Selangor Scotsman - February 2015

Where’s Home?

Approximately 6580 Miles divide us between Scotland and Malaysia Would you walk 5000 miles or more?

www.ssas-online.com

Committee Chieftain Alan Bernard Chieftain chieftain@ssas.com.my Alan Bernard Vice-Chieftain chieftain@ssas.com.my Lorna Mair Vice-Chieftain vicechieftain@ssas.com.my Vacant vicechieftain@ssas.com.my Hon. Secretary Donna Miller Hon. Secretary secretary@ssas.com.my Donna Miller secretary@ssas.com.my Hon. Treasurer Hector Ingram Hon. Treasurer treasurer@ssas.com.my Hector Ingram treasurer@ssas.com.my Committee Members Bernie Williams Committee Members Elaine Cameron Alistair KathleenMillar Whyte Bernie Williams Ken Crawford Kathleen Whyte Kenny Ross Ken Crawford Lee Smalley Kenny YvankaRoss Jeffery Libby MacKay Menzie Lisa Alkhalil Resident Past-Chieftains Marina Cauley(2013) Chuck Jeffery Ali King (2012) Johan Murison (2011) Resident Past-Chieftains Richard Thompson (2010) Ali (2012) (2009) PaulKing Henderson Johan AlistairMurison Paterson(2011) (2008) Richard Thompson (2010) Hector Ingram (2007) Paul Henderson (2009) John Thomson (2006) Alistair Paterson (2008) Roger McGowan (2005) Hector Ingram Patrick Russell (2007) (1997 & 2004) John Thomson Tristan Russell (2006) (1989) Roger (2005) StewartMcGowan Forbes (1987) Patrick Russell (1997 & 2004) Tristan Russell (1989) Newsletter Editor Stewart Forbes (1987) Lee Smalley newsletter@ssas.com.my Newsletter Editor Libby MackaySecretary Menzie Membership newsletter@ssas.com.my membership@ssas.com.my

Chieftain’s Chatter "Welcome to our first

Newsletter of 2015 and many thanks to Libby for taking on this time consuming task. I think she now realises how much hard work it is chasing people for content and working out how to use Publisher.

Many thanks to those of you who joined us the Burns' Supper last weekend, hopefully, our return to a traditional event has met with your approval.

Our next event is the AGM on March 21st, followed by the Inter Society Golf Tournament on 18th of April. We welcome back the Paul Metcalfe band to the May concert on the 16th and , fingers crossed, we can obtain enough sponsorship for the KLHG to go ahead on the 17th May. As you are aware the low oil price is causing pain for all of us in the O&G Industry.

If you would like to assist gathering sponsorship, or helping in general, please drop me an email , chieftain@ssas.com.my or give me a call on 012 2315641.

We need your support to make it happen ! yours aye, Alan, Chieftain."

Membership Secretary Charities membership@ssas.com.my Kathleen Whyte Charities Alice Smith School Governor Kathleen Whyte Yvanka Jeffery Alice Smith School Governor Web-Master Grant Ferguson John Thomson Web-Master John Thomson

The Selangor Scotsman is sponsored by Asian Tigers Transpo Movers (M) Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Jalan Ragum 15/17, Seksyen 15 4000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Eshan Tel: +603 5565 2200 Fax: +603 5513 3788 www.asiantigers-malaysia.com

The 2014-2015 Committee Chieftain

Alan Bernard Hons. Treasurer

Hon. Secretary

Hector Ingram

Donna Miller

Bernie Williams

Marina Cauley

Kenny Ross

Kathleen Whyte

Ali Miller

Libby Mackay Menzie

Lisa Alkhalil

Bernie Williams Reports on the St Andrews Ball November 2014 The calm before the storm due to its very name is always such a gentle time. Time to reflect on the hard work that has gone into well the making of the storm I suppose. On November 22nd there were many calms before storms. The storms themselves were also really rather nice it is just that the calm time gives one time to think.

The chieftain and his clan, well the other committee members had all got together at 9:30am. By the time I got there it was 11:15am and the Ballroom looked amazing. Those elves had done it again. The coats of arms were upon the walls; the tartans were all in place and the silver Quaich were set up on the table in front of the stage. The Blue St. Andrew’s cross in the guise of table runners were draped splendidly across each table and the whisky decanters were all filled awaiting the baptism of the haggis that evening.

