On Wednesday 29 June, in the middle of the Holyrood Royal Week, the society was privileged to welcome our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, for a drinks and canapé reception at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh.
About 90 members attended a very convivial evening. The princess, accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, spent the evening with the members present, all of whom were presented to Her Royal Highness and her husband.
The princess was greeted on arrival by Pipe Major Stuart Liddell, playing John D Burgess, that splendid 6.8 march which is named after the society’s last Honorary Piper. In his opening remarks, the chairman thanked the princess for her support across three years as the society’s patron, during a difficult time when societies such as ours have needed all the support we can get. In particular, he referred to her articles for our newsletter, the foreword she contributed to the society’s history, and to the video introductions she recorded for some of our online activities.
In her speech to members, Her Royal Highness referred to the time it had taken to bring the event to fruition, with the news that for an event to be cancelled four times due to Covid was something of a record. She welcomed members to the event, some of whom had travelled from as far afield as North America and continental Europe to attend.
In that context, Her Royal Highness made reference to our long tradition of reaching out across borders to others with an interest in, and connection to, Scotland. Our association with continental Europe dates from our earliest history and led to a falling out with Colonel Alasdair Ranaldson Macdonnell of Glengarry, who objected to the admission of non-Highlanders to the membership. His particular target was the Polish patriot Prince Adam Czartoryski, an early member, who was himself of Gordon descent. This prompted the then secretary, Captain William Mackenzie of Gruinard, to write to The Scotsman that the society was open to all ‘whose heart warms to the tartan, of whatever kindred, country or religion.’ Her Royal Highness went on to describe the society’s pride in that long tradition of inclusivity.
In days gone by, the society has benefited from having official Honorary Pipers who were among the finest practitioners of their time, from Pipe Major William Mackay on our foundation 202 years ago, to Pipe Major Willie Ross in the early 20th century, and most recently, Pipe Major John D Burgess, Honorary Piper to the society for 50 years, until his death in 2005. Since then that position has remained unfilled, but it is our great privilege that Pipe Major Stuart Liddell, a double Gold Medal winner who recently led his own Inveraray Pipe Band to the world championship, has accepted the post. His appointment was announced by The Princess Royal, who then presented him with a drone banner of the society’s arms, kindly gifted by Jane MacRae.