Nearly 80 of our members took part in the Triennial Assembly. It’s a tradition dating back more than 150 years and this year the itinerary included a tour of the Highland Spring bottling facility at Blackford and a visit to the Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh.
The Assembly provides a welcome opportunity for members from Perth and far beyond to meet up and socialise.
Two coaches ferried the party to Blackford, where Lord Dean Euan Begg had arranged private tours of the busy bottling halls.
The group was treated to breakfast, coffee and tea, and, of course, some Highland Spring Still, Sparkling and Flavoured Waters which are distributed nationwide from the firm’s own rail halt.
After an excellent lunch at The Botanist in Edinburgh it was on to the Johnnie Walker Experience in Princes Street, an award-winning attraction which tells the story of the brand, and other whiskies used in the world-famous blend, harnessing state of the art technology.
After an enjoyable dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton, which enjoys spectacular views of the three bridges, the company was treated to an entertaining and enlightening speech with a Robert Burns theme by Sandy Sneddon.
Lord Dean of Guild Euan Begg invited several guests to join the Assembly, including Depute Provost Andrew Parrott, Bill Duncan and Sandy Scrimgeour, the Moderator and past Moderator of the Society of High Constables of the City of Perth, tenant farmer David Smith, Rachel McKay from the Royal Perth Golfing Society, and several members of staff at Highland Spring.
Lord Dean Euan said: “It was a great day and we were treated very well at both Highland Spring and the Johnnie Walkers Experience.
“I was particularly pleased that Sandy accepted our invitation to speak at the dinner. He was very entertaining and I’m sure we all learned a little bit more about the life and poetry of Scotland’s National Bard.
“Hopefully some of our members who enjoyed their day will think about becoming more involved with the Guildry in the months and years ahead by putting themselves forward for roles like ale tasters and meal searchers, as well as being considered for the committee.”