Arran Society of Glasgow still going strong after 174 years
The historic Arran Society of Glasgow held its annual dinner in the newly-refurbished Kinloch Hotel last Saturday, 174 years since the society was formed.
More than 80 guests were piped in to the dinner by Arran High School student Fiona Bulger, before enjoying a delicious meal.
Following the Toast to the Society by the president, the company was entertained by talented Arran High School students Bethany Walsh, fiddle; Lucy Walsh, flute; and Emily Divine, guitar.
The president then welcomed BBC journalist Aileen Clarke to propose the Toast to the Island. Aileen is a familiar face on Arran because of her reporting endeavours during the snow of 2013 and her exellent, witty speech included tales from then.
The reply on behalf of the island was offered by local lad Captain James Murchie of Blackwaterfoot, who served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for more than 40 years.
James is a familiar speaker on Arran and he didn’t disappoint
The Arran Society makes modest, but meaningful, financial awards to young people, community groups and educational and cultural initiatives on the island and, following the dinner, honorary president Sheila Gilmore informed the company that recipients in the past 12 months have included Arran Junior Triathlon Club, Forest Schools, Aims Advocacy, Isle of Arran Heritage Museum, Arran Dancers, Isle of Arran Pipe Band, Arran High School Awards and various further and higher education students.
Established in 1843, the society is always looking to extend its membership to ensure its aims and objectives continue to be fulfilled, and guests, who had not already done so, were invited to apply online at www.arransocietyofglasgow.org for life membership which only costs £10.
The society thanks all staff at Kinloch Hotel, Arran Events, Arran High School music department, Taste of Arran, Arran: Sense of Scotland, and Isle of Arran Distillery for their support in making this event such a success.
Next year’s Arran Society Dinner will be held at Kinloch Hotel on February 3 2018.