Leading businessman and media executive Dr Calum MacLeod CBE will inaugurate the new offices of the University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Institute, which is dedicated to the study of the cultural tradition of the North and North-east of Scotland, at a special ceremony later this week.
Both a graduate and honorary graduate of the University, Dr MacLeod, who is Deputy Chairman of the Scottish Media Group and Chairman of Grampian Television, will unveil a plaque marking the official opening of the Institute’s new premises at 24 High Street, Old Aberdeen, on Wednesday, November 17.
Former University Chancellor Sir Kenneth Alexander will also present the Institute with a portrait by Edinburgh artist Michael Knowles of the late Jessie Kesson, one of Scotland’s leading novelists and playwrights and honorary graduate of the University of Aberdeen.
The Institute, which was previously housed in the Taylor Building, has moved to the old Sacrist’s house on the High Street following extensive refurbishment of the building. The work was funded by the Carnegie Trust, which gave a generous donation to the Institute during the University’s Quincentenary celebrations in 1995.
The launch will be followed by an ‘open day’ from 2-8pm when friends, colleagues and members of the public interested in the work of the Institute will be able to see round the new premises and view some of its on-going projects. Staff will also be on hand to answer questions.
The Elphinstone Institute was established in 1995 during the 500th anniversary of the University of Aberdeen. Named after the University’s founder, Bishop Elphinstone, the Centre is dedicated to preserving, studying and promoting the cultural tradition of the North and North-east of Scotland.
Director, Dr Ian Russell, was appointed earlier this year, taking up his new appointment on September 1. He said that one of his main aims as Director will be to raise the profile of the Institute both within the University and the community of the North-east.
“Among my plans to achieve this is a comprehensive survey of the vibrant tradition and culture of the region and the establishment of the Institute as a centre of excellence for the study of the ballad, folk song and folk music,” he added.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Journalists and photographers are invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Elphinstone Institute on Wednesday, November 17, at noon, when Dr Ian Russell, Director of the Institute, will be available for interview. If you wish to attend, please contact University Press Officer Alison Ramsay on (01224) 273778.