Latest news with #MadrasCollege
The Courier
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Painting with volcanoes? Sneak a peek at DJCAD's 2025 Degree Show
This weekend, Dundee art students get to showcase their years of hard work at the annual DJCAD undergraduate degree show. As ever, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design presents a wide variety of talent with the care and attention of a professional art exhibition. From video, paint and sculpture pieces to imaginative textile design and skilfully-crafted jewellery, there's a wealth of talent on show from the next generation of Dundee makers. You'll also find fascinating stories behind much of the work on show. Here are just four of them, to entice you along. Art and philosophy graduate Joy Jennings has been working in Dundee as a creative therapy support worker. Over the course of a year, she's created 1,000 small figures called Formables in materials ranging from bronze to ceramics. Joy believes handling them could help children and others explore their emotions. 'Due to their size, I knew I would need hundreds to fill any space,' she says. 'But each figure is special in some way, whether by material, colour or form. 'Grouped together, they reflect ourselves as social beings, with deep longings for connection,' the former Madras College student explains. Her interest in therapy comes partly from the Fife-raised artist's own family loss. In 2014 her parents Donna and Thomas set up the Dundee-based charity For the Love of a Child in memory of her brother Samuel, who died of heart failure aged five. Joy adds: 'Out of that grief, the charity was set up to bring hope and healing to children and families who experience trauma, grief and loss.' Recently, she has worked with local primary schools, including Rowantree and Mill of Mains, along with Dudhope Young People's Unit and Ukrainian refugee groups. Edinburgh man Tom Speedy has seen the fruits of his labours used to decorate the show's promotional banners outside DJCAD's Perth Road campus. What you may miss, though, are the textures of his large-scale paintings. The artist adds to his pigments other materials such as volcanic ash gathered from the Mediterranean island Stromboli. Tom bases his self-portraits on photos, including one of him carrying a mate who had fractured his ankle on a trip to Tiree. He says: 'I am drawn to the untouched and unexplored qualities of our environment, turning these incidents into otherworldly landscapes on a grand scale.' Portraiture also appears in the striking work of Andrew Ejiga, who last year was awarded a solo show at Dundee's Keiller Centre. Having focused then on family and friends, Andrew, who came to study in the city from Nigeria, has since sought a wider range of models. 'At the Keiller, I explored the tension between how society perceives us and the realities we experience,' he says. 'But I was surprised by how many people, regardless of background, shared struggles with pressure to fit into a single identity. 'I saw how much more we had in common than what separates us physically. I started focusing less on our differences and more on a shared sense of humanity.' Identity again plays a major role in the work of mature student Nicky Riding. She explores the effects of the menopause – and treatment of older women – in her powerful installation Gazebo. It includes images of women from across the UK along with derogatory terms such as 'crone' and 'hag' alongside the more affirming 'Do you see me now?' She explains: 'Older women are given a rough deal. In our culture, there's far more regard placed on youth, so we're ignored and given little value. 'Influencers like Davina McCall and Mariella Frostrup have increased the menopause's profile. But the art world has still not caught up. 'Representations of it in western culture are very sparse and not positive. 'My menopause has empowered me and hopefully my art can help others feel the same.'
The Courier
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Tribute to St Andrews man Colin Gilmour who's died of cancer at 63
The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, has led tributes to university staff member Colin Gilmour, who has died of cancer aged 63. Colin, who most recently worked in the university's residential business services team at Agnes Blackadder Hall, is being remembered by colleagues, friends, and family as a 'seemingly ordinary man who had an extraordinary effect on so many people.' Born and raised in St Andrews, Colin's life touched many corners of his local community – from the lecture halls of Elmwood College in Cupar to the tills of Morrisons supermarket in St Andrews. A former pupil of Madras College and graduate of Abertay University, Colin also ran his own record shop, and was known for his sharp mind, dry humour, and quiet integrity. Colin Gilmour. Image: Peter Gilmour One university colleague said: 'Colin had a unique charm and the ability to get on with people from all corners of the world and all walks of life. 