HRH The Princess Royal – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Eric Liddell’s legacy lives on

‘THE FLYING SCOTSMAN’S’ INSPIRING STORY IS CELEBRATED AT THE NATIONAL ERIC LIDDELL AWARDS

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, presented eight winners with the National Eric Liddell Award, with Eric Liddell’s daughter and Scottish Rugby Icon, Chris Paterson, in attendance.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, over 360 guests gathered at George Watson’s College for the National Eric Liddell Awards presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. The awards celebrated some of the outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Scotland’s athletics, sports and community work.

The Eric Liddell 100, which is led by The Eric Liddell Community, partnered with four other organisations throughout 2024 – Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, and Scottish Disability Sport to honour individuals who have demonstrated the charity’s core values of passion, compassion, and integrity.

Throughout the year, 100 individuals have been recognised with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ receiving a unique pin badge and certificate. Each of the five organisations nominated one individual to attend the National Eric Liddell Awards with Jamie Murchie from Largs Academy nominated by Scottish Rugby, Luke Davidson of Inverness Harriers nominated by Scottish Athletics, Orlagh MacIver from the Black Isle nominated by Youthlink Scotland (above), Andy Biggar from Edinburgh nominated by The Eric Liddell Community, and Ron McArthur, from Forth Valley nominated by Scottish Disability Sport.

Additional awards were also presented during the evening by the event’s Gold Sponsors Optos, with The Optos Science and Technology Award being awarded to The Data Education and Schools Project, run by The University of Edinburgh and received by Professor Judy Robertson and Jo Spiller.

Scottish Olympians, Eilish McColgan and Stephen McGuire were also recognised with Eric Liddell Sporting Achievement Awards, recognising Eilish’s participation in four Olympics and Stephen’s Gold Medal success in the Paris Paralympics this summer.

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic Gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the National Eric Liddell 100 Awards.

The awards were hosted by Sally Magnusson – respected broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner.

Throughout the evening, Sally Magnusson shared stories behind the creation of her brilliant book on Liddell, ‘The Flying Scotsman’, nodding to important people in attendance on the evening, including Patricia Liddell Russell, Eric’s Daughter, and Sue Liddell Caton, Eric’s Niece.

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “The National Eric Liddell Awards were an incredible finale to what has been an unforgettable year celebrating Eric Liddell’s legacy.

“We were absolutely delighted to honour the eight award winners at the National Eric Liddell Awards and thrilled to have such esteemed hosts, along with the presence of our Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to mark this special occasion.

“This is the first year of these awards, and we hope to make this a bi-annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell’s legacy.”

In her welcome message for the National Eric Liddell Awards Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, said: “As Patron of Eric Liddell 100 it has been a pleasure to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s and the UK’s most remarkable individuals, ‘The Flying Scotsman’ Eric Liddell.

“The 2024 Olympics took place in Paris, 100 years since his Gold medal success at the 1924 Games in the same city. This provides us with an opportunity to remember, and share, his remarkable story.

This celebration highlights not only his sporting achievements but also his life, beliefs, and the legacy he left behind, which continues to inspire people around the globe.”

As the centenary year of Eric Liddell’s Gold medal win in the 1924 Paris Olympics comes to an end, the work accomplished in 2024 will ensure that Eric Liddell’s Legacy will live on for generations to come.

To find out more about Eric Liddell 100 please visit:

https://ericliddell.org/the-eric-liddell-100/

Eric Liddell 100 announces the 100 recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards

Five overall winners will attend the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ in November, hosted by Scottish broadcasters Sally Magnusson and David Tanner, and presented by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.

The Eric Liddell 100 proudly announces the recipients of the prestigious ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ honouring 100 outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Scotland’s athletics, sports and community work.

The Eric Liddell 100 which is led by The Eric Liddell Community has partnered with four other organisations – Scottish Athletics, Youthlink Scotland, Scottish Rugby, and Scottish Disability Sport to honour individuals who have demonstrated the charity’s core values of passion, compassion, and integrity.

Throughout the year, 100 individuals have been recognised with ‘Eric Liddell Recognition Awards,’ receiving a unique pin badge and certificate. Each of the five organisations has also nominated one individual to attend the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ with Jamie Murchie from Largs Academy nominated by Scottish Rugby, Luke Davidson of Inverness Harriers nominated by Scottish Athletics, Orlagh MacIver from the Black Isle nominated by Youthlink Scotland, Andy Biggar from Edinburgh nominated by The Eric Liddell Community, and Ron McArthur, from Forth Valley nominated by Scottish Disability Sport.

