Just in time for Easter, the tax changes introduced for New York is perfect timing as Scottish Super Yacht Sales specialist, Lomond Yachts, heads for the city that never sleeps. The changes mean that people buying a yacht in New York would pay sales tax on only the first $230,000 of the purchase price, regardless of the vessel’s total cost.
For Lomond Yachts, who focus on new and used yachts over 40m, the timing could not be better as they are in town for Tartan Week. It's not a widely known event around the world, but is becoming increasingly popular in recent years given the Scottish independence debate.
According to Wikipedia, Tartan Week "is a celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the date on which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320". It's not surprising that this may not be known to many as the Declaration of Arbroath is rarely mentioned in history lessons.
The declaration includes a Braveheart style quest for freedom from the English. "For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom — for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."
Douglas McFarlane, CEO of Lomond Yachts, says "I'm excited with anticipation. I first visited New York in 2001 just before the 9/11 attacks and was amazed by the scale of it. This time I'll be staying at the infamous Trump Tower and taking in a lot of tourist activities, including going to the opening game of the season for the New York Yankees."
There are 6 million people in America who are Scots descendants, more than the number of people who actually live in Scotland, many of whom will be in New York over Easter. Scots comedian Billy Connolly will be there to receive an award for 50 years of service to Scotland, from Scots actor and New York resident Alan Cumming.
"It's going to be an interesting week. If you're in New York, and want to chat about Super Yachts, I can certainly meet up for coffee at Trump Tower. Better still, make that a wee dram.", says McFarlane.
Lomond Yachts can be found online at www.LomondYachts.com