Bruce House 50s and 60s boarders celebrated at inaugural reunion

In conjunction with St Andrew’s Day on 30 November, over 60 Bruce House boarders from 1950s and 1960s returned for an inaugural reunion. For many, it was their first time back at the College and boarding house in decades. The feeling of nostalgia was apparent as these Bruce House Old Collegians reminisced fond memories from the past while they walked alongside their fellow boarders through their old living quarters.

Many were eager to check out the rooms they used to stay in, recalling names of roommates, House Master and Matrons during their time at Bruce House. Plenty of time was spent engaging in incessant conversations with each other, filling the hallways and dining area with revelry and laughter.

Following a warm welcome by Acting College Principal Mr Duncan McQueen, our special guests for the day were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the dining hall. Joining them were the current Trust Board Chair Mr Mark Connelly and Executive Trustee Dr Kevin Morris, who were both Bruce House boarders themselves.  

As weather would have it, plans for a tour of the College Campus had to be cancelled and our guests were instead transported to the Chapel immediately after lunch where Mr Connelly took the opportunity to share developments at Saint Kentigern in recent years followed by Dr Morris who presented the changes to, and prospects for, Bruce House.

To mark this remarkable occasion, each of the six foundation boarders in attendance were presented a framed photo of their inaugural year at the boarding house. Guests also witnessed the presentation of the Iona Stone as a gift to The Chapel of Saint Kentigern, accepted by Mr McQueen and the 2022 College Chapel Prefect Sebastian Hardie, a fitting ceremony in conjunction with the Chapel’s 50th anniversary this year.

This beautiful piece of polished Iona marble comes from the island off the west coast of Scotland where St Columba brought the Christian gospel from Ireland in the Fifth Century AD. From this foundation in Iona, St Columba and his successors including St Kentigern established and spread the Celtic Christian faith in Scotland.

Following the formalities, guests followed the beautiful sounds of pipe by Mr Andrew Lightfoot which greeted them as they left the Chapel for afternoon tea at the Goodfellow Centre.

Throughout the gathering, it was precious to witness the amazing fellowship and friendship that is kept over the years. We would like to thank all who attended for taking the time to join us. We plan to host this event annually on St Andrews’ Day and look forward to welcoming past boarders back to Bruce House and the College on 30 November 2023.