The Lord Dean’s Civic Contributions

Since assuming the role of Lord Dean last year, Andrew McFarlane has actively embraced his civic responsibilities as second citizen of Glasgow. He has attended numerous events throughout the city, not only representing the Merchants House, but also lending support to the Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren.

His engagements have spanned a variety of civic receptions, from welcoming those visiting the city for conferences to celebrating local organisations at events like the Lord Provost’s Charity Lunch. In addition, the Lord Dean has been present at several significant cultural events, including a Private View of the Glasgow School of Art degree show, the Preview of the Degas exhibition at The Burrell Collection, and a celebratory dinner for Mackintosh at the Willow.

The Lord Dean has also honoured our Armed Forces, past and present, by attending key events including the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, a wreath-laying for VE Day, a service to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Armed Forces Week Flag Raising. As an organisation with a strong affiliation with the Armed Forces, these occasions serve as vital opportunities to express our support and appreciation for their dedicated service. 

Presenting awards to RAF Reserve Squadron 602

Engaging members through events 

Under the Lord Dean’s leadership, member events have remained popular. Last December saw the annual Christmas Concert featuring performances by pupils from St Denis’ Primary School in Dennistoun. Tickets for this year’s concert are now available, don’t miss out! This year members also had the opportunity to visit the paddle steamer Maid of the Loch, currently undergoing restoration on Loch Lomond, and Donald Findlay KC addressed a packed Grand Hall on the case of Oscar Slater.

Members visit to the Maid of the Loch

Supporting charitable initiatives

We’ve supported a wide range of charitable organisations this year, with over £100,000 of funding announced back in February which focused on key issues such as food and fuel poverty, healthy living and encouraging social inclusion. More details about the impact of this funding can be found in the Grant Stories section of our website.

Particular mention also needs made of an initiative run by the George Craig Trust and supported by us which is aimed at enhancing numeracy skills among Primary 5 pupils in Glasgow City Council schools through the use of board games.

Director’s visit to Social Bite

Response to Historic Slavery 

The Directors of the Merchants House recognise the historical connections between Glasgow and slavery, including the involvement of several past Lord Deans and benefactors who profited from these practices. In recent years, we have made strides in acknowledging this legacy. Busts of Buchanan and Ewing, who had links to slavery, which were on display for many years in the vestibule to the Grand Hall are set to be redisplayed in a more appropriate setting with explanatory texts. With the assistance of Past Dean Alasdair Ronald and human rights activist Sir Geoffrey Palmer, an expert in the history of slavery, appropriate wording has now been obtained and plinths ordered and set in place. The busts will be fixed to the plinths in due course. 

The Lord Dean wishes to thank Directors, staff and members of the Merchants House for their support of him and the organisation, which is greatly appreciated. 

If you’d like to contribute to our mission, consider joining us as a member.