Scots in London have moved to a new location to provide an even better service.
SIL QUARTERLY CHARITY DRINKS Q3 2005 / HOW THE SCOTS TOOK OVER LONDON
Date: WEDNESDAY 6th JULY 2005
Time: 6.30-late (Please arrive early for 6.30-8.30pm Complimentary Drinks
& Munchies)
Venue: Scots owned Evening Standard Bar of the Year 2003, Apartment
195, King's Road, Chelsea, London.
Check out: Apartment 195 (wow!):
Reviews: "Urbane Elegant and comfortably understated", Timeout; "Chelsea's
most luxurious and decadent of venues", Sunday Times; "So chic it's almost
painful", Evening Standard.
Cost: £5 entry (in aid of One Non-Scottish Charity & The Royal Scottish
Corporation to be confirmed)
Aim/Who: Enjoy a relaxed and informal Scots networking evening by joining
Scots of ALL ages, ALL genders and backgrounds together a distinct buzz
and distinguished blend! Keep it up girls!
Special Guests: David Stenhouse (as below) and others to be confirmed
(hopefully Scottish celebs and MPs).
Format/Theme:
6.30-7.15pm: Piping on arrival from The Pinstripe Highlanders listen for
the skirl of the pipes as you walk down the Kings Road!
6.30-8.30pm: Complimentary Glenfiddich Whisky and Glenfiddich Whisky
Cocktails, IPA Beer, munchies, courtesy of William Grant & Son, Caledonian
Brewery and Apartment 195.
7.30-8pm: "HOW THE SCOTS TOOK OVER LONDON". DAVID STENHOUSE, writer,
broadcaster and presenter of many programmes for Radio Scotland, Radio Three
and Radio Four, introduces his highly acclaimed book by the same name
followed by Q & A "If you want to know how Britain works, you need to know
this, whether you like it or not." James Naughtie; "A terrific book about
the powerful Scots who have taken over London." The Independent.
8-8.15pm: A few words from Sponsor followed by Traditional SIL Group Photo
8.15-8.30 Wha's Like Us? A Cheeky Wee Summertime Address to
the Haggis by Melrose Rugby Superstar Andrew Fox
8.15-late: Enjoy the atmosphere
Dress Code: As always, KILTS, TARTAN, SMART DRESS are much appreciated.
But anything goes
Background: Over 200 Scots attended the last SIL Quarterly Drinks Q2 2005
gathering on Wed 6th April to celebrate "A Tribute to Tartan Day" so please
help to keep the momentum going.
Click on either photo to link to all the photos from the event.
For information, please contact Eddie Tait or
tel 07748 148080 or visit EU Club of London Events We would love to hear from anyone who can help introduce more non-traditional events to SIL e.g. Scots DJ Night, Scottish Artists etc.
Dear "Scots in
London/RHSCL"
HOPE YOU AND YOURS CAN JOIN US FOR "A CUP O' KINDNESS" AT SCOTS
CHARITY EVENT WITH A DISTINCT BUZZ AND A DISTINGUISHED BLEND.
As always, your help in drumming up support and circulating details to
your members is appreciated. All welcome!
Date: Thursday
9th December 2004
BACK AT THE RSC BY POPULAR DEMAND - (SCOTS) IN THE HEART OF LONDON!
Time:
6.30pm for 7pm until 10pm/late - you'll hear the sound of the bagpipes
as you
approach! Cost:
£10, payable on entry includes all wines, beers, softs and food, all profits
go to RSCCharity: The
Royal Scottish Corporation (RSC) - "a helping hand for Scots in London for over
400 years" Entertainment: By Scots Soprano Soloist, the
much-acclaimed Robyn
Kirk Piping
from Plopsi (and hopefully more Pinstripe Highlanders + Liv
McLennan (TBC).
Pipers/the
offer of services from talented Scots always welcome.
Staples: Group photo
by Eddie and a few words about the charity by Chairman,
Wylie.
Descriptives: Informal. Great atmosphere. Very
relaxed. Sociable. Mingle/network. Mixed sexes, ages &
backgrounds. Definitely NOT DULL and NOT STUFFY! Distinct BUZZ
but distinguished BLEND! Be the judge...
Dress code: Anything goes, but discounted
entry for kilts/tartan.
Previous evenings have been very
successful. Our last three events have raised £700 for the
RSC so your help in continuing this momentum by coming along
and spreading the word to other Scots, (including your membership where
appropriate) and helping to raise more monies to help fellow needy Scots would
be much appreciated. It would be good to have 70+ attendees! Guests
welcome...
