Call to join in sponsored silence

A Clackmannanshire brewer is to be appointed to a craft association which dates back to the 12th century. Katherine Smart, who works at Diageo’s international supply centre in Menstrie and is the company’s global technical director, will be the first woman to be appointed renter warden of the Worshipful Company of Brewers.

She joined the Brewers’ Company as a liveryman brewer in 2014, becoming the first female member of court (the equivalent to the company’s board) in 2018.

As renter warden, one of the company’s most senior leadership positions, Katherine is responsible for the oversight of its operations including supporting its charitable work.

Katherine said: “I’m thrilled to have been elected renter warden for the Worshipful Company of Brewers, an organisation playing a crucial role connecting brewers across the industry and supporting valuable research and educational work.

“Brewing has historically been very male-dominated and when I started my career I’d often be the only woman in the room at industry events.

“Today it is wonderful to

People in Forth Valley are being asked to join comedian Fred Macaulay in a sponsored silence.

Age Scotland launches the Big Wheesht on Tuesday and is urging people to sign up.

Participants can be sponsored to switch off their phones, stay away from social media, hold a silent disco or simply sit in silence.

Recent Age Scotland figures showed that more than 200,000 older people can go up to half a week without talking to anyone.

To take part register at www.age.scot/bigwheesht.