Sitting in one of the seats and looking around, the room looked really good. The committee had performed their amazing magic. There was the usual air of expectation whereby the committee members were awaiting their different tasks. The men were getting ready to practice their march into the room with the pipers and the accompanying haggis held aloft.

The pipers and the dance troupe were awaiting the sound man, who as ever was nowhere to be seen.

We were waiting for the delivery of the dance floor, actually that’s not entirely true. One third of the dance floor was in situ, the other two thirds was making it’s way very slowly across KL from another hotel. It had been on loan elsewhere the night before and was not expected till four o. clock that afternoon. We were cutting it a bit fine. Dance floors don’t get themselves together, it is a work of art which the thunderous drum of dancer’s feet swiftly rends asunder!

The first group to access the sound man was the ISKL dancers, the poor children had to dance on the carpet as two thirds of their floor had not as yet arrived. True to form the children managed their dance practice even dancing the right dance to the wrong tune! They were swiftly followed by the practice for the address to the haggis and then the mournful notes of the bagpipes filled the air as the practice time slot for the pipers was upon us.

That night the committee arrived early and scurried around in their finery, checking that everything was in place ready for the storm which would happen as soon as the first few couples appeared at the far end of the long corridor. The pipers were in place piping their welcome at the top of the escalators. I believe we attracted quite a few hotel guests who came to check out what was going on. Greeting faces that we probably had not seen since the Highland Games earlier in the year, and introducing ourselves to the new faces showed every promise of a good evening ahead.

Leading the way on our VIP table was the Chieftain Alan Bernard and his wife Revi, the Acting High Commissioner, His Excellency Paul Rennie and his wife Sharmila, the special Guests were Datuk Vinod Sekhar and his wife Datin Winy, The St George’s President Colin Day and his wife Celine, The St David’s President Dona Jones and her guest Judith Berry, The St Patrick’s president Sarah Wheeler Tan and her partner John Dodgson The early promise was fulfilled, the food was good, though some did baulk at the vegetarian haggis, which was however edible as opposed to a prior year when the haggis was still frozen. No one had known what to do with it! I suppose these odd customs maybe do not travel well. The wine and beer flowed and so did the entertainment. The entertainment followed up on the earlier practice , the dancers actually had the right tunes to dance to and the pipers did a wonderful job both on their own and escorting the entertainment in and out.

The Ball continued with the Haggis bearers, and the address to the Haggis. Alan Bernard the chieftain did a sterling job with this. He was loudly applauded by all.

The guests were then treated to some excellent piping and drumming by the KLPD Pipe band. It was time for the guests to put themselves through their own paces proving that they could dance just as nimbly after a beer or ten as they could when they first arrived. Indeed some probably did a better job.

Eventually it was time for Auld Lang Syne.

Those who knew did not cross their arms until it came to the part “ Gis a hand of thyne.” However every one knew to surge forward as one and try and get back to position with out tripping or being trammelled to death.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening saw the committee trying desperately to force banners back into the suitcases and tartan all collected and accounted for.

In 2014, for the first time we invited the American Chamber and the Canadian Association to join St Andrews, St Pats, St David's, St Georges and Manza.

The St Andrews team were the winners and as defending champions we have the “privilege” of organising the event in 2015.

We hope all seven societies will tee it up this year and for the first time it will be played on a Saturday afternoon, which we hope participants will find more conducive, especially the après golf price giving

Charities Update

By Kathleen Whyte Mobiliti Recently Earnest Jude from Mobiliti, one of the charities we support, kindly invited me to come along to represent St Andrews Society at a ribbon cutting ceremony on 26 November 2014 for the handing over of two new vans equipped with hydraulic lifts. These vans generously donated

by The Embassy of Japan. It was lovely to meet everyone at Mobiliti and there was a presentation about Mobiliti and a photo session with all the sponsors in attendance. This was followed by lunch and chance to mingle with fellow sponsors. I enclose some photos of the sponsors and fabulous staff and volunteers that help to provide such an invaluable service to the less mobile of our friends to assist them with

Persatuan Mobiliti Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur (the Mobiliti Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur) is a charitable organization approved by the Malaysian Registrar of Societies (ROS) in January 2002. Mobiliti is managed by an Executive Committee of thirteen people. All of whom volunteer their time. At the moment, 12 members of the Committee are people living with a disability. Mr Wong Nam Sang is our current

President.

trouble free transport in their daily routines..

