ANNUAL BRANCH REPORT (presented to the AGM 2008)
by Alistair Lyon, Chair, Scottish Branch

As the end of my second year as Chairperson of ACAMH Scotland draws to a close, I am pleased to report another varied and successful year of stimulating meetings and excellent speakers.

The last AGM in June 2007 took place in the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow as part of a well received and entertaining meeting about Behavioural Phenotypes with Jeremy Turk, Greg O'Brien, Kieran, Murphy and Justin Williams. This was followed by a very informative ASD Transitions meeting in September, held in the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh with Alan Bicknell, Pat Howlin, Jacqui Lauder and Lynne Moxon.

We held an interesting twilight meeting in October 2007 again in the R.C.P.S in Glasgow with David Rex speaking on The Impact of Fresh, Healthy Food on Learning and Behaviour.
In November we welcomed Professor Mary Dozier from the U.S.A. to Hampden Stadium where she spoke about Attachment and Biobehavioural Catchup, Chaired by Dr Helen Minnis.

2008 started with a well attended meeting in the R.C.P. in Edinburgh with Professor Brian Lask on Eating Disorders which generated lots of discussion.
Due to unforseen circumstances the meeting in April with Dr. Meredith Small had to be cancelled. In May we held another twilight meeting with Sue Reynolds on Nurture Groups.

The numbers of delegates attending meetings was down last year this combined with the cancelled meeting resulted in an annual financial loss. Taking a longer view this is not a huge worry but it does concern head office in London.

2007/2008 saw a couple of changes to the Scottish committee, Damaris Stuart-William was unable to take up her position and Dr. Robert Lindsay was voted onto the committee.

This very full programme of meetings was only possible because of the enthusiasm of the Scottish committee, my thanks to them, and a special thanks to the never ending energy and hard work of our Branch Administrator, Rosemary Mackenzie and her voluntary assistant Sharon Kinloch.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair of the Scottish branch and am delighted to hand over to the very capable hands of Robyn Forster.
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