A Perth talk is to benefit the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) Rachel House and outreach work in Gaza.
Charity St John Scotland Perth and Kinross is hosting the illustrated the talk about Scotland’s Sword of State on Sunday October 27.
It will be carried out by the limner, or painter, to the priory of the order of St John in Scotland Mark Dennis.
The talk will delve into the history of the ceremonial Sword of State and the creation of the new Elizabeth Sword, named after the late Queen Elizabeth II, which he was given the honour of personally designing and supervising.
Commissioned with the support of the Scottish Government on the initiative of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Scotland’s chief heraldic officer, the new sword features a scabbard of Perthshire oak and was formally presented to King Charles III in July 2023.
St. John Scotland Perth and Kinross area chairman Rev Stephen Blakey said: “We are delighted to be hosting this wonderful event
“The Sword will play a central role in Scottish Royal Ceremonials for many years to come. The story of its design and creation will be well worth hearing”.
The prior of St John Scotland. Simon Mackintosh added: “It is a pleasure for us to be associated with this remarkable piece of modern Scottish craftsmanship, and to have our distinguished limner, Mark Dennis, to give us the first-hand knowledge of how it was created.
“The funds being raised for St John will go towards a vital new piece of equipment for the Eye Hospital outreach work in Gaza, being funded by St John Scotland.
“The mobile retinal laser unit, which is used to prevent diabetes -induced retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in the population of Gaza , where the incidence of diabetes is particularly high.”
CHAS CEO Rami Okasha said: “We are very grateful to St John Scotland Perth and Kinross for hosting this fascinating talk on the history of Scotland’s Sword of State and donating a share of the proceeds from the event to CHAS.
“The funds raised will help us to continue our work supporting children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.
“Demand for CHAS’s services is going up and we are determined to provide unwavering care to families from diagnosis to bereavement.”
The Royal George Hotel talk takes place from 2pm to 4pm.
Tea, coffee and shortbread will be served.
Tickets cost: £15 and £7 for students. There will be a prize draw.