Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
20th May 2006
When Polaris was offered places at the General Assembly Garden Party at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh we were all very excited. Names were drawn from a hat and the four lucky people were Emma, Laura, Heather and myself. Names were submitted, along with assurances that we were not going to bring our husbands or children over the age of 18. A while later we all received very posh invitations in the post from the Purse Bearer inviting us to ‘an Afternoon Party’ with The Rt. Hon. Lord Mackay of Clashfern.
Excitement mounted as the day approached, though as the morning arrived with torrential rain we were slightly apprehensive. The four of us gathered in the train station and (after a brief encounter with some slightly less than sober men demanding kisses from us lovely ladies) we made our way by taxi to the royal palace.
Fortunately the wet weather cleared up just in time and on arrival we had a pleasant stroll through the grounds. There was plenty to see with nice walks and the ruined chapel as we made our way round to the centre of the celebrations. We met briefly with other representatives of Girlguiding: division commissioners from Edinburgh. Everyone was very friendly and we conversed with several people from many different backgrounds, all of whom were very interested in who we were and what we did. There were also representatives from the Scouts who we formed links with.
There was entertainment provided during the afternoon. This was varied, from a military band to a pipe band with highland dancing. There was great flourish when the dignitaries emerged from the palace, accompanied by armed guards. Though we did not personally get to meet Lord or Lady Mackay we did get the impression that they were very friendly.
Personally my highlight for the day was the refreshments that were provided. Though we were disappointed that there was no alcohol, there was tea, coffee or juice. Then the food! There were scones with jam and cream, caramel squares, shortbread pieces, strawberry tarts and quiches – all the size of a two pence piece! I was very amused by the miniatureness of it all, though we were all glad that we’d had a proper lunch beforehand.
After we had fully appreciated all there was to see and do we returned to the train station and began our journeys home. In perfect timing, the rain started again just minutes after the end of the party.
- Kirsten Strain