Grand Chapitre, 1-3 July 2011 – Edinburgh

Grand Chapitre held in warm and welcoming Edinburgh

The Bailliage de Grande Bretagne held its Grand Chapitre in Scotland for the first time and what a success it was. Following a day of golf or sightseeing, everybody gathered at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for the Welcome Dinner. It started with a Champagne reception in the Fellows Library, followed by an introduction by the College President, Mr David Tolley, then dinner in the magnificent Playfair Hall built in 1832.

The next day started with an Induction Ceremony held in the Council Chamber of the City Chambers located on the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh. This was followed by a reception hosted by The Lord Provost, the Rt. Hon. George Grubb.

The sunshine then provided a bonus for the many guests who then relaxed on open-top buses for a guided tour of the city.

The Castle Suite at the Caledonian Hilton Hotel looked truly splendid for the Gala Dinner. As always, the wonderfully creative floral table decorations designed by Chargé de Missions Frances Griffiths, provided a wow factor.

Dinner, prepared by Executive Chef, Maître Rôtisseur Spencer Wilson, was a true reflection of Scottish summer produce at its best. During the evening, awards were made to the winners of our Young Chef and Young Sommelier Competitions by Michael Steinle, CEO BSH UK Ltd and Paul Tyler, Sales Director, Gaggenau our competition co-partners.

Guests spent Sunday morning either taking a leisurely boat trip on the Firth of Forth to enjoy magnificent views of the world famous Forth Bridges from an open-top deck before lunching at the Dakota Hotel, or a tour of Lauriston Castle and Rosslin Chapel, best known through the best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

The highlight of the weekend for many was dinner on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. Launched by the Queen in 1953, this magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Monarchy, heads of state and prime ministers have all enjoyed this very special ship.

This night was the turn of members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs from nearly 20 countries around the globe, with large groups from the Netherlands, Portugal and Singapore. Some of the Dutch group travelled from Holland with Dolf Meijers in his unique 1957 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith, which was especially built for Queen Juliana.

The Royal Yacht was also a suitably romantic setting for a proposal of marriage between two members from Wessex. On Britannia’s deck, Tony Wernham proposed, and was accepted, by Helen Coleman. Congratulations to them both from all their friends.

Members were piped aboard then, following a Champagne reception, made a short tour of the ship before sitting to dinner in the State Dining Room. The evening was magical – a wonderful setting, a great menu with equally great service all set off by a superb sunset. The Chaîne at its best!