Technology Mashup

I've been laid up for a bit with a winter virus so this update will be short and sweet. I hope to expand on more topics once I feel back to full-strength.

A couple of weeks back I went to hear Shimon Peres speak at St John's Wood Synagogue on his first official Presidential visit to the United Kingdom. It was a real privilege to hear such an extraordinary statesman as he spoke at length on the opportunity and hopes for peace in the Middle East.

Niguulsel Silver Medal
I was very pleased indeed to hear last week that my nomination for the Niguulsel Silver Medal has been successful. This is from the Red Cross Society in Mongolia and is "awarded to individuals, special MRCS members, business enterprises and institutions as a mark of their significant contribution to the capacity building and development of the National Society and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement."



The Niguulsel Silver Medal for Humanitarian Service.

As you would imagine I am most delighted with receipt.

Antiquaries of Scotland
I also had news on Tuesday 2nd that I had been elected (in absentia) as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSA Scot) at the annual St Andrew's Day meeting. This is the oldest antiquarian society in Scotland, founded in 1780 by David Steuart Erskine, the 11th Earl of Buchan (1742-1829). The Society was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783. I am delighted to join the Fellowship of such an esteemed body and will no doubt further exercise my extensive interests in Scottish history, culture and language.