19 Jan 2000
Scottish Secretary John Reid today welcomed Cardinal Thomas Winning, the Head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, to a lunch held at the Scotland Office in London. It is the first time an official reception has been held for a Scottish Cardinal by a Secretary of State for Scotland in Dover House.
Commenting on the event, Mr Reid said:
"Today is an historic occasion and I am delighted to welcome Cardinal Winning to Dover House. It is the first time an official reception has been held by the United Kingdom Government in honour of the Head of the Scottish Catholic Church. As Secretary of State for Scotland I wanted to pay tribute to Cardinal Winning’s role, achievements and status as leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland.
"In a multi-faith society it is important to recognise at a political level the role played by the leaders of Scotland's religious faiths in the community. It is particularly fitting post-devolution that the leader of Scotland's Catholic community should have the opportunity to visit and meet with the Scottish people's elected representatives serving in the UK Parliament."