Newbattle Abbey Collegehas hosted an evening reception at the Scottish Parliament in celebration of its 75th Anniversary, with support from sponsor MSP, Jean Urquhart and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Mike Russell MSP. The event was held at Holyrood on Tuesday 25th September and was attended by over one hundred people including education representatives from acrossScotland.
The reception was held as part of Newbattle Abbey College’s year of celebrations surrounding its 75th Anniversary as Scotland’s only adult education residential college.
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell said, “Over its illustrious history the college has remained an inspiring setting for learning and a sterling example of how education can change and improve lives” and pointed out that, “In its time, the college has boasted the presence of two of Scotland’s most well know cultural figures with renowned writers and poets Edwin Muir and George Mackay Brown both drawn to its tranquillity, aesthetic beauty and educational standards.”
He continued, “It remains a unique place today, serving the needs of a particular group of learners, namely adults, often from challenging backgrounds, who are committed to enhancing their lives and possibilities through the power of education. I’d like to congratulate staff and students on this wonderful milestone and look forward to many more years of continual educational success.’’
Jean Urquhart MSP is a former Newbattle Abbey College student herself and sponsored the event. She said, “What a privilege to sponsor the 75th Anniversary of Newbattle Abbey College in the Scottish Parliament. I was a student in 2000/01, and like most of my fellow students I was at a cross-road in my life and wondering what to do next. Sero Sed Serio (late but in earnest) the college motto, seemed to fit with all of the students – a second chance at learning and a second chance at life.
“There will always be a place for the different educational experience that Newbattle Abbey College can offer and may it go on changing lives for years to come. I hope that this 75th Anniversary will help to remind everyone that this is a college that serves all of Scotland.â€
Commenting on the successful evening, College Principal Ann Southwood, said, “It is a pleasure to have been able to host this event in Holyrood’s Garden Lobby and I am extremely grateful to Jean Urquhart MSP for showing us such support by making the evening a possibility. The evening was attended by friends, partners and supporters of the College, including several former Newbattle students, providing an opportunity for education representatives and students from all overScotland to network and forge new relationships.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey for the college over 75 years and significant events, some perhaps perceived as negatives at the time, have played a role in making Newbattle a college to be proud of. Transformative learning is at the heart of our curriculum and we are well known for being life changing. We are proud to be celebrating 75 years of providing adults with few or no qualifications the opportunity to experience a high quality learning experience. Looking to the future we can confidently state that we are committed to continuing to transform and inspire generations of Scots to come.â€