Scotch College

From the Principal December 2000

Symbolic Journey Starts

 The first century of Scotch College was enormously influenced by Scotsmen. Our founder, Rev James Forbes and the first four principals, Robert Lawson, Alexander Morrison, William Littlejohn and Colin Gilray were all born, and with the exception of Dr Gilray, educated in Scotland. It was therefore fitting that the torch, which will feature in our 150th celebrations during 2001, should start its symbolic journey at a special service in Scotland. The location was the church at Leochel Cushnie in Aberdeenshire, where James Forbes was baptised and raised and from where he headed to Australia in 1837.

We were indebted to the local congregation, whose service on 1 October was a thanksgiving for the life and work of James Forbes. In a moving gesture the torch was ignited by Mrs Anne Trimmer, a descendent of the Forbes family. The torch also featured at an Old Scotch Collegians' Dinner in London on 6 October, with an attendance of almost 100, whose years of leaving Scotch ranged from 1938 to 1999.

Our time in Scotland was enhanced by a visit to 'Bogend', the farmhouse where Forbes was born. Visits were also made to Dr Morrison's home and to King's College at Aberdeen University where Forbes, Morrison and Littlejohn had studied.

The prayers of the Leochel Cushnie congregation, seeking God's continuing blessing upon Scotch College, increased our resolve to provide excellent education within a strong Christian framework to all our students, consistent with Forbes' vision.

As I write, concrete is being poured for basement floor slabs in the James Forbes Academy. It is a great encouragement, after over four years of planning and design, to see phase one beginning to materialise. There is no doubt that Scotch is creating a facility for Music, Drama and Communication, that will be an outstanding addition to the school. The entire Scotch family is indebted to everyone involved in this exciting project, particularly to contributors to the Scotch Foundation, which expects the target of $7 million to be achieved by the end of 2000.

A great vision encouraged James Forbes to leave Scotland for Australia and sustained the school during the past 150 years. That same vision continues to inspire us as we develop our programs and facilities. Above all, Scotch remains grateful for the blessings of the past and seeks their extension to the future.

The first century of Scotch College was enormously influenced by Scotsmen. Our founder, Rev James Forbes and the first four principals, Robert Lawson, Alexander Morrison, William Littlejohn and Colin Gilray were all born, and with the exception of Dr Gilray, educated in Scotland. It was therefore fitting that the torch, which will feature in our 150th celebrations during 2001, should start its symbolic journey at a special service in Scotland. The location was the church at Leochel Cushnie in Aberdeenshire, where James Forbes was baptised and raised and from where he headed to Australia in 1837.

We were indebted to the local congregation, whose service on 1 October was a thanksgiving for the life and work of James Forbes. In a moving gesture the torch was ignited by Mrs Anne Trimmer, a descendent of the Forbes family. The torch also featured at an Old Scotch Collegians' Dinner in London on 6 October, with an attendance of almost 100, whose years of leaving Scotch ranged from 1938 to 1999.

Our time in Scotland was enhanced by a visit to 'Bogend', the farmhouse where Forbes was born. Visits were also made to Dr Morrison's home and to King's College at Aberdeen University where Forbes, Morrison and Littlejohn had studied.

The prayers of the Leochel Cushnie congregation, seeking God's continuing blessing upon Scotch College, increased our resolve to provide excellent education within a strong Christian framework to all our students, consistent with Forbes' vision.

As I write, concrete is being poured for basement floor slabs in the James Forbes Academy. It is a great encouragement, after over four years of planning and design, to see phase one beginning to materialise. There is no doubt that Scotch is creating a facility for Music, Drama and Communication, that will be an outstanding addition to the school. The entire Scotch family is indebted to everyone involved in this exciting project, particularly to contributors to the Scotch Foundation, which expects the target of $7 million to be achieved by the end of 2000.

A great vision encouraged James Forbes to leave Scotland for Australia and sustained the school during the past 150 years. That same vision continues to inspire us as we develop our programs and facilities. Above all, Scotch remains grateful for the blessings of the past and seeks their extension to the future.

 

Dr F G Donaldson