on 6th Avenue so she could have a good view of the pipes and drums.

"I love everything about Scotland and I wanted to watch the parade," she said.

Further down 6th Avenue, Clare Hand, who is originally from Cumbernauld but has lived in the US for eight years, waved a saltire along with her husband and family.

They have watched the past four parades and Clare said: "We have to cheer people on.

"People make an effort to come out so we feel we have to show our support.

"The kids love the pipes and waving the flag."

Organisers said 29 clans were represented in the parade for which the grand marshall this year was Brigadier Melville Stewart Jamieson.