Scots in London is the "dynamic, passionate, independent, apolitical and informal link between Scots and Scots Clubs, Societies, Organisations, Businesses and Individuals in London". The concept was started in 2001 by Eddie Tait (with the help of Scots friends) to promote and raise awareness of key Scots Clubs and events in London via improved communication and with an emphasis on informal Scots gatherings in relaxed and informal environments/atmospheres. The original idea was developed to encourage younger Scots and new blood to get involved in Scots events in London and to encourage awareness of sheer diversity of Scots clubs and activities available to all: to get Scots together, of all genders and backgrounds, and encourage Scots networking, built upon a shared Scots heritage and culture - for Scots and the Love of Scotland. These events now bring together a very diverse mix of age groups (male and female - keep it up girls/ladies!), Scots clubs and backgrounds and the events are a very good way to meet new people in the Smoke / get together with old friends!

Since 2001, "Scots in London" Quarterly Drinks have been taking place on the first Wednesday of every new quarter i.e. January, April, July and October. The evenings start at 6.30pm for 7pm - you can normally hear the skirl of the pipes as you get closer (thanks to The Pipers of The Pinstripe Highlanders). Full details are usually circulated nearer the time via email by eddietait@mac.com and will also appear on www.scotsinlondon.com , click on the "Scots in London". Ideas/any help/sponsors appreciated. In between Quarterly Drinks evenings there are a vast number of events scheduled by Scots clubs and individuals including traditional ceilidhs, golf days, dinners and sporting events to exhibitions (art etc) and more en vogue Scots cultural events. Details of these Scottish events are received in from the Presidents, Secretaries and key representatives of many of the Clubs etc listed below and are then re-forwarded regularly via the growing "Scots in London" email distribution network (which includes key Presidents, Secretaries and other key club members of the Scottish clubs etc listed below ~100 organisations represented as well as over 2000 "Scots in London" (as at November 2005) up from 800 in April.. These emails provide a vital link in raising awareness amongst Scots of key Scottish events in London and can help us build a SCOTTISH CULTURAL CENTRE IN LONDON to rival the Poles, Irish and Africans et al. or to ORGANISE KEY HIGH-PROFILE ONE-OFF JOINT-SCOTTISH EVENTS OR A WEEK OF CELEBRATION IN LONDON to commemorate St.Andrew's Day, Tartan Day (6 April) or Burns Day!

Scots in London Quarterly Drinks events attract over 250 regular attendees. The first "Scots in London" Quarterly Drinks event took place in October 2001 when two small groups of Scots from two Edinburgh Schools Clubs, (The Royal High School Club in London and London Daniel Stewarts' Melville College Club) met together for the first time at The Clachan Bar in Kingly Street, a regular LDMSCC haunt. The evening was a great success and so it was decided to hold another event the following January. In April 2002, following discussions at recent Annual Dinner events on issues around raising awareness of Scots club activities, it was decided to invite along other members from other Edinburgh Schools Clubs in London to the third "Scots in London" Quarterly Drinks gathering held at Boisdale's of Belgravia - around 35 persons from around 8 clubs attended. At subsequent gatherings invitations were then extended to Glasgow Schools, followed by London Scottish Golf Club and then through cross-links and further invitations, the list of participants has grown and now includes members from other Scottish Clubs, Societies and Organisations in London (incl. London Scottish (Rugby) Football Club, The Royal Scottish Corporation, Luinnach Albannaich Tartan Army, The Caledonian Club etc) and Scots friends and friends of friends through word of mouth. The invitation to attend is now open to all Scots and those with a strong appreciation of Scotland. Females, Tartans, kilts, bagpipes and entertainers are always appreciated (and club ties are welcomed for identification, but by no means obligatory). We are keen to keep our Scots identity while opening up to new trends and ideas. Thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of "Scots in London" so far along the way, in particular, many/most of those listed below, particularly The Pinstripe Highlanders, Emma-Jane Thommen (Scotland's Answer to the X-Factor), Robyn Kirk and Heidi Mathers for offering superb talents free gratis and thanks to all those who have helped raised monies for the RSC - "together we're stronger". Thanks also to Albannach, Visit Scotland, Glenfiddich and McEwan's for their sponsorship of "SIL Quarterly Drinks" held on the 685th Anniversary of "The Declaration of Arbroath", in conjunction with "Tartan Day" bash. Hope you can (continue to) join us to create a distinct buzz and a distinguished blend.

For fresh ideas / "open aims and proposals" to galvinise "Scots in London" and set up a formal meeting for all interested parties with an ambitious view long-term to joining together with all interested parties to become "the definitive apolitical Scottish body outside of Scotland" .

1. To work together to establish an apolitical and non-bureaucratic forum within which Scottish organisations such as those listed above can express their opinion on how to best advance our individual and collective aspirations. The advantages of belonging to such a forum are obviously numerous and range from simply raising awareness of our respective organisations to collaboration on significant, mutually beneficial projects, which could not otherwise be attempted.
2. To raise awareness together of Scots clubs and events.
3. To work together to increase media exposure for our all organisations and events. Advertise the aforementioned efficiently, for example, communal event flyers/leaflets and a "Scots in London" website - www.scotsinlondon.com.
4. Together, to represent the definitive Scottish body outside Scotland, which would afford us (individually and collectively) solid access to sponsorship and funding, not to mention local, national and international networks; a solid example being the "A Tribute to Tartan Day" event, which was organised by "Scots in London" (Eddie Tait) and sponsored by VisitScotland, Glenfiddich, McEwan's and Albannach - information on the event was kindly supported and distributed by The Caledonian Club, London Scottish Football Club, The Royal Scottish Corporation, The Burns Club of London et al. Imagine our approaching the numerous Scottish institutions with a communication that had been endorsed by all of our organisations...
5. For this to become reality we need your support and feedback. Any feedback received will form the basis of the proposed meeting.
6. If there is a willingness to proceed together we will arrange an introductory meeting, ideally at a neutral venue such as The Scotland Office, Dover House, Whitehall, London to present and discuss the opinions and take things forward together.
7. With your support and cooperation, together we can take action that will benefit both Scots and Scots clubs etc and "Scots in London" as a whole. Maybe one day together we could organise a week of Scottish events in London to the benefit of all? Maybe one day we have our own "Scottish Cultural Centre" in London to rival the Irish, Polish and Africans?