Lindore Abby Distillery Visit

On Saturday 24th September we visited the Lindore Abby Distillery in Newbourgh. It is the oldest recorded distillery in Scotland which was run by monks who made Aqua Vitae spirit King James the forth supplied them with a substantial amount of barley to make a supply for himself. The Abby was raised to the ground during the reformation. It has been rebuilt and is now producing a lovely malt whiskey and Aqua Vitae spirit which is infused with spices and fruits which gives it a distinctive taste. Well worth a visit.

Medal of Honor

The City of Glasgow RNA were contacted by the family of a Medal of Honor recipient with a view to laying up the flag that covered his coffin with a museum. S/m Kenn McKinnon chairman of the branch made arrangements with the Armed Forces Veterans Association to receive it at their museum in Dumbarton Central Station, room 2 on platform 2. On the 20th of September Graham Houston great grandson, Mary Houston great grand daughter, Marilyn McDermot great grand daughter and David Houston great great grandson handed the flag over to Tony Barr and Hugh Doohan of the Veterans Center. Francis Kelly Francis Kelly was born Archibald Houston in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. He enlisted in the US Navy from Massachusetts, and served as a watertender in the collier USS Merrimac during the Spanish–American War. Kelly was one of eight volunteer crew members when Rear Admiral William T Sampson ordered Merrimac sunk to block the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba. On the night of 2-June 3, 1898, during the attempt to execute this mission, Merrimac's steering gear was disabled by enemy gunfire, and she sank without obstructing navigation. Her crewmen were rescued by the Spanish and made prisoners-of-war. After the Battle of Santiago de Cuba destroyed the Spanish fleet a month later, Kelly and his shipmates were released. For his actions during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Francis Kelly remained in the Navy after the Spanish–American War, ultimately obtaining the rank of Chief Machinists Mate. He returned home to Glasgow, and died there in 1938, his death certificate states "Archibald Houston (formerly Francis Kelly), US naval pensioner". He is buried at Sandymount Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland. Medal of Honor citation Kelly's official Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbour of Santiago de Cuba, June 2, 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, KELLY displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

King Charles 111 Ascension Parade

On Sunday the 11th S/m Kenn McKinnon, Brian Mackenzie and Alex Thomas were invited to attend in George Square, Glasgow for the ascension of King Charles 111 ceremony. S/m Brian Paraded our standard.

Merchant Navy Day

On 2nd of September Brian and myself were invited to attend merchant Navy Day in Paisley by councillor Lorraine Cameron the Lord Provost of Paisley. After the service we were invited to the Abby for afternoon tea. S/m Brian paraded our standard.

David Carlin Presentation

At our meeting on 18th S/m Alec Thomas Vice Chair presented S/m David Carlin with a small keepsake and S/m Kenn McKinnon Chairman presented him with a gold watch for his service as Treasurer for the past 26 years. It was the first time in 26 years that he was speechless. Many thanks for your service David.