HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL ATTENDED THE SERVICE OF CENTENARY CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE FOR ‘THE FLYING SCOTSMAN’, ERIC LIDDELL
On Saturday the 22nd of June 2024, Songs of Praise attended a momentous event at St. Giles’ Cathedral, where nearly 300 esteemed members of society and supporters of The Eric Liddell 100 came together to join a service of celebration and remembrance of Eric Liddell, in the presence of Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal (the Patron of The Eric Liddell 100).
The charity confirmed that the service, captured by the BBC Television religious programme Songs of Praise, aired on Sunday, 28th June, at 13:15 on BBC Two and is now available on BBC iPlayer.
The service was closely followed by a reception at the City Chambers, kindly hosted by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Rt. Hon. The Lord Provost.
The centenary celebration was just one of many events hosted by The Eric Liddell 100 – a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures.
The service featured special readings and musical performances that paid tribute to Eric Liddell’s enduring legacy. Patricia Liddell Russell (age 88), Eric’s eldest daughter, conducted the first reading, and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal delivered the second, bringing a royal presence to the occasion. The service included the world premiere of a composition by Alexander McNamee, a young composer who was a student at George Watson’s College when he set Sir Alexander McCall Smith’s poem to music.
A touching performance of Eric Liddell’s favourite hymn, “Be Still My Soul,” by The Ensemble from The Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army, under Bandmaster Carl Saunders, added a poignant connection to Liddell’s final moments, as the hymn was played by Salvation Army musicians when he passed away in the internment camp.
Each guest received a welcome message from Boroughmuir High School students, mirroring a similar note given to Eric Liddell before his 400m victory at the 1924 Paris Olympics. This note read: “He that honours me, I will honour. Wishing you the best of success always.” This symbolic gesture aimed to share a piece of Liddell’s history with attendees, enhancing the commemorative atmosphere.
The Order of Service included a warm welcome message by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, which stated:
“The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting, and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s, and the UK’s, iconic figures, The Flying Scotsman Eric Liddell. The 2024 Olympics in Paris are taking place 100 years after Eric Liddell won Olympic Gold and Bronze medals at the 1924 Games, which also took place in Paris.
“As the 2024 Olympics return to Paris, we all have an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and be inspired by the story of Eric Liddell. Those involved in The Eric Liddell 100 carefully considered suitable values for this initiative, values that Eric Liddell lived by and demonstrated daily; passion, compassion, and integrity. It is appropriate that The Eric Liddell 100 is led by the care and dementia specialist charity, named after Eric Liddell, The Eric Liddell Community. The charity’s work is strengthened by working in partnership with others, and I look forward to meeting their ecumenical and interfaith colleagues, partners, and supporters at today’s Service. The charity’s focus on reducing loneliness and isolation while improving communities’ health and well-being is something that I am sure Eric and all here would support.
“As we gather at St. Giles’ Cathedral to remember and celebrate the life and achievements of Eric Liddell, I hope you will join me in supporting The Eric Liddell 100 and their drive to secure his legacy.”
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, said:
“Eric Liddell’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration. As we approach the centenary of his iconic victory at the 1924 Olympic Games, it is only fitting that we celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions to both sports and our community. The Eric Liddell 100 campaign will not only commemorate his historic achievement but also serve as a reminder of his unwavering dedication to his values and his people. We are deeply honoured to have the support of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and all our partners in this endeavour.”
