Scotch College

1851 - 2001 ...

Torch Relay and Heritage Walk day, February 18 2001, proved to be everything that Ian Rehfisch and his hard-working team of torch relay organisers had hoped for.

For a start it was a beautiful summer's day; and it was a day when the 150th anniversary celebrations really got going.

There was a tremendous feeling of historical significance about the whole event, and the salutations and celebrations brought the Scotch College of 50, 100 and 150 years back to life.

History was being made at the same time it was being celebrated, as 2001 became another link in a Scotch chain of events stretching from the gold rush year of 1851.

At 9.30am on February 18, School Council Chairman Mr Michael Robinson lit the torch outside the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Spring Street, honouring the nearby site of the infant Scotch of 1851 (then temporarily known as the 'Melbourne Academy').

The links with 1851 - and with School founder James Forbes' birthplace in Leochel-Cushnie, Scotland - had been forged in that tiny Scottish village with the rather tongue-twisting name, last October.

Kindled by a descendant of James Forbes in Leochel-Cushnie, the torch was handed to Scotch Family members at the Old Scotch Collegians' London Branch Dinner on 6 October 2000 - our 149th birthday.

A journey across the world and then from Perth and Adelaide through to Melbourne followed, which included a service of dedication at Scots Church on February 11.

The final journey

And so, as the sun shone down strongly on February 18, the torch began its final journey to the School's home in Hawthorn, to take its place in welcoming and thanksgiving services. Carried ceremoniously by current students, staff and Old Boys, the torch travelled from the School's original site, pausing at significant locations such as the School's second and third sites, the MCG and the Yarra river.

At each location, a Scotch representative read a salutation marking the significance of the spot. The torch was then passed reverently from hand to hand among Scotch people connected with the site or activity being 'saluted'. School Council members, East Melbourne Old Boys and 'younger' Old Boys, Scotch Foundation members, current Scotch boys and School staff all had a hand in the torch's progress along its historic route.

The torch took to the Yarra River west of Swan Street, where the 2001 First Crew rowed it to the Morell Landing. Through an honour guard of past Captains of Boats, the torch relay picked up speed, as teams of Scotch students started to run with it along the Yarra bank towards its final destination.

Meanwhile there was an air of expectancy among a large group of Scotch Family members awaiting the torch's arrival at the School. Attention was riveted to a giant television screen near the James Forbes Academy site, showing pictures of the torch's progress. School bagpipers and other musicians added their contributions to the atmosphere.

'Now at last it has arrived here at its true home in Hawthorn', Michael Robinson, said as he welcomed the torch at the Junior School Oval.

More salutations followed at the Junior School, the boarders' dining hall and then finally, and most triumphantly of all, at the Memorial Hall.

A special address from Sir Zelman Cowen

Former Governor-General and illustrious Scotch Old Boy, the Right Honourable Sir Zelman Cowen gave a special address at the Memorial Hall. 'Scotch has provided in its 150 years of life, a sound, progressive and often inspirational contribution to the Victorian economy', Sir Zelman said. 'Its students have given leadership and support in all aspects of community life into which they have entered.'

As Sir Zelman concluded his remarks, the torch moved off across the Main Oval, on its way to the Chapel. This time it was passed on by many of Scotch's 2001 leaders - including School Vice-Captain, Mark Simpson and Captains and Vice-captains of the School and its houses.

Now Senior School staff and the Bursar, Neil Roberts handed it on to School Captain Brendan Ferguson, an honour - which he won't forget - was to carry the torch up the Chapel steps.

A crowd of thousands, taking in the history of the moment, watched from the Main Oval, from the road round the Chapel, from the slopes of the Boarders' Hill, and from vantage points near the Chapel.