College Invites Alumni to Celebrate 65th Anniversary
Former students of a college in the south of Scotland are invited to commemorate its 65th birthday and share their memories. A special event will take place at the Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries on Tuesday to celebrate Dumfries and Galloway College reaching this significant milestone.
Founded in 1961 as Dumfries Technical College, locally known as the Tech, the institution initially operated from sites at George Street in Dumfries and Heathhall before relocating to new purpose-built facilities on the Crichton Campus in 2008.
Launch of Heritage Trail to Mark Anniversary
To coincide with the anniversary celebrations, the college is launching a heritage trail that narrates its history through a series of 10 markers placed around the campus. Each marker includes QR codes that enable visitors to engage in a self-guided exploration of the college’s story.
The markers feature audio contributions from past and present staff, students, and partners of the college. The trail is designed to be a living, evolving legacy that can be updated over time to reflect ongoing developments.
History of Campus Locations
Over the years, the college has occupied several sites before settling at its current location on the Crichton Campus. From 1961 to 1973, it was based in George Street, which later reopened as a school of art and design from 1994 to 2008.
The Heathhall Campus operated from 1973 until 2008, while the college also maintained a presence at Maxwell House on the Crichton between 1998 and 2008 before moving to the current site. Additionally, the Stranraer Campus opened in 1990 to serve the western part of the region.
Thousands of Students Have Passed Through
Thousands of students have attended the college over the decades and are encouraged to share their memories as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Alumni Reflections: Jeanette McCreadie’s Story
Among the alumni is Jeanette McCreadie, who was one of the first students to attend the college when it opened. She recalls her experience:
"I attended the first commercial course in the old George Street school," she said.
"I went on to work there in the office and met my husband there who was attending a mechanical engineering course.
We've now been married 60 years this year - oh the wonder of education.
The college certainly had a big impact on our life."
College Principal Highlights Impact and Legacy
College principal Douglas Dickson emphasized the opportunities the site has provided for local people to realize their ambitions.
"When I look back over the years, what stands out most is not just the projects that have been completed or the qualifications delivered," he said.
"It's the people, the communities, and the sense of purpose at the heart of what we do.
Our heritage trail tells the story of rural education and its role in delivering innovation, opportunity and economic impact over the years and my thanks go to everyone who has helped bring it to life."
He noted that while the college's role has evolved, its core mission remains consistent.
"Throughout our 65 years, our focus has been supporting learners, responding to regional need, and ensuring the college continues to play a central role in the future of the region," he said.
