On Thursday, 15th May, the Merchants House hosted a special Valedictory Dinner in honour of our outgoing Lord Dean of Guild, Andrew McFarlane. The evening was a warm and heartfelt celebration of his tenure, and an opportunity to reflect on the many achievements of the House under his leadership.

During Andrew’s term, the House generously donated over £500,000 to charities across Glasgow and the west of Scotland, a legacy that will have lasting impact on communities throughout the region.

The evening featured touching speeches that reflected the high regard in which Andrew is held across the city. Among the guests were the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, and the Minister of Glasgow Cathedral, Rev. Mark E. Johnstone, who delivered grace.

A highlight of the evening was a specially commissioned film featuring Andrew revisiting his former school, Dalziel High in Motherwell. The video captured Andrew taking a walk down memory lane, and sharing life lessons with current pupils.

The evening also supported Playlist for Life, a music and dementia charity founded by broadcaster Sally Magnusson in 2013 after the death of her mother, Mamie, who had dementia. Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia, and so Playlist for Life’s vision is simple; they want everyone with dementia to have a unique, personalised playlist and everyone who loves or cares for them to know how to use it. We are proud to announce that the evening raised over £4,000 for Playlist for Life.

If you would like to join us in our charitable endeavours why not become a Member? Eligibility criteria and an application form can be found here.

All images credit Carrie Fusco Photography

The Lord Dean with his wife Margaret

Guests enjoying the evening

The Lord Dean with the Lord Provost and other guests