History Celebrated with Quad Renaming
by
Mrs Fiona MacFarlane, 11 November 2008
Remembrance Day is commemorated each year at George Watson’s College as pupils, staff and former pupils remember the former pupils who died in both World War I and World War II.
Today’s event was even more poignant as the FP ranks were swollen by a number of FPs, who were boys at the School when it was based at Archibald Place, off Lauriston Place. This included three in their 90s, including the oldest representative, Mr Hamish Tait, aged 99 years.
They were here to celebrate the Senior School’s West Quad being renamed 'Archibald Place'. This event marked with a commemorative stone provides some historical symmetry as the East Quad is known as 'George Square' in recognition of the importance to the history of Watson's of the Ladies College, which was based in Edinburgh's George Square.
Gilbert Kennedy, former President of the Watsonian Club, FP and father of FP Gordon Kennedy (known more widely as Little John in the BBC Robin Hood series) officially opened Archibald Place at 9.50am. The FPs then attended the wreath laying ceremony at the Watson’s War Memorial and the Remembrance Service in the School.
Gareth Edwards, Principal of George Watson’s College, said, “This is an important day in our calendar and it was a great pleasure to welcome back former pupils who remember school days both in Archibald Place and Colinton Road. Retaining the historical connections that the school is lucky to have is important for our current and future pupils who benefit from the vision of George Watson himself and those who saw the future of the School on a new campus in South Edinburgh".
|
