WIJ Scotland Edinburgh networking event goes down a (whisky-based) treat

WIJ Scotland recently held a networking evening in Edinburgh for the first time - here’s the rundown on the event from committee member Rachael Revesz:

There are no two ways to say it – our inaugural Edinburgh networking event was a cracker.

Held at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, in the glam Explorers Bothy Bar, 50 women were treated to whisky-based cocktails and mocktails, and a delicious variety of canapes.

Once we’d settled in, our co-chair Anna Burnside gave a rousing speech about the need to make new connections, given so many of us are now working from home. With the use of a cocktail shaker and a stirrer, Anna managed to keep our attention long enough to instruct us regarding the next stage of the evening – the speed networking event.

Our venue was set up perfectly for this activity, with lots of little round tables and booths. What was noticeable was the diversity of the crowd, in terms of age, background, and current status – we had women who were still studying, to those with children who were looking to return to journalism after a decade-long career break. It was also a great opportunity for some of the WIJ mentors to meet our new mentees for 2024.

During a refreshment break, Diageo’s senior bartender, Lucinda Parry, gave us a fun demo of the Elderberry and Sumac drink she was making – recipe below.

Cardhu 12

Cocchi Americano

Sumac Cordial (Made in house)

Aelder Elixir (From Buck and Birch)

Miraculously, as Lucinda spoke, we were served with the actual thing, garnished with a Red Vein Sorrel leaf. And it was delicious.

Once the speed networking was over, the cocktail shaker could be put to rest.

As our fellow committee member Jan Patience commented, ‘The speed networking was a laugh, especially with Anna banging her cocktail tin to get everyone to move on. I was so busy gassing. And yet I feel I hardly spoke to anyone!’

Understandable, given the event was sold out!

Next stop: the group photo. Our photographer Laura Tiliman did a cracking job, making sure all attendees were in the frame.

By this point, everyone was warmed up and fully socialised, and we could chat to other attendees at leisure. Some of us were so keen to stay and chat that we were almost herded out with a broom, just after 10pm. If only the public bar across the lobby had been open, I’m sure the night would have continued!