Amazing prizes donated for Tumbling Lassie Ball auction

From a world-renowned author to international rugby stars, and from politicians to anglers, people have rallied to the cause.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generous response of donors to our appeals for auction lots,” said Alan McLean QC, chair of The Tumbling Lassie Committee. “These lots are well worth bidding for, while, of course, raising money for our charities.”

The prizes include a collection of signed works by Alexander McCall Smith (donated by the author), a private tour of the Scottish Parliament with lunch, for two (Gordon Lindhurst MSP), a private tour of the Palace of Westminster with lunch, for two (Joanna Cherry QC MP) and a rugby ball signed by members of the Scotland squad (Scottish Rugby Union).

Also, a two-day fishing mini-break on the River Don (Kildrummy Park Castle Hotel and Littlewood Estate), a one or two-week internship (The Scottish Field), Italian wine tasting and deli platter (Rhubarb Lime restaurant, Stirling), a commissioned animal portrait (Emma Rocca Art) and tickets for eight people to two ceilidhs (Stockbridge Reelers).

“The Ball should be a very entertaining evening with excellent food and dancing, a real tonic to look forward to at the end of January,” said Isla Davie, advocate, a member of the committee.

Proceeds from the Ball and an associated seminar on Saturday, 28 January, will go to Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) and International Justice Mission (IJM). Last year, the events raised more than £14,000.

The seminar (2.5hrs CPD), in the Faculty of Advocates’ Mackenzie Building at 9:30am, will feature guest speakers Alison Di Rollo QC, Solicitor General for Scotland, and Parosha Chandran, a human rights barrister and expert on human trafficking.

Attendance is free but donations will be taken for the charities.

The Ball is in St Paul’s and St George’s Church, York Place, Edinburgh. A three-course dinner is included in the price of £65 per ticket.

Both events are supported by the Faculty, and full details can be found at http://www.tumblinglassie.com/