A.G.M.

This year's Gathering on Saturday 6th June included a visit to Blair Castle and afterwards we proceeded to the Tilt Hotel where we held our meeting, and after a splendid buffet we danced to music played by a very competent accordionist accompanied by a drummer. The weather excelled itself and the Castle in its glorious setting was shown at its best; and after strolling around the grounds, many were thankful to go into the hotel for refreshments to cool down.

Minutes:

The previous year's Annual General Meeting minutes were taken as read and approved.

Chairman's Remarks:

The meeting was opened by Douglas welcoming everyone and although our numbers were smaller than on previous years the quality was as good as ever. He hoped everyone had enjoyed their afternoon at the Castle. He also expressed the Association's appreciation to the Secretary for all the arrangements made for the Gathering. One notable absentee was our Chairman, the Earl of Dundee, who was in France but had sent the following message which was read to the meeting:

The members noted with pleasure the earl's welcome invitation to Birkhill next year as it is the favoured location.

A special welcome was extended to our youngest member present, baby Matthew, and reference was made to the following members whom sadly we have lost during the last year.

George Baker passed away on 22 January 1992 in his 69^th year in Ottawa - the husband of Margaret Baker (née Scrimgeour).

James (Jamie) Meek Scrymgeour of Australia died on 1^st March 1992 three days before his 89th birthday - the father of Eleanor Bennett and Lysbeth.

Freda Scrimgeour - the wife of Tom, our treasurer, whose death on 3rd June has prematurely deprived the Association of one of its most active and faithful supporters.

We remember them with gratitude and were always happy to have had their company

Secretary's Report:

Betty thanked everyone who had sent in their replies so promptly thereby ensuring that the hotel had early notice of the numbers attending. An excellent buffet was in prospect.

Membership:

There are presently 65 family and 52 single memberships. These are distributed as follows:

A number of subscriptions are outstanding for the past two years and may not be renewed.

It is encouraging to welcome the following new members since the last A.G.M

Special reference was made to two new members attending the Gathering for the first time -

Jill & Stephen Goggs from Australia who are living presently in the Midlands.

In response to a question. Betty indicated that members who had failed to pay their subscriptions are reminded when the forms are sent out the following year. They are also invited to indicate whether or not they wish to retain their membership. Membership is assumed to have lapsed when no response is received to two such reminders.

Betty also pointed out that, as noted in the Skirmisher, many unable to attend the Gatherings send their apologies and good wishes.

Treasurer's Report:

The Treasurer presented the accounts and balance sheet for the year ended 31^st March 1992. There was no auditor's signature as Larry Scrimgeour had been ill and was unable to undertake the audit. In the circumstances, Tom had invited his local Church Treasurer to audit the books on this occasion. The meeting approved the action taken and agreed to make a donation of £25 to the Church Funds as a token of appreciation for the assistance given.

The Treasurer explained that the cost of the last Clan Gathering was, as anticipated, considerably more than the income. This was due to the special nature of the event, and, in particular, to the cost of hiring coaches.

The Dudhope Fund keeps creeping up.

Tom did not see any reason to increase members' annual subscriptions.

Murray asked if the Meeting was agreeable to the accounts being published in the Skirmisher without a signature. This was approved, moved by Robert and seconded by John.

The secretary was asked to write a letter to Larry thanking him for being our Auditor for the last nine years and for acting as Treasurer before that and to wish him a speedy recovery to good health.

At the request of the Meeting Robert volunteered to take over as Auditor, This was greeted by a round of applause and warmly accepted by all present.

Clan Goods:

Margaret had not been able to take an up-to-date stock of clan goods but would do so in the near future. Orders were still coming in slowly and there was still a good number of carrds, small headsquares with the clan crest in the corner, tartan ties, sweaters and silver items. Goods would be available after the meeting.

The chairman expressed our grateful thanks to Margaret who had come to the Gathering despite a serious ankle injury.

Dudhope:

Murray reported that in spite of the recession Mr. Douglas Grimmond of Dundee's Economic Development Department had virtually secured a single tenant for the building but a last minute hitch, as recently as March this year, most regrettably resulted in cancellation of the entire proposal. It has been decided to proceed with piecemeal letting and two tenants are negotiating now, for two floors, and others are interested.

A tenant may he found soon for an area including 'our' room. It would then be a matter of negotiation whether any of the items featured at our last AG.M. can be displayed. The funds donated for Dudhope would make it possible to mount and illuminate the charters and copies of maps and paintings in an appropriate way.

The car park to the West or rear of the building has been completed and looks superb.

Murray read out a letter from Mr Andrew Child of the Parks Department and members were delighted to learn of the proposal to feature a Scrimgeour Clan Crest mosaic in the gardens at the front entrance.

Skirmisher:

Murray mentioned that David had suggested at the Council Meeting on 13th March that early copies of the Skirmisher be put on display at the Gathering for perusal by members. Murray provided a full set and copies of all, except No.9 were available for £1 each. No's 1 and 3 were reprints only and orders could be taken for similar copies of No.9.

The Skirmisher remains a most important part of our Association. Murray was congratulated on the excellent job he does in producing it so well each year at a very reasonable cost. The Skirmisher will be produced earlier this year as Murray and Marian are going on a 'round the world' trip to attend the wedding of their son in Australia. It is our only contact with many overseas members and for that reason it is essential to have the right person doing the job. In that respect we have always been most fortunate.

History:

There have been only a few sales this year, and it will be some time before stocks run out. David informed us that he has a few books and Murray has 65 books at his home.

David expressed his disappointment that, so far, he had been unable to find out the origin and derivation of the name Dudhope and sought the support of Members in his search for a credible explanation. Rosemonde volunteered to contact Dundee City Archivist, a personal friend, who might enlighten us.

In view of the small number of sales each year it was suggested that the "History Fund"

could now be merged with the General Fund of the Association. The Council was asked to investigate the matter further and to bring a recommendation to the next A G.M.

Office Bearers and Members of Council:

Catherine suggested that if everyone were willing they should be asked to carry on as before. This was unanimously agreed. As all office bearers were willing to continue they were re-appointed for a further year.

While welcoming members, continued confidence in the Council, Robert expressed the hope that strenuous efforts would be made in the ensuing year to identify other members of the Association who would be willing to serve on the Council. The Council itself was most anxious to have the benefit of the fresh ideas and initiatives which would result from an infusion of new blood.

As there was no other business the Chairman thanked everyone for all the work they had put in during the past year and to all those who had travelled from a distance to be present.

Margaret called for a vote of thanks to Douglas for chairing the meeting so efficiently - and with his own quiet charm. This was warmly accorded.