'He was a true gentleman and a great friend; we will all miss him dearly and be forever grateful for meeting him.' Professor Dame Sally Mapstone added: 'Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Katrina, Peter, and Colin's wider family and friends. He was a valued part of our community and will be greatly missed.' Early life growing up in St Andrews Colin was born on October 19 1961, and grew up in Greyfriars Gardens, above the family music shop Methven Simpson, run by his father. The youngest of three children, he shared a close bond with his older sister Katrina and brother Peter, who both still live locally. Remembered fondly as a cheerful and imaginative child, Colin had a love of dressing up – appearing at home as a matador one day, a guardsman or American soldier the next. Family stories recall his early sense of humour. Colin Gilmour grew up above the family music shop on Greyfriars Gardens, St Andrews. Image: DC Thomson. Determined to emulate his comic-book hero Winker Watson, from the Dandy comic, Colin once stuck chewing gum to his eyelashes in a bid to teach himself how to wink – an effort that alarmed his mother more than it improved his technique. However, Colin's early life was also marked by loss. His father died suddenly when Colin was just seven. The tragedy deepened the bond between Colin and his mother, a relationship that would remain central throughout his life. A talent for numbers and a love for music A pupil at the local primary school and later Madras College, Colin was an intelligent and quick-witted pupil with a strong memory and a natural grasp of numbers. Though not especially sporty, he did play hockey – more, his family say, for the social side than the competition. It was perhaps inevitable that Colin developed a deep love of music. Helping out in the family's music shop from a young age, he was surrounded by records, instruments and a local community of music lovers. Colin Gilmour in his younger years. Image: Peter Gilmour After a brief spell in the Royal Naval Reserve – serving on HMS Camperdown in Dundee and taking part in training exercises – Colin decided against a military career. He went on to study accountancy at Abertay University in Dundee, graduating with distinction. Career in finance, teaching, and retail Colin spent around 12 years in the London area, working in finance roles for organisations including the NHS, London Transport, and a Colombian flower importer. Though professionally successful, he remained rooted in his home town, making regular visits back to St Andrews to see his mum and family. Eventually, he returned permanently. He briefly ran his own record shop, Trax, in Bell Street, before retraining as a lecturer in economics and maths – first gaining a teaching qualification and then securing a position at Elmwood College in Cupar. Colin Gilmour was a former lecturer at Elmwood College, Cupar. Image: DC Thomson. In the classroom, Colin was a natural. Students and colleagues alike praised his ability to make complex subjects engaging and accessible. He believed in giving everyone a fair chance, and he never judged. 'There was no 'side' to him,' his family say. 'He was straightforward and wise – often frustrated by bureaucracy, but always looking to the bigger picture.' A man of principle and the people Later, Colin made a complete career change, joining the team at Morrisons in St Andrews as a customer service assistant. He thrived in the role, enjoying the constant interaction and quick pace. Shoppers often formed queues at his checkout, happy to wait for the friendly chat they knew would follow. He continued to enjoy simple pleasures – reading the newspapers, a good book, or a competitive game of Trivial Pursuit with his family. Colin Gilmour in his younger years. Image: Peter Gilmour He followed current affairs closely, was well-read in politics and history, and was known for his quiet but unwavering belief in fairness and justice. The death of his mother in 2013 was another significant loss, but Colin found comfort in the support of his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He was particularly fond of his niece's dog, Sefton, and enjoyed walking him along East Sands. Walking became a daily habit – both exercise and reflection. In 2010, Colin underwent heart bypass surgery. He recovered well, took it in his stride, and continued to live a relatively active life. Life at the university Colin later joined the University of St Andrews, first as a kitchen porter, and then as a food service agent at Agnes Blackadder Hall. Once again, he made his mark through the friendships he formed and the conversations he sparked. St Andrews University. Though naturally private, Colin's warmth and wit were constants. He was briefly married to Andrea, but after a while, he returned to the independence he had always known. He was content in his own company, especially when lost in a book. Illness and final days Towards the end of 2024, Colin's health began to decline. He continued working despite feeling unwell, until a visit to the GP and subsequent tests led to a cancer diagnosis. He faced the news in his own way – calmly, privately, and without complaint. St Andrews man Colin Gilmour has died aged 63. Image: Peter Gilmour His condition deteriorated quickly in early 2025, and he was admitted to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, where he passed away with his brother Peter and sister Katrina by his side. A humanist service celebrating his life was held at Brewsterwells Crematorium, Largoward, on April 28.
