Speaker Evening

Lady Hopetoun was the speaker at the Rotary Club of South Queensferry on Thursday 10th November. In an interesting, well-illustrated talk, Skye, the Countess of Hopetoun gave a brief account of the origins of the family, the development of the estate and the building of Hopetoun House. Despite her husband being drowned, Margaret Hamilton, wife of Sir John Hope of Abercorn, proceeded with the first phase of the house with architect  William Bruce in 1699. Later remodelled and extended in the Palladian style by William Adam in the eighteenth century. Hopetoun is the largest private house in Scotland and, unusually, the Hopetoun family still live there. One of the most beautiful houses in the UK, Hopetoun not only attracts countless visitors but is the perfect venue for events ranging from horse trials, antiques fairs and firework displays to grand concerts in the magnificent private ballroom - the largest of its kind in Scotland. Currently, Lady Hopetoun is working on the restoration of the walled garden which will eventually open to the public.

The Rotary Club of South Queensferry has enjoyed a long association with Hopetoun House, organising fundraising occasions and assisting with stewarding and other tasks at several events in the Hopetoun calendar. Lady Hopetoun was accompanied by her husband Andrew, Lord Hopetoun, who kindly answered many questions from the floor.

Lady Hopetoun was introduced by Norman Watson. The vote of thanks was proposed by Robert Brechin who spoke of the wonderful sense of family and continuity the talk had evoked.