A vision in crimson

On August 1, 1967, an unusual sight greeted the people of Dundee as hundreds of students filed up the Law dressed in red academic gowns.

At the top they admired the stunning views – an arresting vision in crimson – before heading back down to the newly designated Dundee University.

The red gowns were a tie from the 70-year history with St Andrews University which was now severed, leaving the Dundee University students free to enjoy their own institution.

Legend has it that the students who walked to the top of the Law that day in 1967 took binoculars with them, so they could see their old classmates across the water in St Andrews and wave!

Now, with Dundee University’s yearlong celebrations under way to commemorate its 50th anniversary, the university and The Courier are keen to track down original photographs of this historic promenade up the Law.

“The two images we have seen are in the book `University Education in Dundee 1881-1981 – A pictorial history’, compiled by Michael Shafe,” explains Roddy Isles, head of corporate communications at Dundee University.

“The images are credited only to ‘P. Hetherington’.

“We don’t have copies of the original pictures but would love to track down P. Hetherington or anyone who took part in the walk up the Law.

“The caption on the pictures in the book says: ‘Students celebrated the birth of their new university by a colourful climb of Dundee Law’.”

Anyone who has information or a copy of the original photograph is asked to contact Roddy Isles, head of corporate communications, Dundee University, by telephone on 01382 384910 or by email at R.Isles@dundee.ac.uk

Dundee University students climb the Law in 1967. See more on left.