On the first weekend of September, I had the pleasure of being in Scotland to participate in Aberdeen Asset Management’s 14th Annual UK Investment Conference and Braemar Gathering 2012.
CEO Martin Gilbert welcomed the guests and introduced the theme, “Investing Despite Uncertainty“. Next was the opening address by Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, with an overview of the political landscape in and post 2008. Prof. Stephane Garelli then looked at the future of the global economy.
After a short break, Anthony Hilton, editor of the Evening Standard, interviewed Hugh Young and Devan Kaloo on Emerging Markets trend, and I had the honor of discussing the “Risk-On/Risk-Off” financial environment of the last five years. The last session was the Economics Debate chaired by broadcaster Andrew Neil, with Bob Janjuah (Nomura), Eamonn Butler (Adam Smith Institute), Doug McWilliams (CEBR) and Anne Applebaum (journalist/author), with a look at the major economic issues of the day.
The black tie dinner that night was splendid, but only a prelude to the phenomenal Braemar Gathering and a private reception at Martin Gilbert’s house. Aberdeen is one of the few global firms able to invest and operate globally while maintaining strong local roots.
The Games at The Braemar Gathering received royal approval from Queen Victoria in 1848. The Royal Family continues to attend each year and Her Majesty The Queen is patron of the Games. Pipe and drum competitions, highland dancing, caber tossing, shot putting, hammer throwing and other traditional events take place. The Braemar Gathering remains the biggest and most prestigious Scottish Highland Games event, attracting a large crowd each year. It is famous for its friendship and hospitality and attracts pipers and dancers of the highest standard. Aberdeen Asset Management is sponsoring the piping competition which, as always, is a highlight of the Games.
Aberdeen Annual Inv Conf and Braemar Gathering 2012
Below are pictures from the event(s).
Warren Enskat Group 
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