Welcome to Glasgow, Scotland!

• Author: Davis, Dame Karlene

I feel proud, privileged and delighted to have the role of welcoming midwives to the Intemational Confederation of Midwives' 28th Triennial Congress--both through the pages of this journal and later, in person, in the prestigious setting of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow.

Over the nearly 90 years of the ICM's life, the midwives of the United Kingdom have had the pleasure of hosting an ICM Congress three times before--in 1934, 1954 and 1981--but this is the first to be held in Scotland, and we are expecting a distinctive approach to the social programme that will give you a flavour not only of Scotland but of all the nations within the UK.

In 1934, the Congress was opened by the then Duchess of York, mother of the present Queen; in 1954, the Queen herself agreed to be the Patron of the Congress; and it is my great pleasure to confirm that this year's Congress will be attended by the Princess Royal, who is patron of the Royal College of Midwives.

While I am looking forward to the Congress immensely, all the associated ICM events and in particular to meeting so many midwives from different countries and backgrounds, I do also want to send greetings--and gratitude--to those who remain...