On 28th May, a number of JSoS members attended the meeting of the Cross-Party Group on Japan, at the Scottish Parliament, chaired by Colin Smyth MSP, who welcomed special guests: the new Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki, and the new Consul General in Edinburgh Katsutoshi Takeda. Also attending was Ms Kayo Ono from the fiddle band BRUACH (five band members), who have been invited to perform at the Osaka Expo 2025 on 5th July. Kayo, dressed in a Kimono, played two lovely Scottish melodies. JSoS has provided a small grant to support their trip. https://bruach.info/event/
https://www.facebook.com/BruachBand
During the meeting, Karen Adam, member of the Scottish Parliament for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, reported that she would be putting forward a motion for debate at the Scottish Parliament on 5th June entitled, Thomas Blake Glover: Fraserburgh’s International Legacy. She also mentioned that a Glover Garden at the place where Glover was born in Fraserburgh, would be the centre of a Thomas Blake Glover Festival, to be held on 8th June 2025, hoping that this would become an annual celebration.
On 5th June, I had the pleasure of visiting the Scottish Parliament with another JSoS member. We were kindly given a tour of the building and workings of Parliament by Richard Cook, followed by a seat in the public gallery to witness First Minister’s Questions. Following straight on from FMQs was Karen Adam’s motion. She was joined by a further six members supporting the debate. To see the debate, click on the link below.
Thomas Blake Glover: Fraserburgh’s International Legacy.
The Inaugural Glover Festival took place on 8th June. The Consul General, Mr Katsutoshi Takeda planted a cherry tree.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1195284515627048/?active_tab=discussion