The Courier
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Courier
Family finish St Andrews golf caddie's book following cancer death
David Coyne was lucky to survive a dramatic accident that altered the course of his life one Friday afternoon in April 1984. A Leuchars joiner by trade, the former Leuchars Primary and Madras College pupil was helping a friend remove large plate glass windows at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews when a sucker pad slipped with the weight, bringing the pane crashing to the concrete. A large shard of glass fell on David's neck, slicing part of his main blood vessel and breaking his knee cap. The injury was catastrophic, leaving the 24-year-old father in a critical condition. Losing blood fast, hotel staff drove him to the then St Andrews Memorial Hospital where, by sheer luck, local GP Dr Bell knew how to clip his vessels to stem the blood flow. Blue-lighted by ambulance from St Andrews to Ninewells in Dundee, then on to Glasgow, a staggering 66 pints of blood were pumped through David to keep him alive ahead of an eight-hour operation to repair his wounds. Recuperating for more than a year, he was left with permanent nerve damage in his left arm. This rendered him unable to return to joinery work or his then job at the Guardbridge paper mill. But for David, this enforced change of direction was the beginning of a new chapter. It led him to work as a caddie on the Old Course at St Andrews for over 30 years. Now, two years after David died aged 63 from an aggressive melanoma cancer – a diagnosis which his family think is probably linked to decades of working on the golf course without sunscreen – his family are celebrating his 'bittersweet' legacy with the posthumous release of his book that collates decades of stories, banter, and memories. 'Dad was not particularly a golf lover,' says his daughter Louise Coyne, 42, the head barmaid at Ye Olde Hotel, known as 'Hendies', in Leuchars. 'But what he did enjoy was meeting people and wanting them to experience and enjoy the full splendour of the Old Course. 'That's what he loved most. People. He was a people person, so down-to-earth, and that's why everyone loved him.' In a sit-down interview with The Courier overlooking the Old Course, Louise and David's wife Ellie Laird, are full of pride as they reflect on his book dream coming to fruition. It's been a team effort following his death involving some of the biggest names in the local golfing world. However, they remain sad that he's not here to see it for himself. Louise explained that her dad loved the camaraderie and banter of the caddies. He started gathering decades of stories, banter, and memories. Many of his memories involved real salt-of-the-earth 'characters' of the St Andrews caddie world. The stories – often recounted in the Dunvegan bar – were legendary. Over the years he caddied for celebrities like Tom Chaplin from Keane, Justin Timberlake, Bill Clinton and Catherine Zeta-Jones. But while he enjoyed his brushes with fame, what really moved David were the stories of ordinary people living their dreams – like the American veteran who played the Old Course from a wheelchair using adapted clubs. Meticulous by nature, David created hand-drawn course guides to help players navigate the links. He collected stories from fellow caddies and tourists, jotting down memories and moments between rounds. What started as a few folders of anecdotes turned into a lifetime project: plans for a book. But before his book 'St Andrews Caddies to the Fore' could be completed, David was diagnosed with stage four cancer in December 2022. He died on May 6 2023. Ellie, 57, of Tayport, recalls how David was already talking about writing a book when she first met him while walking the West Highland Way in 2010. 'He was just so full of life, so full of stories,' smiles the accountant, originally from Glasgow. 'Writing a book was something he always had in the back of his mind. And even when his health started to deteriorate, he kept pushing forward with it.' Ellie says that following David's death, she sometimes wondered if they should do it without him. But after Louise discussed with her sister Elizabeth, she knew they had to. 'He would've wanted it,' adds Ellie. Louise admits she sometimes struggles with the emotions tied to the book's release. 'It's sometimes a struggle not having dad here,' she says. However, she adds: 'He'd be so proud, he'd be overwhelmed. This book was everything to him.' The book itself is a testament to David's dedication and passion. It's a blend of personal anecdotes, historical reflections and vivid images of St Andrews and its iconic caddie culture. There are stories of unforgettable characters from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. These range from the legendary Steve 'Soapy Bubbles' Parnell and Roddy 'The Proddy' Mathieson to Dave 'Croc' Kilgour and Freddie McCready, who would often be seen roaming about St Andrews bars, drinking away their caddie wages. The book also spotlights the famous enduring partnership between Arnold Palmer and Tip Anderson. These stories, told through the eyes of David and his fellow caddies, offer readers a glimpse behind the scenes of the caddie shack. Ellie said the book 'helped ease some of the pain of losing Dave'. 'It's a real labour of love,' she says. 'Chic Harper, the book designer, really helped bring it to life, and seeing it come together was incredibly emotional for all of us.' Louise agrees. 'It's amazing to think that all those years of gathering stories, all those orange lever arch files full of notes, actually turned into something tangible. It feels like dad's spirit is still with us.' Though it's been bittersweet, St Andrews Caddies to the Fore is more than a book – it's a celebration of the caddie community in St Andrews. Louise adds: 'Dad always said, 'Don't regret the things you've done, regret the things you haven't done.' 'He lived that every single day. And that's why this book is so important. It's his legacy. It's his story, but it's also the story of so many others who walked those fairways with him.' Ellie thanked those who helped bring the book to life – Chic Harper, David Joy, Christer Lihammar, John Boyne, David Lawrence and Tom Coyne (no relation!). Ellie adds: 'I know that if Dave was with us today, he would be bursting with pride at seeing his years of work and dedication coming to fruition'. St Andrews Caddies to the Fore by David Coyne is now available for purchase through various outlets including Toppings St Andrews and the R&A's World Golf Museum.