PREVIOUS EVENINGS (PHOTOS):
It was another great evening. >60 attendees were
welcomed by superb piping of Liv McLennan on arrival - Liv
was so Pipetastic that the male pipers were scared away - practicising at their
Annual Competition at the Caledonian Club. At 7.30pm, Simon Card
OBE, President of The Royal High School Club in London, our ever
own Master of Ceremonies grabbed everybody's attention in his usual
commanding fashion before calling upon Wylie White,
Chairman of "The Corporation", who welcomed us all again and thanked us for
our continued support. Charles from Classic Tours then gave a brief
introduction to the group about The Two Lochs Challenge, an RSC
charity cyling event to be held in Scotland next June 17-20th - details to
follow. RSC Fundraiser Lorna Duncan then drew the raffle for
the merchandise so kindly donated by Lunnainn Albannaich Tartan
Army ( www.loonyalba.com represented
Scott Kelly, Kevin Donnelly et al.). Eddie took to usual
group photo. Around 8pm, the group were entertained by Emma
Jane Thommen - our/RHSCL/Scots in London's very own
fabulous 24 year old Songstress, Writer and Pianist - Scotland's answer to
Natalie Imbruglia - who sang and played, so wonderfully, eight of her
own songs and attracted more groupies (and CD sales). At 10.30pm those whom
remained headed to the Essex Serpentine over the road.
Thanks to all those who attended for the first time, especially the
Liv McLennan for her dazzling display on the pipes and Alison Hood representing
the Caledonian Club.
PLUG: SCOTLAND'S ANSWER TO THE X
FACTOR...
Emma Jane Thommen,
the FABULOUS 24 year old Scottish Songstress, Writer and Pianist
- "Scotland's answer to Natalie Imbrugia" - see her at The Cobden, 170-172 Kensal Road, W10 -
Westbourne Park Tube. Check for dates so please email em-j@fsmail.net (quoting
Eddie/Scots in London).
Listen to her music on her Website
The next Quarterly "Scots in London/RHSCL" Drinks
Wednesday 6th October 2004, in aid of The Royal Scottish Corporation.
Venue: The Courtroom of The Royal Scottish Corporation, 37 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2
Time: 6.30pm for 6.45pm until 10pm/late - you'll hear the sound of the bagpipes as you approach!
Cost: £10, payable on entry includes all wines, beers, softs and snacks/food, all profits go to RSC
Charity: The Royal Scottish Corporation (RSC) - "a helping hand for needy Scots in London for over 400 years"
Entertainment: Scots rising star songstress, pianist Emma-JaneThommen will be delighting us with sweet melodies plus
Piping from The Pinstripe Highlanders
Staples: Group photo by Eddie and a few words about the charity by Chairman, Wylie or Chief Executive, Willie.
Descriptives: Informal. Great atmosphere. Very relaxed. Sociable. Mingle/network. Mixed sexes, ages & backgrounds.Definitely NOT DULL and NOT STUFFY! Distinct BUZZ but distinguished BLEND! Be the judge...
Many thanks to the 60+ persons who attended the Quarterly "Scots in London" Drinks evening on Wednesday 7th July at the RSC. You helped to raise £310 for The Royal Scottish Corporation. A cheque was presented to them today and received with thanks by Chief Executive Willie Docherty and Chairman Wylie White.
Photos from previous events click the photos to see more:
7 April 2004 - FANTASTIC DRINKS EVENING OVER £200 RAISED FOR RSC
Click on the photo for further photo above from this event.
 Just a short note to say many thanks to Wylie, Shona, Ruth, Elizabeth (and Marc) for coming along last night. The evening was very successful and just over 40 people attended (monies received from 35 plus a few freebies for services rendered) - exact numbers to be confirmed once I get the attendance sheet back per discussion with Diane).
I think a fabulous time was had by all; smashing venue, flowing drinks and great company. Wylie's welcome and intro to the RSC was very well received. It would be fantastic if the RSC could once again become the informal social centre for Scots in London, both needy and those more fortunate. There is a huge Scots in London void which your organisation can fill. I have no doubt that your charity and its clients would be the key benefactor! As promised, deducting the cost of drinks and nibbles, I am happy to write a cheque to The Royal Scottish Corporation for £210 (more may follow if some outstanding monies are paid).
The evening kicked off at 6.30pm. Guests were welcomed outside the main front door by Mike McGlashan on the bagpipes from The Pinstripe Highlanders. Wylie said a few words aroun 8pm and we then hada few large group photos. Emma-Jane Thommen, a fabulous Scottish Songstress and Pianist then played the piano and sang a few first-class tunes. The crowd was very mixed with the usual regulars and around 15-20 new faces. The wine and beers went down exceptionally well, but I think the next time I will provide cold food as the nibbles didn't stretch far enough! Paul Cursiter made an excellent job of being barman. Many thanks to Shona for making us so welcome.
