Scottish Esperanto Study Weekend 2006: enjoyment and challenge

The Study Weekend took place as usual in Scottish Churches House, Dunblane: an excellent residential conference centre in a tiny Cathedral City,

Tom Neil lectured about William Soutar, an unjustly neglected Scottish poet, who was during many years confined to his house, but was because of this free to be a writer. Tom read a fine translation by William Auld of a poem of Soutar; and emphasised that many other poems merit translation.

Jack Casey summarised the extraordinary experiences of veteran broadcaster Alan Wicker during the Second World War. No wonder he became such an outstanding journalist!

Andrew Weir entertained us with his experience of his first World Congress. His irrational fear that Esperanto would not function on the world stage was, of course, totally unfounded!

Ed Robertson brilliantly described his recent visit to India. He presented us with cultural, architectural and linguistic facts and impressions.

The second day began with a visit to the ancient Scone Palace, the place where Scottish kings were once crowned. Queen Victoria slept there and also played curling!

There was also a Service and its parallel discussion group; the SEA committee meeting; intellectual games guided by Duncan Thomson; convivial meals; informal discussion galore; and even break-outs to the gardens and the town.

Who says that Esperanto is not a living language?!

 David W. Bisset