Launched by The Eric Liddell Community charity, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign honours the centenary of The Flying Scotsman’s famous Olympic gold medal in Paris 1924, 100 years on, celebrating the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures through a series of initiatives, events and activities, with the final event of 2024 being the ‘National Eric Liddell 100 Awards’.

John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, said: “We are absolutely delighted to celebrate these 100 outstanding individuals who embody the core values of Eric Liddell – passion, compassion, and integrity.

“Each of the recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition award has made a significant contribution to athletics, sports and their community in Scotland, and we are proud to recognise their achievements.

“We look forward to honouring five of these exceptional individuals further at the National Eric Liddell Awards, and we are thrilled to have such esteemed hosts and the presence of our Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, to mark this special occasion.

“This is the first year of these awards, and we hope to make this an annual tradition, continuing to commemorate Eric Liddell’s legacy.”

Luke Davidson, nominated by Scottish Athletics for the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’, demonstrated his exceptional athletic talent and dedication to his Christian faith when winning the Scottish Senior 800m title this year.

Luke Davidson said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be attending the National Eric Liddell Awards. Like Liddell, I dedicate my whole life to my faith. My commitment to integrity and passion towards my this reflects the values he championed. I strive to embody those principles throughout everything I do, whether that be training, competing or practising my faith.

“I train for athletics six days a week, but I don’t compete or train on Sundays; that’s why I switched into the 800m at the Scottish Seniors this year even though I am really a 1500m runner. The 1500m was scheduled for Sunday and I don’t run Sundays – so I felt very much like Eric Liddell at Grangemouth this year.”

Jamie Murchie, PE teacher at Largs Academy nominated by Scottish Rugby, said: “I am truly honoured to be one of the five individuals attending the National Eric Liddell Awards in November.

“The School of Rugby started around 9 years ago, it was an idea I had with the Rugby Development Officer at Ardrossan Accies, about bringing more rugby opportunities to the school. It’s just grown year on year from there and we currently have 175 students enrolled.

“Around 40% of players transition to supporting Ardrossan Accies Rugby Club and a further 10% to other local clubs. The pathway really helps with development of their rugby, but above all I just like getting kids out playing and enjoying the game.”

Hosted by Sally Magnusson – respected broadcaster and author of ‘The Flying Scotsman: The Eric Liddell Story’ – and sports broadcaster David Tanner, the awards will also feature elite sports people who have shown their dedication to Eric Liddell’s core values.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, who serves as Patron of the Eric Liddell 100, will present each nominee with an award highlighting their achievements.

Full list of Award Winners:

Eric Liddell Recognition Award Winners Download

For more information on the ‘National Eric Liddell Awards’ and how to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/events/eric-liddell-awards-gala-dinner/

HRH The Princess Royal attends RCEM’s Annual Scientific Conference

Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal addressed more than 300 delegates at RCEM’s Annual Scientific Conference in Gateshead last week (10 October 2024).

Her Royal Highness praised the dedication of Emergency Medicine professionals and highlighted the work of the NHS workforce, in particular Emergency Departments, with the Covid outbreak and high workloads.

The Princess Royal was greeted at the conference venue by Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and Catherine Feast, RCEM’s Director of Engagement and External Affairs.

Her Royal Highness viewed the winning submissions from the poster competition and met the designers, and then went on to meet the abstract authors, discussing their studies which focused on key issues facing Emergency Medicine.

The Princess Royal further engaged with speakers and delegates before listening to Professor Richard Body from the University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, who delivered his presentation on how to optimise shared decision making for patients with chest pain.

Dr Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said: “It was a great honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to our conference.

“Once again, she showed her understanding of the specialty, her interest in the people who work in it, and her awareness of the challenges it faces.

“We are so lucky to have such an engaged and passionate patron, and I know it means so much for those members who were able to meet and chat with her about their work.”

Catherine Feast, Director of Engagement and External Affairs at the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said: “Her Royal Highness’s presence at our Annual Scientific Conference marks the second event The Princess Royal has attended this year and we are so grateful she gives us so much of her time.

“As ever, our delegates were delighted to have her here and to hear her support for the specialty.

“She is a fabulous royal patron, and we are honoured to have had her visit us last week.”

The Princess, who has been royal patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine since 2008, previously attended RCEM’s trainee conference, which was also held in Gateshead in February 2024.

