Dinner & Remarks by The Rt. Hon. Henry B. McLeish

Former First Minister of Scotland, the Rt. Hon. Henry B. McLeish, will be visiting our area in early October and delivering after-dinner remarks to the members of our Society and their guests. 

Join us for a special dinner meeting to hear his analysis of the many issues facing Britain generally, and Scotland specifically, today–including the impact of a new King on the throne; the legal and political situation around a proposed 2nd Scottish independence referendum for later this year; a new PM, Liz Truss, now succeeding Boris Johnson and how she will be received in Scotland; soaring inflation and energy costs across Britain; the worst labor unrest and widespread strikes in 40 years; loose ends from Brexit, including trade impasse problems and the Irish border; the impact of the Ukranian war on the UK economy and on energy prices; continued cross-Channel illegal immigration headaches; the impact of the Queen’s passing on the continued viability of the Commonwealth and on the views of Scottish voters about independence; continued talk about reforming the upper house of Parliament to convert it into a chamber representing the various nations and regions making up Great Britain, etc., etc.

Since leaving political office, McLeish has become a prolific author and respected lecturer at several American universities about EU, British and Scottish politics.  He has co-authored numerous books, including Wherever the Saltire Flies–a history of the world-wide phenomenon of St. Andrew’s societies (which includes a chapter on our own Society)–and Global Scots, Voices from Afar. On Scottish politics, his books include Scotland, The Growing Divide; Rethinking Our Politics – The Political and Constitutional Future of the United Kingdom; and most recently, Citizens United – Taking Back Control in Turbulent Times. He is now working on two additional books on Scotland’s future that will be published shortly. 

A former member of both the UK and Scottish Parliaments, before becoming Scotland’s second First Minister in 1999, Mr. McLeish was instrumental in shepherding the Scottish Devolution Bill through the Westminster Parliament. In recent years, he served as a Privy Counselor to HM the late Queen Elizabeth. Mr. McLeish is an Honorary Member of our Society.   

We will gather at Clyde’s Market Center, located at 1700 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22311, for this event.  There is amble free parking right behind the restaurant. 

Cocktails at 6:30PM, dinner at 7:30PM.   Cocktails to be purchased individually. Cost for the dinner is $75/person, with a choice of entrée—Chicken Breast or Pan Seared Salmon—plus a Mixed Green Salad and Flourless Chocolate Cake for Dessert.  

To reserve your spot and pay in advance for the meal, simply hit the payment button, below, and pay via PayPal.