Scotch College

New relay torch

A highlight of the 150th Anniversary Celebrations will be the Torch Relay to be conducted on February 18, 2001, and concluding a series of special events including the torch lighting ceremony at Leochel-Cushnie Church, Aberdeenshire in September 2000.

The torch is being designed and constructed by Jim Derham ('56), whose company Ashcon-Riband has built sculptures for the Docklands Precinct and the Federation Square.

Jim has conducted an enormous amount of research into the design and practical workings of the torch, including investigating torches used in Olympic Games Opening, and has worked to a brief that the torch should be symbolic of the occasion, reflective of the sentiment of handing on to the next generation, and yet simple in design, to be handled by members of the Scotch Family of all ages.

The torch will be made of stainless steel, with the tube being approximately the width of a relay baton, capable of being held by small hands.

The flame guard will feature a series of burning bush emblems, with the cross of St Andrew interspersed between each bush. The school motto 'Deo Patriae Litteris' and the years 1851 - 2001 will also be cut into the top around the guard.

The wick will be made of a mixture of kevlar and cotton, housed in the tube of the torch and dipped into a fuel with a very high flash point. Safety is a most important criteria and the wick material and fuel will present no danger.

Overall the torch will weigh approximately 1.5kg, and is being designed to last the 1.5 - 2 hours of the Relay, followed by an open air service and dedication.