The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Students enjoyed a home from home in Mayfield’s halls
A former landmark property in the east of Dundee is the subject of todays’ main photo.
Provided by the team at Dundee University’s archive services, the vintage picture has been culled from the 1912-13 prospectus for Dundee Training College and shows Mayfield Hostel, on the city’s Broughty Ferry Road.
The uni’s Dr Kenneth Baxter explains: “This building was acquired to serve as a residence for female students who attended Dundee Training College, which was later Dundee College of Education.
“The college had a close relationship with University College, Dundee, and was initially based in the former technical institute in Small’s Wynd prior to moving to its own premises in Park Place in 1920.
“The St Andrews Provincial Committee for the Training of Teachers which ran the college had initially hoped to acquire a property on the south side of nearby Perth Road to serve as accommodation for students, for £5,000.
“This plan fell through and although consideration was given to acquiring Farington Hall, in early 1911 it was reported that the committee now favoured Mayfield House, a property in the east of Dundee owned by Sir William Ogilvy Dalgleish.
“This was acquired and work began to convert from a private residence to a home which could accommodate 50 female students. The formal opening of Mayfield Hostel took place in May 1913 and was performed by Lady Ogilvy Dalgleish, wife of Sir William.
“At this event she spoke of her happy
times at the property. However the renovations were so great that she noted that she found it difficult to find her way around, and commented that the hall where she spoke had been the site of her stables.
“Although some distance from the college, the newly opened Mayfield was praised for having beautiful grounds and stunning views, as well as being well designed for its new purpose.
“The bedrooms were described as ‘suitably furnished with up-to-date furniture’, while
the common room was well-stocked with books and had a piano. The site of the hostel is now a housing development.”