Actor Brian Cox 'honoured' to lead New York tartan parade

Hollywood star Brian Cox is to lead the New York City Tartan Day Parade for a second time.

The Golden Globe winner will lead around 3000 participants including solo pipers, drummers, full pipe bands and Highland dancers in his role as grand marshal of the event in April.

The Dundee-born actor previously led the procession in 2012 while other grand marshals have included Sir Billy Connolly, Sean Connery, Alan Cumming, KT Tunstall and Sam Heughan.

Last year around 50,000 people turned out to watch participants march from 45th Street to 55th Street up Sixth Avenue in the parade, led by Sir Billy.

Cox said: “I’m honoured to be returning to my role of a lifetime – grand marshal of the New York City Tartan Day Parade.

“America holds a dear place in my heart and to be able to celebrate my heritage and homeland of Scotland along with thousands of New Yorkers is a feeling unlike any other.”

It is the first time since the parade, now in its 22nd year, moved to Sixth Avenue in 2002 that a previous Grand Marshal has been asked to take up the role again, organisers said.

The announcement comes just weeks after Cox won best actor in a TV drama at the Golden Globe awards in LA for his role as ageing media magnate Logan Roy in Succession.

The parade is one of the highlights of New York City Tartan Week, which has a full programme of special events taking place throughout Manhattan between April 1 and 5.

Kyle Dawson, president of the National Tartan Day New York Committee, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome back Brian Cox as grand marshal of this year’s New York City Tartan Day Parade in April.

“For 40 years, he has wowed the masses with his incredible acting – whether it be in his role as Hannibal in Manhunter or, most recently, his portrayal of media magnate Logan Roy.

“His love of America runs as deep as the love he has for his Scottish roots, making him the perfect Scot to lead our parade. See you all in April.”