The Social Policy Association (SPA) held its Conference in Glasgow in early July. The Lord Dean of Guild was honoured to be invited to deliver the Civic Welcome on behalf of the Lord Provost and the Citizens of Glasgow. This was part of the Conference Dinner held in the magnificent surroundings of the Banqueting Hall at the City Chambers.

Conference Chair, Professor Ann-Marie Gray of the University of Ulster, responded to the Civic Welcome on behalf of the SPA and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, President of the SPA, delivered a Vote of Thanks. The event concluded with the presentation of awards to SPA members.

The organisers would have known that the date selected for their dinner, 4 July, was also American Independence Day, but they could not have known this date would also have been selected for a general election in the UK. Following the Dinner delegates were invited to the Students Union at Strathclyde University to watch the election results.

Professor Colin Lindsay and others at Strathclyde University are to be commended for bringing this prestigious conference to Glasgow.

The Lord Dean delivering the Civic Welcome

As the Second Citizen of Glasgow, the Lord Dean attends many events across the city. Find out more about the role here