The next morning we headed off for a briefing by a press officer in the European Commission who was subjected to some intense grilling to say the least. After that we went to ‘Europa Scotland’, which is a body of civil servants representing the Scottish executive in the EU. We were all a bit sceptical to say the least about the need for such a body and remained unconvinced after this affair, with some speakers being more worthwhile than others. After a break for lunch we met at the visitor’s centre of the parliament….one of the three parliament buildings we were reliably informed.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the day was an address from arch-Eurosceptic Roger Helmer MEP who was scathing about the democratic deficit that existed within the EU in addition to the lack of value of money it provided. Much more moderate was Timothy Kirkhope, the leader of the Conservative delegation in the Parliament. It was good to hear such contrasting views and to be honest we were appreciative at being allowed to hear something other than what is in the pro-EU script.

Following this the group was divided between a Fisheries committee (of which Struan Stevenson was present) and a committee on the environment. I had the ‘pleasure’ of attending the latter, and can honestly say my life was none too enriched by the experience. More fun was had flicking through the different language options, with the Italian version even seeming more coherant than the English equivalent. After a few pictures in the chamber and one more briefing by the head of the budget committee we were kicked out into the Brussels night.

However Struan was very kind to treat us to dinner and spoke to us at great length on his fear over the effectiveness of the Ashton-Van Rompuy partnership and-like us- remained unsure as to who really was running the show. After a photo op in Le grand place (a truly beautiful place) the Glasgow lot, and a couple of lads from RGU and Aberdeen respectively went to a small pub which seemed flexible about closing time. Although sensing our time was coming to an end a crowd of us congregated in one of the hotel rooms, savouring cans of beer and snacks until tiredness finally caught up with us.

Apart from a missed bus on my, Stacey and Kathleen’s part we all arrived at the airport the next morning pretty much unscathed and caught our flight on time returning safely back to the Queen’s country. My own conclusion was that the EU is still an undemocratic institution that we get very little value from money from and that the trip has not convinced me otherwise. In saying that we were treated extremely well by all of the people we met there. A big thank you to our tour guides for the day who were very friendly and helpful with all our inane questions and requests. And an especially big thank you to Struan for agreeing to sponsor us for the trip. As usual he has been a great friend to not only our association but to young Conservatives all over Scotland.

Colin

P.S. Myself and Richard apologise to the lady at passport control! :p

We were greeted with an opening address from Andrew Fulton, the chairman of the party, then there were numerous speeches from candidates in our very important target seats. Annabel closed the morning with an entertaining speech then it was off to the CFS fringe event where we were addressed by Bill Aitken and Alex Johnstone on the importance of the Conservative youth movement. After that we went back to the main hall to hear a very informative speech from Michael Gove. But undoubtedly the main event was the closing speech by David Cameron. Always an impressive public speaker, he outdid himself this time and went down well with the female portion of our group. We left in suitably high spirits and off to dinner with Peter Lyburn, the candidate for Perth and North Perthshire.

Whilst some of our lot had to leave on the Friday, Peter offered accomodation at his house for those who chose to stay. After a period of being lost and larking about in the forest, thinking Carlsberg would improve our directional skills, Peter eventually came and pointed us in  the right direction of his house. After a couple more beers and picking Peter’s brain about our fortunes we retired for the night in our sleeping bags.

The next day we awoke early, some feeling better than others, and proceeded to our meeting point in Perth where we particpated in an action day to rally support for Peter’s campaign. We canvassed, leafleted and went on a walkabout of Perth city centre. All in all a very productive day. Peter was kind enough to buy us a couple of pints afterwards and after Glasgow young Tories were the first to arrive, we were the last to leave, catching a train back to the second city of the Empire. All of us who attended both days greatly enjoyed ourselves. A big thank you to the party and Peter for making our time in Perth so enjoyable.

The next morning (with a few sore heads) we headed to East Ren to meet up with the others. A massive turnout ensued and after a sausage roll and a thank you address from Richard we were on our way on a mass canvass session. Such were the numbers we were able to cover a massive territory. After a spot of lunch to warm the cockles, we headed out again delivering the party newspaper ‘Changing Times’ and Richard went on a walkabout in Clarkston meeting members of the public. After that we retired for a beverage or two and the more energetic went back to Richard’s flat to continue the drinking. As for myself? I make no apologies for heading back to bed! A massive thank you to all those who attended and I hope you had as much fun as we did.

Pictures to follow

Colin

Colin

After the very enjoyable dinner Struan took time to chat to all who attended and answered any questions anyone had. Once a again a big thank you to all who attended and especially to Struan for taking time out of his schedule to come and speak to us. We hope the event will continue to be a permanent fixture in our association’s calendar.

Colin

After the dinner many of the younger and more rowdy members of the group consumed a shandy or two and then hotfooted back to mine where there was more fun of an alcohol based nature. All in all it was a fantastic night and a massive thank you to all who attended, especially Bill and Lord James.

Colin

Members of the Association at the West End Dinner with Murdo Fraser MSP

Sorry this post is a bit late, but I suppose it’s better late than never.

Last Friday saw the annual West End dinner at Kelvindale Bowling Club. It was very well attended with a very good turnout from the association. Murdo Fraser MSP, deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives was the guest speaker and he gave an engaging speech mainly focused on how we can increase our number of Scottish MP’s, with questions from the floor also being encouraged. After the raffle (in which Stewart won a bottle of whisky, the jammy sod) Murdo came and spoke to our group. He was an absolute gentleman and had time for everyone, even putting up with technical problems for the picture!

All in all a good night was had by all.

Some say politics is all about getting your hands dirty and that was certainly the case last Saturday when the association helped out at a social action day in Glasgow North East where our candidate (and Glasgow Uni student) Ruth Davidson is standing. A far cry from the usual knocking on doors and delivering leaflets it was a refreshing if exhausting day.

The association had a really good crowd along and we were joined by central office folk, members of local associations as well as Glasgow MSP Bill Aitken (who can do wonders with a fork and shovel) The highlight of the day however was the visit of Annabel Goldie, who took time out of her schedule to see how we were getting on, not to mention have a go with the hedge strimmer. She had time for everyone and chatted informally with us all while we got to work and such was our presence that a local resident donned a Tory t-shirt and helped us out (Barry you’re a legend!).

After the day’s work was done we all retired to our usual haunt, the Doublet, for a beer (or five) and the banter continued into the late hours. I want to give a massive thank you to all who turned out. This, as Stewart said, is compassionate Conservatism in action and it’s good to see a positive difference being made in our communities.