HRH The Princess Royal officially opens the Scots in London Gala

The launch of the Scots in London took place on October 11th 2023 at St. Columba's Church, in the heart of London. The inaugural Scots in London Gala was an unforgettable evening with their Patron, HRH The Princess Royal officially opening the event.

"Scots in London are honoured and delighted to have HRH the Princess Royal as our Patron. HRH began this role during the First World War commemorative project which resulted in the publication of a well-received book to mark the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War." - www.scotsinlondon.org

Scots in London, a non-profit organisation, was founded with the mission of fostering Scottish culture and enhancing the social inclusion of individuals with Scottish heritage in London. It was established through a collaboration of various London-based Scottish organisations, including clubs, societies, charities, churches, regiments, and government entities. This collective effort aims to unite the community by organising events and promoting activities among its members and other Scottish groups.

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The ten Founder members of Scots in London include The Burns Club of London, The Caledonian Club, The Caledonian Society of London, Crown Court Church, Forces Children Scotland, London Scottish RFC, London Scottish Regiment, Scotland House London, Scottish Business Network, ScotsCare, and St Columba's Church of Scotland.‍‍‍

The event was sold-out with some 200 Scots will fill St. Columba's Church gathering to celebrate Scottish Art and Culture, in the capital city.

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The evening held many delights including:

🥃 Traditional music

🥃 Performance by the ScotsCare Choir and the Choir with no Name with celebrated traditional singer Isla St Clair

🥃 Piping from the members of the Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish Regiment

🥃 Recitation from Downton Abbey’s actor David Robb

🥃 Highland Dance display

🥃 Scottish fare, including haggis, served over a glass or two

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But most of all the evening was about camaraderie, and a moment to pause and appreciate the richness of Scottish culture.

"Something marvellous happens when Scots gather "away frae hame", swap stories and remind ourselves of what brings us together as a people...There are so many to thank for making the evening possible but in particular I would like to thank Jennifer Rowland and David Coughtrie for their sterling efforts. I greatly appreciate their patience as they had to endure the challenge of working with me as I darted around Asia :)" - Russell Dalgleish, Founding Chair of Scottish Business Network