 I plan to send out a brief email to everyone who attended to thank them for coming along and also to pass on a copy of the photographs from the evening. Following conversation with Marc today, I am very glad that we will be able to have the courtroom again on 7th July for the Q3 2004 Quarterly Drinks. Looking forward to catching up with you, Ian, Jock, Ruth et al. at our next meeting.
Good luck in the marathon. Let me know what you'll be wearing and what time you expect to be where and we'll sort out a big cheers from an 8+ strong Scottish Posse (with Saltires etc). Per conversation with Marc, if you are looking for a piper I can ask Chris and he could also ask Mike and the rest of the Pinstripers - would be fab.
Yours aye,
Eddie
The first Quarterly "Scots in London" Drinks for 2004 was held on Wednesday 7th January 2004 from 6.30pm at The Phoenix (London's first smoke-free bar), 26 Throgmorton Street, London, EC2N, next to the Stock Exchange. Courtesy of the Scottish/Celtic management team.
Dates for 2004 Quarterly Drinks of The Royal High School club in London / "Scots in London" are as follows:
Wednesday 7th January 
Wednesday 7th April
Wednesday 7th July
Wedneday 6th October.
The evenings will commence around 6.30pm. Full details will be circulated nearer the time and will also appear on www.royalhighlondon.org.uk , under the new "Scots in London" section on the right-hand side. Please check website for details nearer the tim. Quarterly Drinks Q2 2003: Wed 2 July 2003
 The Quarterly Scottish (Schools/Clubs/Alumni) Drinks Evening held on Wed. 2nd July went very well. It was well-attended by a very mixed crowd (~40 persons), with many new (mostly female) faces ! Thanks to all those who attended for making it an enjoyable evening and to the Hogshead for providing a free buffet feast.
Scottish (Edinburgh) Schools / Clubs in London Drinks is organised to encourage Scots to get together over a few drinks in a relaxed informal atmosphere. It brings together a very broad mix of age groups (male and female - keep it up girls/ladies !) and is a good way to meet new people in the Smoke / get together with old friends !
Quarterly Drinks Q1 2003: Wed 3 April 2003
The next Scottish Schools Quarterly Drinks Evening will be held on Wednesday 2nd April 2003 from 6.30-10pm at The Clachan, Kingly Street, Off Oxford Street. We have reverted back to the original venue for these drinks, the regular haunt of the London Daniel Stewarts Melville College Club, following their hearty recommendation and invitation. New faces are encouraged.
Despite non-complete circulation last year, attendance at these events has grown from 12 at inception (Q4 '01) to 21 (Q1 '02) for drinks between LDSMCC-RHSCL to 35 (Q2 '02 incl.LEAC, LHC, LWC, LOLS) to 41 persons (Q3 '02) to similar numbers (Q4 '02). Attendance has been very mixed by club and age groups involved and those who attend usually come back, joined by new faces as the word spreads. A strong turnout would be appreciated by all clubs and age groups.
Scottish (Edinburgh) Schools / Clubs in London Drinks is organised to encourage Scots (Edinburghers), members of clubs and new faces to get together over a few drinks in a relaxed informal atmosphere. Participants so far include Daniel Stewarts Melville College Club, London Heriot Club,
London Watsonian Club, London Edinburgh Academical Club, Old Lorettonian Society, Scottish Girls Schools, Old Fettesian Club (not yet represented), Merchistonian Club (not yet represented) and The Royal High School Club in London, although all Scots (esp.from Edin!) are welcome. London Scottish Golf Club were also recently represented and are keen to hear from Scots golfers !
In 2003, the next Quarterly Scottish Schools Drinks are scheduled for Wed. 2 April, Wed 2 July and Wed 1 October. F
ull details, including photos, will be posted here.
Quarterly Drinks Q4 2002: Wed 4 December 2002
The next Quarterly Drinks Evening will be held on Wednesday 4th December 2002 from 6.30-10pm in conjunction with Scottish (Edinburgh) Schools Clubs in London Drinks Evening in The Clachan, Kingly Street, Off Oxford Street. A strong turnout would be appreciated. New faces are always welcome. These drinks were rescheduled as a result of the tube strike, which took place when we were last due to meet in October (when numbers were depleted).
Scottish (Edinburgh) Schools Clubs in London Drinks is organised by the Secretaries of the following London Clubs for members and to encourage new faces: Daniel Stewarts Melville College Club, Heriots Club,
Watsonian Club, Edinburgh Academical Club, Old Lorettonian Society, Scottish Girls Schools, Old Fettesian Club (not yet represented), Merchistonian Club (not yet represented) and The Royal High School Club in London, although all Scots (especially Edinburghers) are welcome.
