First women, now even the English can be Caledonian Club members

THE founding fathers of the Caledonian Club thought that their stylish bolthole in the heart of Belgravia would remain a little corner of London that would be for-ever Scotland.

That is to change, however, now that the private members' club is trying to attract non-Scots to a membership list that includes Sir Sean Connery and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Until now, club rules have stated that those accepted for full membership had to be born in Scotland or had Scottish parents or grandparents.

Exceptions were made for those who were at university in Scotland or worked for a Scottish institution such as a bank or a regiment.

Now, however, membership has been opened up to those who simply have an "empathy" with Scotland.

"The decision to extend our membership to those who are not necessarily of Scottish descent, nor with particular Scottish links but do have an empathy for Scotland, is in keeping with a more diverse membership base being embraced for the benefit of all," said the club's chairman Ranald Munro.

"Essentially, though, the Caledonian's raison d'tre has always been about the Scottish affiliations of its membership and this Scottish ethos will continue to be at the heart of our constitution."

The criteria for club membership - which currently stands at just under 1,200 in number - requires being over 18 years old and having "an appropriate association with Scotland and empathy with Scotland and things Scottish".

According to the club, those keen to become a member of the Caledonian would by the very nature of their intentions be appreciating its Scottishness.

Club secretary Ian Campbell said: "We want to make non-Scots aware that they can become members. Many non-Scots guests come here and like the surroundings and the Scottish heritage. They feel at home here, so why shouldn't they become members?"

The rule change comes hard on the abandonment of another long-standing tradition. At the end of last year, the 119-year-old club finally decided to admit full lady members. The UK Government's Equality Act, which forbids private clubs from discriminating against members on the basis of sex, and a desire to move with the times, encouraged the club to change.

Nicknamed "The Caley", the Caledonian Club is also light-heartedly called the Scottish Embassy and the current clubhouse is an impressive mansion in Halkin Street, Belgravia.

The list of past presidents reads like an extract from Burke's Peerage. The 8th Duke of Atholl, the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, the Earl of Dundee, the Duke of Hamilton and the Earl of Airlie have all held high office. Other members include former Scottish Secretary Viscount Younger, former HSBC chairman Sir Willie Purves and Sir Campbell Fraser, former chairman of Dunlop International and Scottish Television.