The Free Society to get the full Monty
Friday, January 17, 2014 at 15:11 Just back from Edinburgh.
On Wednesday I joined 150 guests at a well-attended reception in the Scottish Parliament.
It took place in the Garden Lobby which links all the buildings in the parliamentary complex. According to the Scottish Parliament website it gets its name from its location next to the Parliament Garden.
According to my colleague, former MSP Brian Monteith, who was with me, the area it occupies was originally designed to be open to the elements.
However, when the vagaries of the Scottish weather were pointed out to the Spanish architect, he quickly added a roof – adding a few more quid to the cost of this grand folly.
It was an excellent evening and I learned one or two things I can't repeat at the moment but their time will come, I promise.
While we were in Edinburgh Brian and I took the opportunity to discuss the future of The Free Society.
I've always had big plans for Forest's sister campaign but we've never had a chance to develop them properly.
Funding is an issue. So too is time.
Brian was appointed editor in August and has done a great job. Pop over and have a look.
Each week the site features new articles, including Brian's own weekly column. They cover a range of issues, including tobacco, food and drink.
You'll also find a Review of the Week and a regular Bullies' Bulletin.
If you'd like to add your name to our list of contributors – they include Simon Hills of The Times and Eamonn Butler, co-founder of the Adam Smith Institute – drop us a note.
We intend to redesign and re-launch the website very soon. We're also hoping to revive the very successful series of debates, Voices of Freedom, that took place in 2010 and 2011.
We also have plans for one if not two Free Society books whose publication will be marked with the usual popping of corks and (a new tradition) a bucketful of sugary drinks.
I'll keep you posted.
PS. Brian now writes a regular column for Conservative Home. Click here.
See also: Brian Monteith appointed editor of The Free Society
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