THE CAIRD Hall in Dundee played host on Saturday to 2000 members of the Church of Scotland Guild, who were gathered for their annual meeting.

Guild Alive 2005 was addressed by a variety of speakers and guests, including Scotland’s solicitor- general Elish Angolini and the Moderator of the General Assembly the Right Reverend David Lacy.

Ms Angolini, the first woman to hold the solicitor-general’s post, reflected upon her work at the event as she spoke about commitment to justice.

The moderator talked about his personal views on the living church and linked them to the theme of this year’s conference—Dare to Care with Commitment.

Other speakers included the national convener of the guild, Norah Summers; guild general secretary Alison Twaddle and Bob Holman of Family Action in Rogerston and Easterhouse.

Journalist Mr Holman gave up a life in academia in order to take up community work in Southdown, Bath.

He and his wife moved to Glasgow during the 1980s, where they have played a key role in developing a variety of community support facilities in the Easterhouse area of Glasgow.

At Saturday’s rally he spoke about commitment in community.

Fiona Punton, guild information officer, said, “This is a greatly anticipated event and it has all gone very well indeed.

“There are 2000 people here today from all over Scotland who have all travelled here to represent their own guilds.

“We have had a great reception here in Dundee and we were delighted to find a banner up to greet us in the City Square on our arrival.

“Our annual meeting was last held in Dundee in 1999 and this is a very welcome return to the city.”

With 36,000 members, the guild is among the largest of Scotland’s voluntary groups and its members play an important part in supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals both at home and abroad.

This year the Church of Scotland Guild Project Partnership Scheme donated £246,698.84.

On Saturday it was announced that this figure brings the total sum donated by the guild over two years to £459,398.67.

Through motivational speakers and inspirational worships, the meeting highlighted many of the issues being addressed by the guild and challenged those present to return to their own groups and encourage others.

Hospitality was provided in both Meadowside St Paul’s Church Hall and Dundee’s Parish Church (St Mary’s), where refreshments were laid on by the church members.