The Distiller’s Scotland Committee dinner is always a special occasion. The splendour of the surroundings matched only by the warmth of the welcome as Liverymen and their guests enjoy an evening of wonderful company, superb food and drinks and eloquent and entertaining speeches and toasts.
This year was no exception and the occasion went like clockwork despite the absence of the main organiser, Liveryman and Chairman of the Scottish Committee Michael Urquhart.
As Master Daniel Szor, pointed out in his speech: “Michael has given tireless service as a Court Member, as head of our fast-growing Scottish contingent and tonight, especially, as the person who sweated every last detail of this wonderful dinner”. His invitation to give Michael warmest thanks and the recognition he so richly deserves was followed by a rousing round of applause from the audience.
The Master acknowledged the importance of the Annual Scotland Dinner – the largest gathering in the Livery Calendar where we are joined by more guests than at almost any other Company occasion. This reflects the extraordinary strength of the Distillers in Scotland which, as he remarked “has grown into one of the strongest and most vibrant pillars of the Company.” Membership is growing and there are new events in Scotland and the message he said, was simple “we are not a London Livery Company which occasionally ventures north. Scotland is an integral part of who we are.”
This response from the Master was the culmination of a magnificent evening which started with a reception in the downstairs library with Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve and then moved upstairs for a delightful dinner of smoked mackerel pate served with Macon Villages, Domaine Fichet, Burgundy 2025 and Roast East Lothian Beef Rump accompanied by Criza Bodega Luis Canas Rioja 2022. Following the peach melba Paris-Brest Liverymen and guests embarked upon the ceremony of the Loving Cup, with Pickering’s Sloe Gin, complete with traditional Sgian Dubhs – always convivial, amusing and challenging in equal measure, especially for those new to the task.
The traditional toasts to the King, the Royal Family, the Lady Mayor and the City of London Corporation were followed by the Toast to the Guests, very ably delivered by Liveryman Kirsty McKerrow. After introducing the Company Guests including our military affiliates, and the winner of our award Master Air Crew Jamie Bradshaw from 42 Torpedo Bomber Squadron RAF, she went on to pay tribute to the families behind the global success which is Scotch Whisky, pointing out their long history and giving particular mention to the Morrison, Russell and Urquhart families, as well as the Grants – both families of course.
As she emphasised: Their contribution reaches far beyond whisky, through their support of Scotland’s communities, culture and heritage – a reminder that the success of a family business is measured not only by what it builds, but also by what it gives back. And it’s the same generosity of spirit which is reflected in the charitable work of the Worshipful Company of Distillers. She singled out the Distillers One of One as a particularly fine example of what was so very special about the industry: “Competition may be fierce during the day, but there remains a genuine sense of community, friendship and shared purpose.”
It was then time to hear from the Principal Guest, Fred MacAulay, a return speaker at the Scottish Dinner. And as Kirsty explained in her introduction he may perform all over the world but his comedy has always remained unmistakably Scottish – warm, observant and finding humour in the people and moments of everyday life.
