The Baltic Exchange Caledonian Society’s annual St Andrew’s Day lunch took place in the elegant halls of London Scottish House in Westminster, bringing together around 160 guests from the shipping industry and Baltic Exchange members. The event was a celebration of Scottish heritage, featuring a traditional menu with Scottish smoked salmon, haggis with neeps and tatties, and fine Scottish cheeses, all complemented by generous servings of Uisge Beatha. Toasts were raised, and old friendships rekindled.

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This year, the lunch raised £11,000 through a raffle and auction to support the Salcombe and North Berwick RNLI. Additionally, the Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation made a generous donation of £40,000 to the cause, bringing the total contribution to £51,000. These funds will help the RNLI acquire a new lifeboat for the Salcombe station, which plays a vital role in maritime rescue efforts.

In the auction we were very proud to be able to offer three prints of the Baltic Lifeboat in front of the “Field of Light” Installation signed by Bruce and Serena Munro. Bruce has very kindly donated and installed the ‘Field of Light’ for RNLI fund raising in the field facing Salcombe. You can look at the website here and add your support to the Salcombe RNLI.

You are also able to see some of his other original creations which are available at Velarde Gallery Kingsbridge and on line via their website here.

The Baltic Exchange has a proud history of supporting lifeboats. Our members have provided financial support to lifeboats at Salcombe for over 150 years, while the 25 knot Tamar Class All Weather Lifeboat The Baltic Exchange III has saved countless lives since its launch in 2008.

The event also marked a leadership change, with Jonny Hammond of the Baltic Exchange passing the chairmanship to James Palairet of Affinity Tankers London, who will take over in 2025. The celebration featured piper Andy Parsons, who piped in the top table and led the traditional toast to the haggis, alongside Bill Bowman.

In addition to the RNLI donation, a special £300 was presented to Andy Parsons on behalf of the Caledonian Society for the London Scottish Messines Memorial Restoration Fund.

The St Andrew’s Day lunch was not only a festive celebration of Scottish culture but also a remarkable success in raising substantial funds for the RNLI and other charitable causes.