Lost in France: The Princess Royal remembers fallen Scottish soldiers

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal pays her respects to fallen soldiers from the Scottish regiments in northern France

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid her respects yesterday (26 September 2024) as dozens of soldiers killed during World War One, many from Scottish regiments, were commemorated at a specially built cemetery extension in northern France.

The event, held under autumn skies, was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, and was held at the newly built Loos British Cemetery Extension. It is only the second time the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has built a new cemetery since the end of World War 2.

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the CWGC, formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.

The new cemetery was commissioned and built after nearby hospital construction works discovered a large number of World War 1 remains. The CWGC wanted to ensure that, on reburial, all of the fallen would remain side by side.

Soldiers of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland bear the coffin of an unknown Scottish soldier. Picture by Corporal Daryll Knott Crown Copyright.

The JCCC identification process established 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Although many Scottish Regimental artefacts were found, among them kilt pins, regimental buttons and shoulder titles, individual casualties could not be accurately identified by name.

With so many remains recovered, it was impossible for the CWGC to bury them all in one public ceremony, so 46 were buried privately at Loos British Cemetery Extension earlier this summer.

Today, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The service, which included a firing party and a piper, commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers.

Although none could be identified by name, JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.

The War Detectives attempt to find any living relatives when the remains of British personnel from historic conflicts are recovered. If identified, relatives are invited to the re-interment and memorial service. The CWGC is a world leader in commemoration which cares for war graves at 23,000 locations in more than 150 countries.

After today’s cemetery service, HRH The Princess Royal met with community representatives at Loos-en-Gohelle’s City Hall.

Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains.

“They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”

Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish.

“It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”

Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.

“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”

Eric Liddell 100 campaign launched

Inaugural lecture by the University of Edinburgh’s Chair of Sport to rally support from charity peers and Scotland’s business scene

On Tuesday 7^th November 2023, a momentous event took place at the Fingal Hotel in Leith. Esteemed members of society came together to demonstrate their support for The Eric Liddell Community’s ambitious legacy campaign: “The Eric Liddell 100.”

Hosted by The Eric Liddell Community, in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, this event marked a milestone in the exciting journey to commemorate the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic triumph at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris while ensuring his inspirational legacy endures for generations to come.

Supported by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of The Eric Liddell 100, the programme of events and activities will recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s most iconic sporting figures, Eric Liddell.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community who is leading this legacy initiative said: “With the 2024 Olympic Games returning to Paris exactly 100 years since Eric Liddell’s amazing success at the 1924 Games, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate, remember, and celebrate ‘The Flying Scotsman’.

“The Eric Liddell 100 campaign, along with its programme of events and activities will recognise and celebrate Eric – one of Scotland’s and the UK’s most iconic sporting figures – and embed his story for young people today, future generations, and communities across the world.

“’The Eric Liddell 100’ campaign will not only commemorate his historic achievement but also serve as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to his values and his people. We are not only thrilled but deeply honoured to have the support of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Professor Dr Grant Jarvie.

“It also wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners and supporters, many of whom were in the room with us at the event. We cannot thank them enough for their drive to help us secure the legacy of Eric Liddell.”

Reflecting on the event, Professor Dr Grant Jarvie, Chair of Sport and Founding Director of the Academy of Sport at the University of Edinburgh said: “It’s an honour to be asked to deliver the Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, it will be 100 years since the athlete won gold and bronze and refused to run on a Sunday.

“Yet what Eric Liddell offers us is an example of what is possible. Eric Henry Liddell’s humanity and values are as good a foundation as any for striving to make the world a better place. Eric Liddell – a legacy, an inspiration a legend who chose to make a difference, did referee sports matches on a Sunday, did inspire the building of sports facilities in China and whose life could and should inspire future generations”.

The Eric Liddell 100 campaign will encompass a series of events, educational initiatives, and community outreach programmes throughout 2024 and beyond, to mark the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic victory at the 1924 Olympic Games.

For more information and to get involved, please visit https://ericliddell.org/the-eric-liddell-100/.

PICTURES: Mike Wilkinson

Princess Royal opens Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage

HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened a museum celebrating the remarkable history of Scotland’s firefighting tradition in Edinburgh.

Her Royal Highness is now one of more than 7,200 visitors who have visited the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage since it opened its doors to the public in McDonald Road at the end of June.

The Rt. Hon Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, was one of several dignitaries to greet The Princess Royal. He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the city and the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station on behalf of the people of Edinburgh.

