Chieftain and Cathryn meet Jackie Stewart
The Chieftain was very privileged along with a few other members of the Society to attend a Glasgow Caledonian University Alumnus Awards ceremony for past students here in Abu Dhabi, a most prominent one being Karen Mackie, a staunch member of the St Andrew's Society.
It was a wonderful opportunity to meet one of Scotland's National Treasures.
Guess what he did not dwell on his great successes of winning the F1 three times, no he spoke of his passion to provide opportunities for people who have severe disabilities and to ensure that they get all the chances available to be well educated in an inclusive society.
Jackie Stewart had been honoured by the University with an Honorary Doctorate for his leadership in this crucial social need.
It was amazing to hear him saying that here was a lad that left school at 15 years struggling with dyslexia and finding it very difficult to get a job.
Well he did not do too badly indeed.
He is one of the most unassuming and modest persons I have met.
Please write to me and tell me about other 'national treasures' that you know of.
The best response will win two complimentary tickets for our next Burns Supper on 22nd January 2010 in the British Embassy Gardens.
Burns Supper
This was a fantastic night in memory of our National Bard.
The setting was splendid in the British Embassy Gardens.
The Club provided a most memorable and convivial evening food and drink.
Willie Young a well known Scottish referee entertained the guests with humor and appreciation in his Immortal Memory.
The evening was interspersed with songs by Annie Muir, fiddle music by Marianne Campbell and the Pipe band from Dubai led ably by Pipe Major Craig Lightbody.
Violin/Fiddle Lessons
Did you know... One of our members is an expert Scottish Fiddler, Marianne Campbell. She is offering fiddle lessons for the young and old...more
Birth of Burns Marked in Postage Stamps
Among all the many celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the Royal Mail has issued two new first class stamps this week. One depicts the famous Alexander Naismith portrait of Burns and the other quotes from the bard's most famous and enduring poem 'A man's a man for a' that'...
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Best Fish and Chips in Britain
The Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant in Fife has been once again been crowned as the best fish and chip (French fries) shop in Britain.
The outlet, which overlooks the harbour at Anstruther, defeated nine other finalists from around Britain in the 'Oscars' of the industry which is run every year by the Sea Fish Organisation...
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Haggis Amnesty
No, it's not that the haggis shooting season has been suspended...
It appears that many visitors to Scotland are not aware of the restrictions on exporting meat and arrive at Edinburgh airport with haggis they have bought to take home...
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Putting the Flying Scotsman Back on the Rails
The National Railway Museum in York has launched a public appeal seeking a further £250,000 to get Flying Scotsman - 'the world's most famous locomotive' - back on the rails to enable it to carry passengers again by next year...
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Special Tartan Day for Scottish Homecoming
The celebration of Tartan Day got off to a slow start in Scotland - way behind the events staged each year around the world to celebrate Scottish culture.
Arbroath in Angus, where the event that is commemorated in many Tartan Day celebrations took place, was the first to get involved...
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