President David 2020 -2021 The Rotary Club of Lanark

On 27th May 2020, outgoing President Drew Walker in an online Zoom meeting virtually handed over the Club's Chain of Office to incoming President David Gemmell.

David is a native of Ayrshire and his early education was gained at Speirs School in Beith. David progressed through his early education to graduate with a BSc (Hons) at Glasgow University, followed up with his PhD in Zoology/Animal Biology. His career took him to Loughborough where he specialised with Fisons Pharmaceuticals  in research into allergy, immunosuppression and inflammation.

David moved from Leicestershire to take up a position as Team and Project Leader with Organon Laboratories Limited at Newhouse where he further progressed research into treatments for inflammation and anaesthesia.

Following his retirement, David has spent time assisting children with special needs, and lowering his handicap on the golf course.

David is pictured with the Club's new chain of office. The old ribbon which dated from 1950 required to be replaced in order to accommodate the names of future office bearers. The Club is indebted to Marianne Bond for her work in preparing the new chain of office.

The Club is grateful to President David for his leadership during difficult times, during which Club meetings are held online rather than in the Crown on Hope Street. David welcomes the challenge and recognises the need for change and innovation, whilst respecting the heritage and traditions of the Rotary Movement.