President Hugh Reid just made a further visit to Peebles, the Congress town, to make further arrangements. Even in winter Peebles is worth visiting; it is beautifully situated beside the Tweed in the Scottish Borders, but only 40 minutes away from Edinburgh. It is a palimpsest of Scottish history which wears its past with easy grace. Walter Scott worked in Peebles and so did that currently under-rated novelist John Buchan. The surrounding countryside shows the smiling face of the Eastern Borders.

A Congress should be a convivial occasion; and conviviality marks Scottish Congresses. There will be a Banquet; we shall lunch together. A plethora of entertainment is being prepared. The town has fine restaurants and well stocked taverns. Accommodation is varied and should suit every taste and pocket. However, book early; others realise Peeble's advantages and its proximity to Edinburgh is a great attraction.

The Congress will take place in St. Joseph's Neighbourhood Centre: a venue with a full range of facilities adjacent to an important 20^th century church.

Rich and varied is a good summary of what this Congress will be! Hopefully an overseas guest will appear. David and Jean Bisset will lecture about Walter Scott. Hugh Reid will debate with Ed Robertson. John Francis will lecture. And there is a long list of other contributors. Excursion highlights will be visits to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott; and Melrose with its marvellous abbey. There will be a town walk which will demonstrate fine townscape and that Peebles has unexpected cultural connections.