2019 Tumbling Lassie fundraising dates announced

Dates have been confirmed for the 2019 events in support of the Faculty of Advocates' Tumbling Lassie charity fundraising appeal.

The Tumbling Lassie, named after a young girl whose liberty was protected in a 17th century Court of Session case, is the name given to events to combat modern slavery and people trafficking, by a committee of six members of Faculty, which in its three years to date has raised around £60,000.

This year’s efforts begin on Sunday 14 April, with a performance of The Tumbling Lassie, an operetta by author Alexander McCall Smith and his musical collaborator Tom Cunningham, in St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh, at 7.30pm. It is a double bill with Fergus of Galloway, another McCall Smith/Cunningham work.

The fourth Tumbling Lassie Charity Ball will be held at Prestonfield House on Saturday 5 October.

Once again, International Justice Mission (IJM) will be the overseas charity supported by the committee. However, the Scottish charity is to change from Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) to Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS). This follows TARA’s becoming part of Glasgow City Council and its work being funded by the council and the Scottish Government.

Committee member Maryam Labaki, advocate, commented: "We are grateful to Alexander McCall Smith and Tom Cunningham for bringing the Tumbling Lassie to life, which has helped our appeal enormously. Funds raised this year will hopefully continue to raise awareness of the issue while helping those in direct need of assistance to escape exploitation."

Alan McLean QC, chair of the committee, added: "We are very glad to have had the chance to support TARA, and proud of what the funds we raised for TARA helped to achieve. Going forward, we are delighted to work with SOHTIS, alongside the excellent IJM."

Ticket details for April’s event, and more information about the Tumbling Lassie appeal, are at www.tumblinglassie.com