Royal Caledonian Ball Trust

The 161st Royal Caledonian Ball will be held on Friday, the 1st of May, 2009.

The 160th Royal Caledonian Ball took place on Friday the 2nd of May 2008 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

Iona, Duchess of Argyll, the Trustees and the Committee would liketo thank everyone involved and attending for making this year's ballsuch a success.

Since starting in the 1840s and raising money for charity since 1849, The Royal Caledonian Ball is quiteprobably the oldest charity ball in the world.It combines helping to keep traditional Scottish dancing alive inthe heart of London's West End with raising money for Scottish charities all through one night of reeling each year. Over recentyears the ball has, on average, been able to donate over 50% of the ticket price to the charities it supports.

The Royal Caledonian Ball Trust was originally formed in 1848 by the Duke of Atholl who started a private fundraising ball for their Scottish friends in London. It has been held every year since, except during the war years. It is a unique charity as it has three Royal Patrons.

Between 700 and 1,000 people attend the event annually on the first Friday in May. This year's proceeds will be for the benefit of war veterans. The charity has three methods of fund raising: 1. 120 patronesses; 2. Proceeds of the Ball; 3. Other - occasional sponsorship by City firms etc.

The Committee is made up of 12 Governors and the current President, which is Iona, Duchess of Argyll.

A second annual event is being considered, possibly a drinks party in association with Sotheby's.

Around GBP40k per annum is raised and distributed to charity. This represents all funds, except the split has generally been 50% military and 50% other. Costs are defrayed by sponsorship.

Clients: Military charities and ordinary charities. Scots, Army, Civilians. Fundraisers.

The Royal Caledonian Ball is the oldest Charity Ball in the World. Fundraising with fun.