the Scottish Gemmological Association

At the AGM of the Scottish Branch in May 2008, Jack Ogden, then Chief Executive of the Gem-A, indicated that the current position of Branches as part of the Gem-A was incompatible with the full charitable status of the Gem-A due to the requirements laid down by the Charity Commission of England and Wales and thus, branches could not continue in their present form. Indeed, technically, according to the Gem-A’s charity registration, branches did not exist!

Subsequently, in several emails and in discussion following the Annual Conference of the Gem-A in November 2008, the possibility of creating a Not for Profit charitable organisation, known as an Unincorporated Voluntary Association, as a successor to the Scottish Branch was discussed.

The driver for change had been the adoption of charity status by the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and the consequent complex rules and substantial administrative burden associated with the establishment of Gemmological Association of Great Britain Branches within that framework.

In consequence, a new association was created in order to resolve the position.

The Scottish Gemmological Association (SGA) was formed with effect from the 1st December 2008 as an Unincorporated Voluntary Association and operates as a Not for Profit charitable organisation managed by, and for the benefit of, it’s members.

The new association will maintain the strongest links with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.

The SGA will be affiliated to the Gemmological Association and we will continue our excellent working relationship with the Gem-A.

The Scottish Branch of the Gemmological Association was wound up formally at the Annual Conference in May 2009 and, thereafter, we intend to continue to promote gemmology in Scotland under the aegis of the new association, the SGA.

In memory of one of the SGA's leading ladies

Catriona McInnes, MA, Dip.Ed.,FGA. MBE

Catriona MacInnes was often the first face that visitors to the SGA events saw – and she was always smiling and made everyone feel welcome!

Almost thirty years ago, a group of like minded friends resurrected the Scottish branch of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain to encourage and promote an interest in gemmology within Scotland. From this beginning the Scottish Gemmological Association was then founded in 2008, with Catriona as one of the key inaugural members. She had a special interest in education and her energy, dedication and personal charisma helped make our organisation what it is today. In particular, the reputation of our annual conference owes much to her efforts.

In memory of this wonderful lady, the SGA decided to strike a medal to be called the Catriona Orr MacInnes Award. This is be presented by the SGA to individuals who are regarded as having made significant contributions to our gemmological world.

To date, this Award has been made to:

Brian Jackson

Alan Hodgkinson and David Callaghan

Jilly Pollard

Cidem Lule and Stuart Robertson

Charlotte Hodgkinson

Harold Killingback