“To have the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of firefighting in Scotland was also an extremely interesting and proud experience.

“I would like to thank the team at McDonald Road for accommodating us today and pay tribute to our fantastic firefighters, alongside our other emergency services, who make sure we are all kept safe.”

Ross Haggart, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was at the museum to extend a warm welcome to Princess Anne. He said: “We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to show Her Royal Highness the fascinating exhibits that chart the remarkable history of our firefighting tradition.

“This special building is home to an array of artefacts dating back almost two hundred years, including fire appliances, uniforms and equipment.

“Next year, our service will be marking the bicentenary of the world’s first municipal fire service founded in Edinburgh by James Braidwood.”

As part of the visit, The Princess Royal was also given a tour of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station, which has been newly refurbished as an emergency hub building alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service. HRH was greeted by a contingent of firefighters and ambulance crews.

Chair of the Scottish Ambulance Service, Tom Steele, said: “I was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station alongside our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“The museum is a fantastic celebration of the fire service’s history. As well as sharing a number of co-locations with the fire service, including here in Edinburgh, we share a strong history of caring for and improving the lives of the people in Scotland.

“We look forward to many more years of working together to provide life-saving work.”

After watching a demonstration of how firefighters use a high reach appliance, HRH was presented with a posy by Crew Commander Blair Muir, who carefully manoeuvred the vehicle so he could hand deliver the flowers from onboard the appliance.

The Princess Royal spoke with staff and volunteers, including Jim McDonald, a museum volunteer. Mr McDonald said: “It was a truly remarkable and humbling experience to meet Her Royal Highness. Her genuine interest in our exhibits left a lasting impression on all of us.”

At the end of the visit, The Princess Royal officially unveiled commemorative plaques, marking the official opening of the museum.

McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station has undergone renovations and modernisation and last month won a Commendation in the Large Projects and Regeneration/Strategy Award Categories for the 2023 Edinburgh Architectural Awards.

Further information about the museum can be found on the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage website.

HRH The Princess Royal re-opens refurbished Lady Haig Poppy Factory

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal called into Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh yesterday (Thursday 19th January) to officially re-open the campus following a two-year refurbishment.

Her Royal Highness toured the factory and its new exhibition space, and chatted to staff, before visiting Poppyscotland’s mobile museum, Bud.

The factory, founded in 1926, will now re-open to visitors and school groups following the project to showcase its history and heritage. Thirty-three disabled veterans work in the factory on Logie Green Road, making more than three million poppies each year for the Scottish Poppy Appeal, as well as wreaths and other tributes.

Her Royal Highness was met by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Brigadier Dr John Reid Thomson, who is also chair of the factory, Poppyscotland’s President, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, Helen Owen, chair of Poppyscotland, and factory manager, Major Charlie Pelling.

David Adamson, a wreath maker and tour guide, who served for 22 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers, gave her a tour of the factory, introducing the team.

During her visit, she spent time talking to the veterans about their experiences and the different stages of making poppies and wreaths. She signed a “reflection postcard” which will form part of a wall display in the factory.

She also met Summer Saunders and Kate Miller, both 17, from Ayr, who designed a silk red poppy dress as part of the “Junk Kouture” sustainability project and Sophie Henderson, 14, from Ayrshire, who won Poppyscotland’s 2020 poetry competition with her poem “In Future Fields”, a response to John McRae’s 1915 “In Flanders Fields”.

Her Royal Highness then toured Bud, the 18-tonne truck which transforms into a micro-museum, that has now travelled to every local authority in Scotland. She unveiled a plaque before being presented with a framed copy of both poems by Ms Owen.

Poppyscotland’s Director, Austin Hardie, said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to officially re-open our newly refurbished factory and campus today.

“ This is the culmination of two years of hard work to ensure we have a modern facility dedicated to supporting Scotland’s veterans’ community.

“We are very proud of our heritage, and this marks an exciting new chapter in the factory’s 97-year history. We are looking forward to welcoming school groups and the wider public to the factory and exhibition space, telling the story of the poppy to new generations.”

Ms Owen said: “We are very grateful to Her Royal Highness for taking the time to meet the team involved in this exciting project, as well as her continued support for our Armed Forces community.

“The veterans enjoyed showing her how poppies and wreaths are hand-made using traditional methods, and explaining the unique history of the factory.”

Mr Adamson said: “She was very interested in everything, and took the time to speak to as many of the guys as possible. She also noticed the big difference from last time she visited.”

To find out more about Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory or book a tour, go to: