On Saturday 17th February we held an event in conjunction with the Order of Scottish Samurai at the Town House with two internationally renowned speakers – Professor Thomas Weber, an authority on and author of books on Adolf Hitler and Professor Beatrice de Graaf, an authority on and author of books on Vladimir Putin. Both speakers are winners in their own right of the Duc d’Arenberg Prize which is awarded for the best book on European History. They did not disappoint giving us facts, perhaps unknown, the story behind the men and their objectives. Hitler may well have been a history lesson with lessons for the future, but the Putin story brought us from his beginnings right to the present day.
The speakers gave generously of their time presenting on their subjects and the questions from the floor of ninety-four attendees were plentiful. The turnout was exceptional given that it was a very wet, Saturday night and the event only consisted of the presentations and questions. I thank all who attended.
Our fellow Burgess, Ronnie Watt, President of the OSS, suggested these speakers. We have a full calendar of lunchtime speakers, but if any Burgesses would like to recommend speakers or topics for events, I will happily pursue.
Sylvia Halkerston
Lord Dean of Guild
