Speaker - Mr John Sinclair Craigie's Farm

On Thursday 19th November, President Kate Gibb had the pleasant task of inducting Matt Purdie into the Rotary Club of South Queensferry. Matt joined the Rotary Club of Whitburn in 1999 and was a member there until earlier this year when he moved home to Dalmeny.  He was proposed by Robbie Brechin and warmly welcomed by the members of his new club.

The night's speaker was John Sinclair, proprietor of Craigie's Farm Shop and Deli. In an interesting and well-illustrated talk, John told how his great-great grandfather, originally from Alford in Aberdeenshire, had come to develop a prize-winning Aberdeen Angus herd for Lord Rosebery. Succeeding generations of Sinclairs had tenanted various farms on the estate, specialising in beef and milk production until locating to West Craigie to concentrate on soft-fruit in the seventies. From early days producing jams and chutneys in the kitchen to the present sophisticated retail outlet, restaurant and fruit farm, Craigie's has always involved the whole family and had a strong sense of social responsibility to the community. John concluded by outlining plans for extending, diversifying and further improving Craigie's, always concentrating on quality local produce and customer service. The Rotary Club supports Craigie's Education and Environment Project financially and through volunteering. This innovative project aims to promote and raise awareness of food production and the environment and enable young people to become directly involved in growing plants. To find out more about the club's involvement at Craigie's, visit our website at www. rcsq.org.uk  John Sinclair was introduced by Gerald Smith. In proposing a vote of thanks, David Buchanan said that John's vision had created a business which was not only a commercial success but a great asset to the community.

Last week Rotarians enjoyed a splendid evening of wine tasting and good food at the Edinburgh School of Food and Wine.  Members sampled the finer things of life in the  impressive 18th century coach house of Newliston Estate, which is a perfect location for the school. Thanks are due to Liz Mackenzie and Iain Fairbairn who organised the evening.

ALL WELCOME AT ROTARY CAROL CONCERT

This year, for the first time, the annual Rotary Carol Concert will be held in the historic and beautiful Dalmeny Kirk. It starts at 7.00pm and there will be a varied programme to suit all tastes. After the concert, refreshments will be served. Everyone is very welcome.