The Scottish Region Annual Dinner: 17th September 2009

The Scottish Region's 2009 Annual Dinner was held on 17th September 2007 in the Airth Castle Hotel and Spa Resort, one of Scotland's leading hotels and as in previous years, guests were able to enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the wine reception.

Members and guests then proceeded to the dining room where they were welcomed by Committee Member Ken Thomson who acted as Master of Ceremonies.

The Regional Chairman, Dougie Adamson, in his welcome took the opportunity of thanking Highland Spring, Stagecoach Group and Wincanton plc for their generous. Mr. Adamson welcomed the President of the Institute, Graham McFaull and the MSc. Scholarship winners who were present, along with the former regional Officer, David Reid. He thanked the Dinner Sub-Committee for their efforts in arranging the evening's event. Members and guests were also reminded of the Prize Draw in aid of Transaid. The Chairman thanked the staff of the Airth Castle Hotel for their assistance and those present for their attendance. He then called on Committee Member George Brown to say the grace.

Following the five course dinner, the Guest Speaker, Graeme McFaull FCILT President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and Chief Executive of Wincanton plc said that having left Scotland 25 years ago he was delighted to be back this evening and he was also delighted to learn more about the Scottish region. The Scottish Region is one of the most active regions in the institute and the first six months as president have flown past, and he was fortunate in attending many events around the country and meeting different groups. Mr. McFaull highlighted that all sectors of transport were represented at the dinner and said that the Scottish regions comprehensive programme of events gave ample opportunities for members and friends to meet and network. This is particularly encouraging with such a diverse programme of events.

He said that we face challenging times across the industry as a whole but he remains committed to raising the profile of the institute. We need to look at how do we can better leverage the role of the institute and attract talent. The two tables of young professionals sponsored by two leading transport businesses were one example. One of the main priorities is to increase the number of corporate members. With 20,000 individual members there are still many businesses, employers and other institutions that would benefit from corporate membership. The Institute works hard to improve relevancy for remembers and the standard of training and education is very good. Some companies are investing heavily in people but have little technical training and do not teach the disciplines of the supply chain. This is we're the institute has a role to play and can benefit both the business and staff.

The Institutes' academic program provides a sound foundation for people to develop their careers. Corporate members provide funding for the institute and members benefit accordingly. The institute will receive more recognition within the industry and it is important for us to convince others of the value of corporate membership.

Last year the institute launched Aspire, the new Careers Foundation. The foundation will provide financial help to professionals who might not otherwise have the funds available to access exceptional logistics and transport training and development opportunities. This is especially important during the current economic climate and one of the key aims of Aspire is their career development of people. Mr. McFaull said it was great to see that the young professionals were so active in Scotland and he said that the efforts of those volunteers who picked time into the institute were greatly appreciated.

Mr. McFaull was then presented with a Scottish region Quaich by Ken Thompson as a souvenir of his visit this evening. The Prize Draw in support of Transaid was then held, hosted by Committee Member Gerry Condron, who was assisted by Julie. Prizes had been donated by TDG, First Scotrail, The Airth Castle Hotel, Caledonian MacBrayne, DHL Global and John Fender amongst others. The prize draw succeeded in raising a total of £1134.

The evening was rounded off with the informal address, this year given by Mr. John McKelvie who entertained members and guests with a selection of funny anecdotes and observations, many drawing on his 30 ears experience as a police officer and football referee, that were enjoyed by the audience.

Report by John Fender.