John Gray Lecture

Friday 28^th November

The Right Hon. Lord Malcolm Bruce of Bennachie gave a very well-researched and inspiring lecture in memory of Cllr. John G Gray in the theatre at the French Institute. Many members and friends were enthralled by ‘Faced With Reform, why Liberals must reclaim their battle cry’. A transcript of the lecture can be read here.

Annual Dinner

Friday 7^th November.

Members and friends enjoyed a delicious meal at The Royal Scots Club!

The guest speaker, Lisa Kerr, Principal of George Watson’s College, talked of "Leading in Uncertain Times", outlining her career in the arts and media, and latterly, in education. A confident speaker, she stressed the impact of VAT on independent schools, how they are reaching out to the community, and the effect of the extra numbers on Edinburgh high schools.

Joint event with the John Stuart Mill Institute

Find out about the John Stuart Mill Institute here.

Friday 25^th April.

This event featured the launch of the book "When We Speak Of Freedom- Radical Liberalism in an Age of Crisis", a collection of essays sponsored by the John Stuart Mill Institute. Available from Waterstones and Foyles.

Distinguished writers include Sir Vince Cable, Sir Lawrence Freedman, David Howarth, Michael Meadowcroft, Helena Rosenblatt, Ross Finnie, Andrea Coomber and Helen McCabe.

Liberal values are today challenged and endangered. Ben Wood and Paul Hindley believe that a lack of a rigorous exposition of liberal philosophy and values has left the field open to illiberal and undemocratic political trends. This book aims to fill that gap.

Speakers included – Ross Finnie, Gordon Lishman CBE and Michael Meadowcroft. The meeting was chaired by Sir Graham Watkins.

Half Day Forum

Friday, 1^st March

The Economic Climate – Present and Future

Our three expert speakers led the discussions:

• John Ferry on ‘Getting Britain’s Economy Going’
• Carina Contini on ‘The Hospitality Industry – Survive in ‘25’
• Thom Dibdin on ‘The Arts – Where Do We Go From Here?’

They all outlined the current situation and gave hope for the future. Their passion and knowledge of their subject led to spirited engagement from the audience! We look forward to next year’s Forum!

Annual Dinner

Friday, 8th November

Guest speaker: The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, known to us as Dobbie, celebrates 40 years as a City Councillor. This is especially auspicious as the City is also celebrating its 900 years as a Royal Burgh. The Lord Provost’s Consort, Colin Cunningham, was also in attendance.

Dobbie gave us a shapshot of his work as an advocate for the folk of Drumbrae and The Gyle, and the interesting people he has met and the places he has visited as Lord Provost!

Almost 60 members and their friends enjoyed an excellent three course meal in the gracious surroundings of the Royal Scots Club.

These are some quotes by our members -

"A wonderful evening to celebrate the anniversaries of Dobbie and Edinburgh."

"It was a pleasure to meet up with friends old and new and enjoy a great meal together."

"I thought that the night was an excellent occasion, and really enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised to see so many faces that I didn't know! It was really well organised, and the Royal Scots Club did a good job."

"Thank you very much for a fantastic dinner. We had a great time."

We shall certainly book the Royal Scots Club for next year!

A few of the diners having an enjoyable evening

Sixty Years Ago – Working at Party HQ in the 1964 General Election

Tuesday, 22 October

David Raw gave us an insider’s view on what it was like to be at the heart of the campaign which brought a resurgence of popularity for the Liberal Party. David is an entertaining, insightful speaker with a great deal of experience in Scottish and UK politics!

Older events

For an overview of some events from past years, click here.