Bully State book launch back on
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 
I am pleased to report that we have overcome the little difficulty I described HERE. Next week we will launch The Bully State: The End of Tolerance by Brian Monteith with a reception at The New Club in Princes Street, Edinburgh.
The Ramsay Room, where the event will take place, has a covered balcony overlooking Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens and the good news is that guests will be able to smoke.
The reception will also mark Forest's 30th anniversary and it's appropriate that it will take place in Edinburgh because Brian and I shared an office in the city for several years in the Nineties.
I was a freelance journalist at the time and Brian was Forest's Scottish spokesman. In 1998 I watched him launch the Forest Guide to Smoking in Scotland (for some reason he hired an open top bus) but it never occurred to me that I would end up working for Forest myself.
In fact, Brian is wholly to blame because it was he who suggested that I apply for the job when Marjorie, my predecessor, moved on. Ironically, shortly after I was appointed Brian became an MSP and I had to find a new spokesman in Scotland.
Anyway, it feels as if the wheel has turned full circle because here we are, ten years later, publishing Brian's book and organising a launch party in, where else, Edinburgh.
Numbers are limited but if you would like to come telephone Nicky on 01223 370156 or email events@forestonline.org.
Note: to mark the publication of The Bully State (which is published by The Free Society) Brian and I also hope to host a small drinks party in London. Details to follow.
Simon Clark
In answer to a query in the comments, The Secret Garden at Hawke and Hunter is still open but they are refurbishing it to satisfy the council. Instead of a canopy that covers the entire area, they will have large - and they emphasise large - patio umbrellas. To be fair to H&H, they are doing their best to accommodate smokers but The Secret Garden is no longer suitable for this type of event.
Reader Comments (2)
How can I buy a copy? I want it NOW!!!!
Sorry I can't attend . . .but does anybody go to Scotland these days?
I take it that the Hawke and Hunter has closed down then?