The sponsors in the group photo: Ms Malathy of Allianz, Ms. Raja Noorma, CEO of CIMB Foundation, Mr. Anthony Arokia, Senator Datin Paduka Chew Mie Fun, His Excellency Ambassador Makio Miyagawa, Mr Wong Nam

Mobiliti's main objective is to operate a "door to door" transport service for wheelchair users.

But we are also becoming increasingly involved in advocating for a barrier-free environment.

The Association employs: a full-time Operations Manager; a full-time Office Assistant and five fulltime drivers

For further information on Mobiliti and the wonderful service they provide please google – www.mobiliti .org.my

Dignity Students All is going well with the students. Carole met up with them for a chat at the start of the term and they continue to be committed to their studies.

ABawi is in Form 4 and is studying English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All going well he will sit IGCSEs next year. He continues to be a very likeable chap, still quiet but is gaining in confidence.

Emily is in Form 3. Her subjects are: Maths, English, General Science and Bahasa. Emily is still quiet but is coming out of her shell. Both students' English skills have improved greatly while attending the centre.

Carole had a chat with Christina (the head of admin at the centre) and she told her that the centre is hoping to provide a 50/50 study/work training programme: Skills Training and Education Programme (STEP). They are looking at three main areas: Food & Nutrition, Hairdressing and Child Care. This will be aimed at students who are not so academically minded and this is something that may suit A Bawi and Emily. We will see how this year goes as its a great initiative.

Carole was shocked at the hike in monthly fees since last year saying that IGCSE courses and exams were costly but she has asked Christina to consider offering reduced welfare rates for these students. She will update us on this next time.

For more information on this initiative please google - www.dignityforchildren.org

Alice Smith School Update

Grant Ferguson is the new representative for the Alice Smith School on the St Andrews committee He has been a parent governor for he Alice Smith school since 2013.

Prior to this Grant was the parent representative serving on the Councils Ad hoc Subcommittee on Governance. He has been living and working in Asia for more than twenty years. He has been in social and executive financial management positions.

Grant is currently a independent advisor to organisations across Asia. He is also a nonexecutive director to these organisations. Grant is a member of the Institute of Chartered accountants of Scotland and a corporate governance specialist.

SHOULD the United States lift their import ban on haggis?

Lord McColl of Dulwich, a retired professor of surgery, said American Scots were being deprived of the "wholesome" food. The leading medic even suggested that the introduction of haggis into the American diet could help end their obesity epidemic. Pressure was put on President Barack Obama to let traditional Scottish haggis back into US and end a decades-old import ban.

The consumption of sheep lung, a key ingredient of haggis, has been illegal in the States since 1971, while all British lamb has been banned there since the 1989 foot-and-mouth crisis. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, who earlier this year successfully lobbied to allow UK beef exports back into the US, has urged his opposite number Tom Vilsack to end the ban. Paterson, who believes the market could be worth millions, said: “I share haggis producers’ disappointment that American diners are unable to enjoy the taste of Scotland’s wonderful national dish in their own country.”

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael added: “The Americans don’t know what they’re missing. Let’s try to put that right.”

Mmm Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

Bernie Williams Reports on the Burns Supper 2015

The coats of arms gently swaying in the walls in the breeze from the air conditioning at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, The Scottish surnames rippling giving the effect of a life within them not yet exposed. The ladies of the committee shivering a little in their finery, were made to realise by news from home that this was nothing compared to where we could be, back in the homeland under several centimeters of snow! Yet here we all were under the same sky celebrating the great renowned Scottish poet Rabbie Burns.

Saturday January 24th 2015, saw many Scots and friends of Scotland and those just there for a jolly good night waiting to raise a dram or two to Rabbie Burns and probably anyone else who could be thought of as well! The annual event was well supported and grateful thanks go to the wonderful sponsors Guinness Anchor Berhad for the Tiger Beer and Interbev, also SidsPubs who sponsored the whisky.

The Burns Night is an annual event, a little less formal than the St. Andrews Annual Celebration, it is an event on the social calendar that is much anticipated and usually an enjoyable evening out and a great chance to meet up with people whom we don’t tend to see in the intervening months.