Quarterly Drinks Evening Wednesday 2nd October 2002
9 attended [4 RHS (Chris Craig, Paul Cursiter and
myself from 1991 and new face Colin Lynch from 1975), 3 DSMC (David West, Tom
Scrimgeour and new face Bruce Maclaren), 2 Glasgow Accies (both new faces
Alistair Garrow and Mark Gillis). We all enjoyed the evening, staying until
around 9ish. We all decided that we should reschedule another Drinks night before Christmas to compensate for
the tube strike, so planning one for Wed 4th December. Watch the site for more details.
Quarterly Drinks Q3 - 3 July 2002, Boisdale's, 15 Eccleston St, Belgravia,
SW1
The last pub night was held on the Wednesday 3rd July at Boisdale's.
12 RHS FP's attended our last Quarterly Drinks held on Wed
3 July (including several first time quarterlies from the RHS e.g. David
Wilson 1966, Colin Todd 1969 (&son), Gary Beecroft 1977 and, from the
regulars, Jim Randell 1944, Robert Dunnett 1969,Will Dunnett 1969, Alastair
Maclean 1960, Jeff Robertson 1951, Edward Tait 1991, Fraser Wright 1985,
Chris Craig 1991) and other Edinburgh Schools. Apologies were received
from Paul Cursiter 1991, Peter Coldham 1947, Ronnie McNeill 1956, Alan
Robertson 1951, Alastair Reid 1969, Alan Mitchell 1990, et al.
Around 30-40 attended in total; space became an issue (too cramped) so
several attendees decided to move from the Back Bar into the adjoining bar
while some had supper in the courtyard. The evening seemed to be enjoyed by
those who attended, although some people where not so happy with the service
as the bar apparently ran out of both beers on tap! A few ladies attended as
well.
Quarterly Drinks Q2 2002: Wed 3 April 2002, Boisdale's, 15 Eccleston St, Belgravia, SW1
34 attended the Inaugural Drinks Evening for Edinburgh Schools' Clubs in London was held in conjunction with The Royal High School Club in London Quarterly Bash on Wednesday 3rd April 2002 at Boisdale's, 15 Eccleston Street, Belgravia. Attendees: M Peat RHS 1991, P Cursiter RHS 1991, C Craig RHS 1991, K Hill RHS 1991, E Tait (Sec) RHS 1991, A Mitchell RHS 1990, G Mackenzie RHS 1990, P Martin RHS 1976, A Maclean RHS 1960, R McNeill RHS 1956, J Robertson RHS 1951, P Coldham RHS 1947; J Hewitt 1995*, A Duguid 1995*, M Brown 1995*, C Campbell 1995*, T Burt (Sec). Mr. Burt, Ms. Burt (* - late arrivals); R Murphy 1987, D Christie 1988, C Runcie , T Walker (Social Sec) , Unknown x2, J Breaks 1991, M Sweet 1991, T Scrimgeour (Sec), H Muirhead , E Gordon (Sec) , Mrs. Gordon, I Plenderleith, Unknown x1, G Cochrane.
Schools Represented were:-
- London Daniel Stewarts Melville College Club
- London Heriot Club
- London Watsonian Club
- London Edinburgh Academical Club
- London Merchistonian Club
- London Lorettonian Society
- London Scottish Girls Schools
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Quarterly Drinks Q1 2002: Wed 9 January 2002, The Clachan Bar, Kingly Street, W1
Unfortunately, The Clachan bar called last orders
for the very last time on Friday 11th January 2002 and is currently
undergoing refurbishment to be manufactured into a "trendy wine
bar". As a result, we very much welcome suggestions for central
venues for forthcoming pub evenings; a traditional / Scottish pub
is what we are looking for. The photo, courtesy of A. Mitchell,
shows 17 attendees - L-R: Back Row: C. Craig RHS 1991, K. Hill RHS
1991, G. MacKenzie RHS 1990, A.Hughes 1986; Middle Row: tbc DMSC
, A.Cormack DSMC, T. Scrimgeour DSMC, F. Gray DSMC, A. Reid RHS
1969, A. Maclean RHS 1960, J. Randall RHS 1944, P. Cursiter RHS
1991, I. Graham RHS 1986; Front Row - A. Mitchell RHS 1990, D. West
DSMC , E. Tait RHS 1991 and L. Gold DSMC 1991. (L. John DSMC and
3 other DSMC also attended but had left when the photo was taken).
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Quarterly Drinks Q4 2001: Wed 3 October 2001, The Clachan Bar,
Kingly Street, W1 
October 2001: 16 attended joint pub evening with Daniel Stewart's
London Club at The Clachan, Kingly Street, off Regent St: Left to
Right - D. West DSMC 196?, G. West DSMC 195?, J. Randell RHS 1944,
M.Knowles RHS 1997, I. Graham RHS 1986, P. Cursiter RHS 1991, E.
Tait RHS 1991 and M. Sweet DSMC 1991. |
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