That time of year...

This is the week of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. I suspect that fact passes many by in today's Scotland but even as a lifelong Episcopalian it means something to me.

Historically in the almost three centuries when Scotland did not have a Parliament the General Assembly had something of that role albeit limited and exclusive rather than inclusive. And personally I had a couple of years after University working for the Kirk's press and publicity department, for whom the Assembly was the high point of the year!

These days in addition to meeting some of the "fathers and brethren" ( mothers of course now too!) it usually means a formal dinner at the Palace of Holyroodhouse - as it did tonight courtesy of this year's Lord High Commissioner , Lord Wilson.