The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Kipling was no absent rector
A priceless piece of memorabilia from just over 100 years ago that recalls one of the greatest figures in world literature and his ties to both Dundee and Fife features in today’s main image.
Providing the fascinating story behind the historical artefact, Dundee University archivist Kenneth Baxter explains: “It is a menu for a luncheon held at University College, Dundee, on Friday October 12 1923, for Rudyard Kipling.
“Kipling had been elected as the rector of the University of St Andrews, which at that time the college was part of, the previous year. This copy belonged to Miss Annie Strachan, then the president of the students’ representative council, who proposed a toast to Kipling’s health at the luncheon.
“It is signed by Kipling, his wife Elsie and his daughter Carrie, as well as James Irvine (principal of the university), John Yule Mackay (principal of University College), and Sir George Baxter (chairman of the college council) and his wife Lady Edith.”
Born on December 30 1865, Kipling became established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as one of the UK’S most popular writers both at home and abroad.
The Jungle Book, Kim and Just So Stories author became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature – and, at 41, the first English-language writer to be awarded the prize – in 1907.
Looking at how the Indian-born scribe came to enjoy a strong Courier Country connection and how events played out in the academic setting a century past, the historian continues: “Kipling had been installed as lord rector of the university in a ceremony in St Andrews earlier that week and, following a precedent set by his predecessor Sir JM Barrie, he now came to Dundee to visit University College.
“A large crowd of students turned out at Tay Bridge Station to greet Kipling who was due to arrive at 12.28pm. It was said that for an hour before, the station was effectively taken over by a mass invasion of students in red gowns, with some amusing themselves by setting off fireworks and racing with luggage trolleys.
“When his train arrived he was immediately carried by students from the platform and up the stairs to the street, almost losing his hat in the process. On exiting the station he boarded a waiting carriage with Principal Irvine, Principal Mackay and Sir George Baxter which students then planned to pull to the college.
“However, it was reported that they tired on the journey and so tied it to a passing tram car which then hauled it along the Nethergate to the college.”
Dr Baxter concludes his account of Kipling’s visit in tomorrow’s Craigie, when he looks at the inspiring speech the legendary author delivered in Dundee. the sale’s staging is by the kind permission of Ruaraidh and Jeanette Ogilvie, and she adds: “There will be a good selection of plants sourced from private gardens and some local nurseries.
“Please bring boxes and trays if you can; donations of plants in advance or on the day will be welcome if planted in compost.
“For the first time this will be a morning event, from 10am–1pm. Entrance is £5 – children free – to include the sale, the gardens and tea or coffee and home baking, with plenty of parking available.”
All proceeds from the event are being put to the Sgs-nominated charities Maggie’s, QNIS and Perennial. Further details are available at scotlandsgardens.org.