Scottish Parliament event showcases the CWGC's work

Charles Garrett during his presentation.

With the new year underway the CWGC has been in Edinburgh to raise the profile of our work and develop new relationships at an event hosted in the Scottish Parliament by the Labour MSP Paul Sweeney.

Over 60 guests and MSPs, both old and new acquaintances, heard about the CWGC’s work in Scotland where we commemorate over 20,000 individuals across 1200 sites.

Alongside the MSPs, we welcomed representatives from across Scotland, including staff from local schools, Edinburgh University, Scottish regimental museums, the Scottish bereavement services, the Sea Cadets, the Army Cadet Force and Major General Bob Bruce, the new Governor of Edinburgh Castle. We were also joined by Commodore Charles Stevenson CBE, RN, Chairman of the MacRobert Trust, which recently made a large donation to the Foundation to support the Speakers and Tour Guides Programme.

Photos: Maj Gen Bob Bruce, Governor of Edinburgh Castle and Karen Adam MSP with CWGC volunteer Ken Nisbet.

Attendees heard from a range of speakers starting with Charles Garrett representing the CWGC Executive Leadership Team who spoke about the importance of commemoration and its role in international diplomacy. Regional Manager Iain Anderson the spoke about our operations across Scotland with Stonemason Niven Bruce showing examples of our stonework.

The evening also gave us an opportunity to talk about the work of the Foundation, which obtained charitable status in Scotland in 2023. Laura Stoker, Director of Fundraising, gave an overview the different educational and outreach programmes they support and the vital role that funding plays in supporting the work of our Scottish Public Engagement Coordinators Elaine Edwards and Sehar Sardar.

Finally guests heard from our volunteer Ken Nisbett who really captured the spirit of the evening.

Not only is Ken a CWGC volunteer caring for his local headstones, but he is also a guide, a speaker and an active member of the Western Front Association. Ken impressed everyone with his enthusiasm and detailed knowledge of those whose headstones he cares for. His contribution to the evening really highlighted how valuable our volunteers are.

Photos: Paul Sweeney MSP, Charles Garrett with CWGC volunteer Ken Nisbet and Cadet Sgt Aitchison with Capt Timothy Hasler, Lothian and Borders ACF beside the CWGC torch.

The CWGC’s Torch of Commemoration was on display throughout the reception with many of MSPs and fellow guests taking the opportunity to be photographed with it and post on social media.

The evening was a great success, filled with engaging conversations and enormous support for the work of both the Commission and the Foundation, with many fruitful discussions about how we can continue to raise our profile and honour the memories of the fallen in Scotland.