Braemar Summit 2022 - Sarah Sands
After the former Prime Minister David Cameron posted a photograph of himself on stage “ at a gathering of leaders in Braemar” I received a puzzled email from a Daily Telegraph reporter. She was intrigued by the mention of this “leaders gathering.” What exactly IS Braemar?
There was a similar burst of speculation during our first Braemar summit in 2021. The BBC confronted me with a “ yes or no” question. Was it true that President Obama was on his way to Braemar? I replied confidently that we had several Nobel prize winners arriving but no presidents yet.
The character of the Braemar summit is the sum of its parts. I am a former editor of radio 4’s Today programme and am excited by high calibre discussion with experts on the pressing issues of the day, curated and running on time. I am also a trustee of the Science Museum and rely on the science director there, Roger Highfield, to advise on the most significant advances in science.
If we believe that the UK can and must be a science superpower and that this is the best way to understand progress, economic growth, the environment and enlightened values, a science summit is an ideal forum. The Braemar Committee, includes former science and universities minister Sam Gyimah, former shadow environment minister Caroline Flint and culture minister Lord Vaizey, along with John Evans, CEO of Hawthorn Advisors, so we are like minded on the science economy and environmental focus. A leadership dimension is provided by our partners Spencer Stuart.
The next crucial part is the setting. Imagine discussing the Enlightenment among the glorious hills and wide rivers of Braemar. And for guests to dine at the hotel jewel that is the Fife Arms, owned by Hauser and Wirth, whose chief executive is Ewan Venters, is also a Founder of the Summit and on the Braemar committee. Braemar grew from an original conversation between Ewan and me about showcasing the beauty of Scotland, while exchanging ideas.
Here the food and wine is excellent and guests are seated below original paintings by Bruegel. Furthermore, during the Braemar summit, they can listen to Nicola Benedetti playing Vivaldi at dinner, or Ian Bostridge performing Schumann and Benjamin Britten at drinks. A piper is on hand to lead them down the street or to the banquet we hold in a nearby estate.
The village itself is pretty and compact and the Braemar Summit takes place at the village hall across from the hotel. There is something charming about “ McDavos” taking place in a village hall. It is brilliant but not pompous nor corporate.
And it feels aesthetically and historically Scottish, particularly since we hold the events in association with Scottish universities and we partner with Saxavord, the UK Space Port located at Lamba Ness in Unst, Shetland.
The third element is the mix of guests. The Braemar summit is invitation only, a gathering of about 100 people, a mix of scientists and thinkers, policy makers and entrepreneurs. Friendships and networks are instant and lasting. Braemar is , simply, two days of wonderful conversations between people who can learn from each other. Below are some of the messages I received afterwards from particularly distinguished guests. It is a place where ideas and inspiration flow between influential leaders with a shared purpose of building a better future.
“ Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Braemar “ gathering”. It was hugely interesting and most enjoyable. What amazing people you had gathered there.”
“Thank you so much for arranging such a stimulating gathering in such a beautiful place. We both felt so privileged.”
“Thank you for hosting such a remarkable event.”
And, indeed from David Cameron: “ Congratulations for inventing something so good.”
The first Braemar Summit was an act of faith, the second a triumph of science, we are looking forward to the alchemy of conversation at Braemar 3 next year.