A courier driver was chuffed to help a procession marking the 225th anniversary of one of Scotland’s best known buildings – by providing a mobile cloakroom service for the mile-long march.
Hundreds of academics took part in an eye catching procession through the streets to mark the anniversary of when the foundation stone was laid for Edinburgh University’s historic Old College.
They sported traditional academic robes as they snaked their way from Parliament House, along the High Street to the Old College Quad on North Bridge, one of the capital’s architectural gems.
Ian Bailey, a driver with Eagle Couriers, Scotland’s biggest independent courier firm, followed along behind – to make sure the chilly marchers had their coats and jackets as soon as the 30 minute procession was over.
Jerry Stewart, a director of Eagle Couriers, said: “We have made some unusual deliveries in the 30-odd years we’ve been operating across Scotland. But this is the first time we’ve provided a mobile cloakroom service.
“The marchers left their coats and jackets behind when they put on their robes at the start of the procession – and Ian transported three clothing racks of coats so they were waiting for them at the other end.
“We were delighted to play a small role in such an important occasion. It just goes to show that our drivers never know what to expect and people are constantly surprising us with the variety of their requests.”
It adds to a list of notable deliveries which have seen the company’s bemused drivers asked to deliver canoes, an aeroplane nose cone, live frogs, assorted national sporting trophies including the Heineken Cup and the Solheim cup – and a missing family cat which was returned 478 miles from Plymouth to Penicuik.
Sunday’s (nov 23) procession recreated a similar event from 1789, the year Old College Foundation Stone was laid. Since then the landmark building has been the home of the University’s august and internationally acclaimed law school.
A Must See
It is also a must-see visitor attraction for the millions of visitors to the city, not least because of the the role played by two titans of Scottish architecture in its creation.
It was designed by neoclassical architect Robert Adam, who among his many accolades, served as Architect of the Kings Works. The interiors were designed by his contemporary, William H Playfair, one of Scotland’s greatest ever architects who was responsible for many New Town landmarks.
The ceremony also officially launch the University’s fundraising campaign to help support its new Law Library, law student bursaries and scholarships and the University’s pro bono work through the Free Legal Advice Centre.