The long awaited and much cancelled dinner to celebrate the society’s 200th birthday took place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Wednesday 28 September, hosted by our patron, HRH The Princess Royal. We are grateful to Her Royal Highness for allowing us to stage this keynote event in the very grand surroundings of the palace.
Over 100 members and guests attended what proved to be a very happy evening, which managed to retain a relaxed atmosphere while observing all the formalities that might be expected from such an occasion. Members were welcomed by the society’s Honorary Piper, Pipe Major Stuart Liddell, playing in the palace forecourt, proudly displaying the drone banner of the society’s arms. The evening began with a champagne reception in the Throne Room, during which our patron circulated informally among members and friends. As always, all those present had the opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness who took the trouble to chat to all those present.
Dinner was served in the Great Gallery, made to look absolutely splendid by our caterers, Heritage Portfolio Ltd, lit by the glistening crystal chandeliers and the palace’s silver candelabras on each of the 11 tables. The top table, including the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, was piped in by Pipe Major Liddell.
The Chairman proposed a toast to The King. In his opening remarks, he thanked Her Royal Highness for her hospitality, especially so soon after Her Majesty’s death, and offered the society’s sympathy to the princess and the whole of the royal family. He went on to express gratitude to her for her support over the last three years as patron, during some of the hardest years any of us can recall, and for her obvious enthusiasm for the society’s endeavours during that time.
The Princess Royal spoke warmly of the society’s work and of its relevance in 21st century Scotland. She made particular reference to our support for the John Dewar Manuscripts, the first of which will be available very soon. She went on to refer to our recent activity in support of Scots culture, specifically with our new bursary for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and our financial support for the new memorial to Mairi Mhor nan Oran (Mary Macpherson) in Makars’ Court in Edinburgh.
Her Royal Highness welcomed members and guests to the palace, speaking of its long history at the heart of Scotland’s government and royal tradition, from its origins in the reign of James IV, back to the foundation of Holyrood Abbey nearly 900 years ago, when it first became a royal residence under David I.
The princess went on to thank members for attending, in particular those who had travelled from the United States, from Germany and from Belgium for the occasion, with particular reference to our Belgian member John Wembridge, founder of the Caledonian Society of Flanders, currently celebrating its 45th anniversary.
Her Royal Highness concluded by paying tribute to the society’s work over the last two centuries, and with a toast to ‘The Royal Celtic Society: the next 200 years.’