So, this year has finally seen the return of large in-person Finnish Scottish Society events. It’s great to see everyone again, and it’s also starting to feel like the good old pre-Covid days again. Unfortunately, there is one very noticeable difference. Tragically, we lost our good friend and one of our “crew” with the passing of Tiina-Maaria Laihi in April 2022, at the age of 34.

As well as being our friend and the partner of Daryl (one of our founding members, organisers, and former treasurer), Tiina was also one of the founding members and organisers of this Society. Many of you will have known her and would have met her at our events as she pitched in at 101 different jobs while happily meeting new people. She was a very kind, fun and thoughtful person, and good people to be around. We all miss her.

Following discussion with Daryl, this week the Society is making donations to Rekku Rescue ry and HESY ry in honour of Tiina, as these were two of the charities and causes which she supported and these donations will benefit others, which was very much Tiina’s way.