The CILT Scottish Region Summer Social meeting: Tuesday 16 June 2026

The Scottish Region held a social event on the evening of 16 June 2026 in the All Bar One in Glasgow. This well attended event included both members and guests. The Institute's Chief Executive, Helen Hardy, had travelled up from Institute Headquarters in Corby to be present. Helen spoke to members and guests, getting to know more about the Scottish Region and its activities, meeting some of the long standing Committee Members.

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Karen Fryer (left) and Angela Sutherland (right)

© John Fender, 2026

Members were able to chat and re-new personal relationships, a welcome change from on-line meetings in a relaxed atmosphere. A buffet was also available and following this, there were a series of presentations made by Helen Hardy on behalf of the Scottish Region.

The first presentation of engraved glassed and flowers was to Committee Members Karen Fryer and Angela Sutherland who were both standing down after many years on the Committee as they were retiring from Glasgow Caledonian University where they were heavily involved in promoting the Institute.

Angela replied for both Karen and herself saying that it had been a pleasure serving on the Committee and thanks everyone for their help and assistance over the years, saying that the Committee was like a family and that they would keep in touch in the future. In response John Yellowlees said that both will be missed and thanked them for their contribution to the Scottish Region Committee over the years.

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Members & Guests at the Scottish Region Summer Social meeting

© John Yellowlees, 2026

Next came a presentation of an engraved whisky glass to Paul Semple, General Manager of Waverley Excursions Ltd, operators of the paddle Steamer Waverley for his outstanding presentation in December 2025 for which Paul expressed his thanks for the opportunity to outline the challenges in operating a preserved passenger vessel.

A presentation was also made to Ian Budd, of "Friends of the Far North Line", for his contribution. David Shirres, the editor of Rail engineer magazine was also present and spoke about scope for cooperation between CILT and IMechE in whose Railways Division he is Scottish Secretary.

After the presentations, John Yellowlees closed the meeting and members and guests then had the opportunity for more networking. The Scottish Region Committee would like to thank Helen Hardy, chief Executive officer of the Institute for making the time to travel to Glasgow for the evening's event.

Report by John Fender