Of course such events do not happen by accident, so we thank the hard working committee. This year it was decided that we should involve the Alice Smith School. Students were charged with the idea or learning and reciting a poem by Rabbie Burns. The winners of the event were invited to come and perform at the Burns Supper. The guests were treated to a rendition of: My Heart is in the Highlands, by Amelia Thesiger and Red Red Rose

by Emrie Loh. Both children did an excellent job showing little sign of nerves. They were delighted with their trophies and MPH vouchers presented to them by the Chieftain Mr. Alan Bernard and the head of Alice Smith School Mr. Roger Schultz.

Their teachers, Ms. Lauren Douse and Marie Hollingworth who had worked so hard to prepare the children were surprised with a bouquet of flowers each. Thank you so much, the poetry was very well received and gave the children a great opportunity to perform to a large crowd of adults

Next came the ubiquitous haggis ceremony. The haggis was accompanied by Ally Millar, Ken Ross, Paul Henderson and the two of the bagpipers.

Chieftain Alan Bernard gave an excellent rendition of the address to the haggis. We could tell that you had been practicing for weeks the rendition demonstrated this. Well done Chieftain. No one would know that you were suffering from man flu and a broken toe, terrible things with which to be stricken when one is trying to give due discourse to the haggis. You did us all proud Alan.

Mr. John Thomson led the Selkirk Grace to alert us all to the fact that dinner was to be served. During this time we were entertained by the very able St. Johns Pipe Band. From the first time the musicians marched into the ballroom till they marched out again the audience were mesmerized. The boys walked in formation, fanned out in formation and played the haunting music that we all know and love. Congratulations St. Johns.

The food was served and enjoyed, the wine continued to flow and it is a known fact that some of that whisky ended up not only on the delightful haggis but also in a glass or two! That went down with great gusto and delight. Indeed there was many a guest who could have recited some Rabbie Burns poetry by heart at the end of the night, upside down on a chair upon request! Much appreciated was the chocolate and tablet served at the end of the dinner.

The tablet was made by Ms. Nicola Stewart, and very yummy it was too.

Mr. Paul Rennie was invited to the stage to propose a toast to the lassies. It was a very gentle delightful speech. Thank you Paul it was much appreciated. We are not sure if Paul gave such a speech because his boss was present and fear of being reunited with snowy conditions in the U.K. stilled his tongue or if he is just genuinely a very thoughtful orator. Next to the stage was Her Excellency Mrs. Vicki Treadell, the British High Commissioner to reply on Behalf of the Lassies.

Again her speech was well thought out, funny and managed a few deserved little digs at our laddies.

Again much appreciated by the audience.

Again we had a new event introduced to the Burns Night, the choir Cantus Musicus led by Mr. Colin Day were invited to the stage to sing a medley of Burns songs with a solo performance by Mr. Day. It was good to hear Burns accomplishments sung by such professional sounding people.

Right after this came the Scottish Dancing. The dance floor was well able to manage the herd of dancers! The floor was full and the well known dances were played out with more than a few following the instructions.

There were very few casualties resulting from the exuberance of the dancers! The guests were able to demonstrate their twirling on demand skills and the pas de pas looked quite splendid.

Time off for good behavior was given for rehydration purposes only you realise, then it was all back for a repeat performance of the dances.

You did a great job dancers.

Finally the end of the evening came. The raucous singing of the guests soon drowned Susan Boyle singing Auld Lang Syne out and the stampede of moving forward and back began! What is that custom whereby people with their arms bound crosswise across their chest, rush forward still bound by the person next to them and then has to move backwards without falling over? Where do these traditions come from?

Am wondering if St. Andrew’s crucifixion is being played out again and again in our midst.

That’s certainly what it looks like and feels like!

Rabbie, we won’t forget you.

Some News and Dates For Your Diary Are you voting?

As the General Election is fast approaching Scottish Labour face a complete reversal at the hands of an SNP riding high on a wave of popular support. The Scottish electorate have thrown up some surprises at Holyrood since the beginning of devolution. We’ve had talk of Labour and Lib Dem coalitions, an SNP minority government and an unexpected SNP majority. But Scots have been consistent when it comes to Westminster.

Labour have come out on top in Scotland in every election for half a century.

The referendum last year may have changed that.

A recent poll is just the latest indication that Labour’s fortunes have not just changed at the relatively young devolved parliament.

