The Scottish-Malawi Network had its origins in a meeting addressed by Vera Chirwa in Edinburgh in June 1993. Dr Kamuzu Banda was at that time still in power but the movement for multiparty democracy was well under way. Mrs Chirwa herself had at that time been recently released from prison and a large gathering from all over Scotland, and beyond, was keen to hear, not only of her experiences but also about what exactly was happening inside Malawi.

Most who attended the meeting had worked in Malawi and had kept up their interest and concern. Such was the response to the event that a number of those present decided that it would be worthwhile to set up a way of generating further interest and support for Malawi and its people.

The resultant Scottish-Malawi Network has three main functions. The first is to keep a register of people in Scotland and beyond who declare an interest in, or a connection with Malawi.

The second is to hold meetings with a Malawi focus. In May of this year Rev Daniel Gunya, General Secretary of the Synod of Blantyre briefed members of the Network and others about the situation in Malawi with regard to famine, the Third Term issue and the HIV/ AIDS crisis. On the day this edition is due to be published a meeting will be held in Edinburgh when Colin Cameron and Jack Thompson give reports on the visits that are summarised above.

Its third is to gather and disseminate information. The main way in which it achieves this is by publishing four times a year the Malawi Update. Now in its 43rd edition it seeks to provide an informed, accurate, balanced and non-partisan digest of the country's main political, religious and social news. It regularly carries information about forthcoming events and Malawi related charities. Its reviews keep members of the Network abreast of books relating to matters Malawian.