Scots in London from the worlds of sport, business and entertainment came together on Friday (29 November) for a star studded St. Andrew’s Day Lunch at The Savoy.
The showpiece event, organised by London Scottish, was attended by Judy Murray, Scotland rugby captain Kelly Brown, former Scotland football manager Alex McLeish, Ryder Cup winning captains Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance, former Scotland rugby player Kenny Logan and Sir Craig Reedie, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee.
Judy Murray, mother of Scottish tennis star Andy Murray, received The Great London Scot Award for Outstanding Achievement on behalf of her son.
Scottish actress and model Sophie Kennedy Clark picked up the Great London Scot Award for Outstanding Young Talent.
More than £33,000 was raised in a live auction to benefit two charities – The Carers Trust, charity of HRH Princess Anne, Royal Patron of London Scottish, and Yorkhill Children’s Charity, Glasgow.
Hosted by TV presenter Kelly Cates, the charity lunch was billed as a showcase for up-and-coming Scottish talent and featured 13-year-old singer Ruairidh McDonald from Aviemore and 21-year-old Carly Connor from Glasgow.
Frank McKay and his band The Clan also took to the stage as did stellar public speaker Jim Brown, President of the Scottish Highland Games Association.
The event also celebrated London Scottish’s Rugby Academy which aims to develop the best young Scottish and non-Scottish talent through a professionally managed academy structure.
Sir David Reid, Chairman of London Scottish, said, “We are absolutely delighted at the success of this event and are thrilled to have been able to showcase young talented singers from Scotland in front of such prestigious guests from industry, sport and entertainment.
“We have a commitment to foster young talent both on and off the rugby pitch and the expansion of our Academy will hopefully play a big part in developing future Scotland internationalists.
“Our ambition is for St. Andrew’s Day at The Savoy to be a ‘must attend’ event for Scots in London and Friday was a fantastic first step to achieving that ambition.”