They now face a complete reversal at the hands of the SNP. But Westminster is a different prospect to Holyrood, not least because Scottish seats make a tiny minority of the UK total. We could have another Labour or SNP block on the side-lines, while the Tories win outright in England. Or maybe the electorate are ready to try something new. A recent poll certainly suggests change is coming. A Labour-SNP coalition would be a radical and frankly astonishing result. Forget whether Scotland’s ready for it – imagine the reaction in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

On that basis, voters will have to think carefully before making a choice in May. Happy postal voting

21 March AGM @ KLGCC 18 April Intersociety Golf @ Templar Park 25 April New Members Night @ Sid’s Handle Bar Bangsar 16 May May Concert @ Hilton KL Sentral 17 May KL Highland Games @ Bukit Kiara Equestrian Centre September Welcome Back Night TBC 21 November St Andrews Ball @ Double Tree Hilton 23 Jan 2016 Burns Night @ Double Tree Hilton

A BIT OF FUN Scots Quiz

1)

With what make of Scotch whisky did Queen Elizabeth II launch the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth

2)

Whose son Rocco was christened in mainland Britain’s most northerly cathedral at Dornoch in 2000?

3)

What did James Chalmers, born in Arbroath in 1782, invent?

4)

Where was John Logie Baird, inventor of television, born in 1888

5)

What Scottish school did Tony Blair and James Bond both attend?

6)

What bridge did Nannie chase Tam O’ Shanter across?

7)

How many British Prime Ministers were born in Scotland?

8)

Where in Scotland would you find the world’s oldest post office, operating since 1712?

What great Scottish disaster occurred in 1879?

9)

10) 2 doits = 1 bodle, 2 bodles = 1 plack, 40 placks = 1 merk.

What is being reckoned in this table?

Traditional Scottish Recipe - Athol Brose There are a number of variations in making this drink which have been handed down over many generations. The brew is first recorded in 1475 when the Earl of Athol was attempting to capture Iain MacDonald, Lord of the Isles who was leading a rebellion against the king. Hearing that MacDonald drank from a small well, the Earl ordered it to be filled with honey, whisky and oatmeal.

MacDonald stayed sampling the concoction and was captured! Here is the traditional Athol Brose, from a recipe made public by the Duke of Athol some years ago.

Ingredients: 3 rounded tablespoons of medium oatmeal 2 tablespoons heather honey Scotch whisky Method: The oatmeal is prepared by putting it into a basin and mixing with cold water until the consistency is that of a thick paste. Leave for half an hour and then put through a fine strainer, pressing with a wooden spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Throw away the oatmeal and use the creamy liquor from the oatmeal for the brose.

Mix four dessert spoonful's of pure honey and four sherry glassfuls of the prepared oatmeal and stir well. (Purists insist on a silver spoon for stirring!) Put into a quart bottle and fill with malt whisky; shake before serving.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

Bowmore Madonna’s Adhesive stamp Helensburgh Fettes Brig o’ Doon 7 Sanquhar The Tay Bridge disaster.

Old Scots coinage.

Scotch Whisky Facts 1)

The world's most expensive bottle of Scotch whisky is Isabella’s Islay ($6.2 million).

2)

The oldest Scotch whisky on the market is the Aisla T’Orten 107 years old, distilled in 1906. It costs $ 1.43 million

3)

Glenfiddich is the world's best-selling single malt

4)

The Famous Grouse is the best-selling whisky in Scotland

5)

The United States and Ireland spell it as 'whiskey'. A simple way to remember the spelling: if it comes from a country without an ‘e’ in its spelling, then it is spelt 'whisky'. (e.g., Scotland, Canada, Japan, India, etc.)

6)

The three oldest single malts currently sold are Glenturret, Oban and Glenlivet

7)

The oldest distillery in Scotland is Glenturret (1775), followed by Bowmore (1779)

8)

With each bottle of Laphroaig that you buy, you are entitled to a lifetime lease of one sq foot of the distillery’s land, along with a personalized certificate of ownership

9)

Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop on Canongate, has a unique selling point: customers can have a bottle poured straight from a cask and labelled with their name. When sealed it has a label with the ‘born on date’, as whisky stops aging as soon as it leaves the wooden barrel, so each bottle is a unique blend.

10)

The Glenmorangie distillery is one of the smallest in the Highlands and employs just sixteen craftsmen, called ‘The Sixteen Men of Tain’

11)

The most expensive country in which to buy Scotch, ironically, is the UK, where it is made

12) A closed bottle of Scotch can be kept for 100 years and still be good to drink. After opening, a bottle of Scotch whisky will remain good for five years.