The glorious surroundings of the Signet Library on Parliament Square in Edinburgh were once more the setting for the Scottish Dinner on Thursday 5th September, following a Court Meeting in the afternoon.
Master Lorne MacKillop, together with Wardens and Clerks, welcomed Liverymen and Members of the Company and their guests, to celebrate a number of “Firsts” for the Scottish Dinner.
The Scottish Dinner continues to be a very popular event with tickets selling out within a matter of days, leaving some regular attendees disappointed. A lesson for next year to keep a lookout for that e mail and be quicker off the mark.
The stunning Signet Library never fails to impress, starting with the drinks reception in the Lower Library where liverymen and guests enjoyed Nadar Gin and Tonic and a special release Isle of Raasay Single Malt, to mark their recognition as Scotch Whisky Distillery of the Year.
The gathering then moved to the Upper Library to enjoy a lovely three course meal with some delightful wines before embarking on the first of our “Firsts” for the evening – the unveiling of the newly created Scottish Loving Cup, with accompanying daggers. But of course, this is Scotland, so Penicuik based Silverware specialists Hayward and Stott created Quaichs and Sgian Dubhs specially for the occasion. The Worshipful Company of Distillers is believed to be the only Company who still use daggers in their Loving Cup ceremonies and now the Scottish Committee have their own thanks to the generous sponsorship of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, William Grant & Sons, Ian Macleod Distillers, J & G Grant, Glenfarclas, Gordon & MacPhail, Whisky Magazine, Summerhall Distillery, Tomatin Distillery, Arbikie Distillery, Forsyths and Borders Distillery.
Much jollity ensued as Liverymen and guests got to grips with the “rules of engagement” around the use of our wonderful new silverware, filled with Sloe Gin from the Summerhall Distillery.
Following the usual formalities, we moved to the Fellowship Toasts, with a lovely Tomatin 12 year old, The Marsala Edition.
After welcoming our newest Liveryman Andrew Dane and Top Table Guests, Liveryman John Stirling, and proud North East “Fermer” entertained the gathered loons and quines (gentlemen & ladies) with an insight into the Doric language and some of their common phrases. “Foos your doos” he enquired of Michael Urquhart. It’s a phrase, along with “fit like” which means “how are you” and literally translated means “how are your pigeons”? The correct response is, for future reference, “pecking awa”.
Fun as the Doric was, there was a serious point, as John explained how important a sense of place was to him and his fellow farmers and, in turn, how vital to the story of Scotch whisky. The farmers and the distillers are intrinsically linked and necessary for the future well being of the industry.
He also revealed our second “First” for the evening – a new military affiliation with 42 (Torpedo Squadron) based at RAF Lossiemouth to add to our existing links with 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron of the Royal Air Force.
This annual occasion is always a wonderful opportunity for Liverymen to get together with others in the industry and related sectors, to highlight the excellent work being carried out by the Distillers Charity and the particular success of the Youth Action Fund, supported by the Distillers One of One Auction. And it was the Fund Manager for Inspiring Scotland, Ms Louise Stevenson, who replied to the Toast on behalf of the Guests who explained how they had worked with the Distillers’ Charity to create what she described as “a very special Fund that would be long term and make a meaningful difference to the lives of young Scots that were struggling”. It is surely fitting that an industry which itself is focused very much on the long term should support a charitable Fund which has established long term partnerships with charities aiming to resolve difficult issues for young people who face significant barriers to fulfilling their potential.
Louise explained how the Youth Action Fund got off to a quick start by working with tried and tested partners who had a track record of successful delivery. Since 2022 the Fund has supported over 1600 young people, more than 1,000 of whom have achieved an employability outcome such as a job, supported training or college place.
All of this was made possible through the generosity of the Scotch Whisky industry who donated stunning individual lots to the two One of One Auctions, raising £4m in the process.
Louise finished by saying “It’s been an honour and a privilege to share some insights on the difference this long established industry is making to the young people in Scotland who need it most” before raising a toast to the health of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. “May it flourish, root and branch; coupled with the name of The Master Mr Lorne Mackillop.”
In responding, the Master also highlighted the third Distillers One of One Auction taking place on Friday 10th October 2025 at Hopetoun House and thanked all for their donations so far, explaining there was still potentially room for more. After the usual thanks, the Master offered a very particular expression of gratitude to Assistant Clerk Kim Lyons who is due to retire, as this would be her last Scottish dinner.
The Scottish Golf competition prizes were presented to: the winner of the Plate Competition is Stephen Bremner. Runner up of the main competition is Gordon Doctor with the winner of the main competition who, becomes Champion Golfer for 2024 in Scotland, Nigel Mills.
The Master declared the formal proceedings over and invited everyone to join him in the Lower Library for the Stirrup Cup, with beers supplied by Speyside Brewery.
Jane Cumming
Liveryman
