Wemyss Circle - programme of events
No. 5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 6 - 7.30pm
Norman Drummond has been described as one of the most inspiring and talented Scots of his generation for his unparalleled breadth of interest, knowledge, experience and personal commitment to leadership and to developing talent in others. From the gangland areas of Glasgow and Edinburgh as a young Minister, to the Parachute Regiment and The Black Watch, to founding Columba 1400, an organisation devoted to helping young people from tough realities fulfil their potential, Norman’s life has represented a personal commitment to leadership and to developing talent in others. A former chair of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, Norman is also non-executive director of his fifth generation family shipping company J & J Denholm Ltd. He is the author of two books, “The Spirit of Success” and “The Power of 3”. A celebrated international speaker, Norman sees his role in life as eliciting the ‘inner greatness’ of others as well as ‘giving voice to those who feel they’ve never been heard or listened to’.
No. 5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 6 - 7.30pm
Tam Dalyell has been called many things during his 43 career in Parliament – ‘a titan of thrawnness’ (Herald) and a magnificent pain-in-the-neck (Guardian) to name just two – but when he resigned in 2005 the Commons lost one of its most principled members. Known throughout the political world for his integrity, his refusal to toe the party line denied him a career on the frontbenches, but raised his profile throughout the United Kingdom.
We are delighted that Tam has agreed to talk about his fascinating career to the Wemyss Circle. He can be seen here with his mother, Mrs Eleanor Dalyell, passing a clod of earth to Lord Wemyss at the Handing Over Ceremony (or 'Sasine Ceremony') of The Binns in 1944.
He will be joined in conversation by Sir Raymond Johnstone, another gentleman with a long and distinguished career, including positions as the former Chairman for both the Forestry Commission and Historic Buildings Council for Scotland. Two great minds discussing ‘The importance of being awkward’ is certain to be a stimulating and informative evening, and we hope you’ll be able to join us on the night.
The Georgian House, 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 6 - 8pm
Generously supported by Morton Fraser LLP
Supporters of the National Trust for Scotland gathered in the Georgian splendour of No. 5 Charlotte Square for this year’s Wemyss Circle Annual Drinks Reception on 3rd May. Sparkling conversation was followed by inspiring talks from four young people who spoke with passion and enthusiasm about their work at the Trust. Back by popular demand after his star performance last year was John Crawford, Stonemason Apprentice, who was ably assisted by: Alison Murfitt - Grasslands & Fungi Apprentice; Julie McElroy, who has set up the Disabled Wilderness project with Robert May from Community Partnerships, and Katherine Richardson - Collections Care Volunteer and Housekeeper at Newhailes.
Our President, the Duke of Buccleuch welcomed each of the 80 guests, who were able to meet the speakers and find out more about working ‘at the coalface’ of conservation. Feedback on the evening was universally positive, with many guests commenting that they had been given a fascinating insight into areas of the Trust’s work they had previously been unaware of. There was overwhelming support for the Trust’s investment in the talent and enthusiasm of young people and their involvement in the conservation of Scotland’s heritage – they are indeed the key to securing the future of our past.
The Georgian House, 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 10am - 1pm
- How clean are your collections?
- How to keep Pests from damaging your collections
- How to deal with accidental damage to your collections
“Prevention is better than cure”: whether it comes to safeguarding our health or priceless collections, the mantra is the same.
A select group of Wemyss supporters benefited from the combined knowledge of the Trust’s experts at a workshop dedicated to the care of collections. A fascinating morning was spent learning about the nine agents of deterioration, how to deal with pests that damage collections and how to clean valuable objects without doing more harm than good.
Informative and entertaining, the sessions provoked some lively discussion on the best way to deal with moths, and gave rise to some hair-raising tales of near misses and disasters averted.
The feedback was universally positive, with one attendee hoping that that the ‘blunder traps’ they had been issued with to check for infestations at home would not reveal too much activity.
Hosted by Morton Fraser LLP, Quartermile Two, 2 Lister Square, Edinburgh EH3 9GL 6 - 7.30pm
Lying 41 miles to the west of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, the archipelago of St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles. Its islands, with their exceptional cliffs and sea stacs, form the most important seabird breeding station in north-west Europe, enduring as a symbol of an ancient, lost society that folded in the face of advanced civilisation. St Kilda was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1986, in recognition of its exceptional natural beauty and for the significant natural habitats that it supports. In July 2004 this was extended to include the surrounding marine environment, and a year later further recognition for the island’s cultural heritage was awarded, making it one of only a few places in the world with Dual World Heritage Status - for both natural and cultural significance.
We are delighted to welcome Susan Bain, the Trust’s Western Isles Manager, to lead us on a guided tour of the islands. A seasoned archaeologist, having worked in Jordan and Egypt, as well as closer to home in Dumfries and Galloway, Susan took up an archaeology post on St Kilda prior to her appointment as Manager of the Western Isles. Her interest in the vernacular buildings of St Kilda led her to undertake a Churchill fellowship in 2006, when she studied the use of turf as a roofing material in the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway. We are most grateful to Linda Urquhart and the Board of Morton Fraser for their considerable support of the National Trust for Scotland through the Wemyss Circle. In addition to sponsoring this year’s programme of events, Morton Fraser is hosting the St Kilda lecture and reception in their offices, where the splendid views from their Boardroom over Edinburgh and the Pentlands will form a magnificent backdrop to the evening’s entertainment.
No. 5 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 6 - 7.30pm
Once again, the Wemyss Circle was delighted by Ian Gow’s comprehensive knowledge of the National Trust for Scotland’s properties. Focussing on Haddo House in Aberdeenshire, our Chief Curator gave us a fascinating glimpse into the life of Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, 1st Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair, and a passionate social reformer, who became personally involved with the redecoration of the house; not just the rooms of the family, but of the servants as well.
Working closely with John Sinclair, the National Trust for Scotland’s Photograph Librarian, Ian used a series of historic photographs from our archive to provide a stunning comparative of the rooms of Haddo House, both before and after the 1879 refit by the London firm of Wright and Mansfield, in the pioneering Adam Revival style, which remains largely untouched to this day.
With his depth of knowledge and inimitable dry wit, Ian delighted as much as he informed. The event was extremely well received and the feedback from members of the Wemyss Circle was truly glowing, with many requests already made to hear the speaker again!
The library at Haddo House.
The Georgian House, Edinburgh, 6 - 8pm
PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE CHANGE OF DATE FROM 16TH MAY TO 2ND MAY
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Drinks Reception has had to be brought two weeks forward. We do hope guests will still be able to attend what promises to be a highly entertaining evening.
This year’s annual drinks reception for supporters of the National Trust for Scotland will return to No. 5 Charlotte Square with our new President, the Earl of Lindsay. The evening will provide guests with the opportunity to hear about the inner workings of the Trust from a new perspective; guest speakers will be announced nearer the event.
London Drinks, Dover House, London
Mansion House Ball, London