Morning Tours and Lunch
On Saturday 1 June, Stewart’s Melville College welcomed nearly 100 alumni for a heartfelt reunion that combined nostalgia with a sense of progress. The day was filled with tours, a special lunch and various evening gatherings that highlighted both the enduring spirit and the modern advancements of the institution.
The morning began with alumni gathering in the Tom Fleming Centre for a catch up with coffee and a look at archive materials from their time at school. The visitors were struck by the blend of continuity and change throughout the campus. Highlights of the tour included the impressive Tom Fleming Centre, the current library, housed in the former chapel, and the innovative design and technology department, which still retains some desks from when attendees were pupils! These spaces underscored the School’s commitment to evolving, while maintaining its rich heritage.
A particular point of interest was the newly constructed Rutherford building, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms. Yet it was the return to their old form rooms in the Old College that proved the most popular, sparking memories of days gone by.
The tours were followed by a grown-up version of a school lunch, where alumni enjoyed hearty servings of stovies and lasagne, accompanied by rather grown-up beverages not typically found on the school menu! This meal provided a perfect setting for old friends to reconnect and reminisce.
Afternoon Visits to Former Boarding Houses
In the afternoon, former boarders had the opportunity to visit Dean Park House and Erskine House. These visits were particularly poignant as they marked the final farewell to these buildings as boarding houses, set to close at the end of June. Alumni wandered through the familiar rooms, sharing stories and rekindling memories of their boarding days.
Evening Year Group Reunions
The evening was dedicated to year group reunions, with several classes celebrating milestone anniversaries. Each group gathered at different venues around the city, turning the reunion into a vibrant city-wide celebration.
- DSMC Class of 1974: This group met at Gusto, enjoying a delightful meal that extended late into the night, filled with laughter and stories from their school days.
- ESMS Class of 1984: They gathered at the former Mary Erskine home on Queen Street, now Yotel, for a buffet, drinks and a nostalgic slide show.
- ESMS Class of 2004: Their reunion began at Whigham’s with drinks and nibbles before heading further into town, continuing their celebrations well into the night.
- ESMS Class of 2014: The youngest of the reunion groups started their night at Copper Blossom, reconnecting over drinks and planning future get-togethers.
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s reunion has already sparked enthusiasm for next year. Bookings are now open for the 2025 reunion, scheduled for 6 June 2025. Planned gatherings include celebrations for the DSMC Class of 1975 and the ESMS Classes of 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015. Alumni can secure their spots and look forward to another day of cherished memories and renewed connections by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DOWX.
The Summer Social was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, history, and the enduring bond between alumni and the school. The day highlighted how much the school has grown whilst still holding on to the essence of what makes it special to so many.
ESMS Community 