University defends its graduation day move to city arena

Aberdeen University bosses have described a decision to move graduations away from its historic campus as “difficult but essential”.

People marking the completion of their studies at the city’s ancient institution will gather at P&J Live instead of the Old Aberdeen campus.

The £390 million venue, which is five miles away, was used for winter graduation ceremonies instead of Elphinstone Hall. Initially, the decant to the modern events complex was put down to the need for social distancing during the Covid pandemic.

But now the university is facing criticism as it confirms the shift will last beyond next summer.

Thousands of graduates have finished their time at the university with photos around the stunning grounds, dating back to the 15th Century.

Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has urged principal George Boyne to reconsider, having been contacted by “extremely disappointed” students.

The SNP politician said it seemed a “great shame” to hold ceremonies at the Teca site, “miles away with no historic ties”.

Mr Stewart said: “There is no doubt in my mind that these graduations should be on the historic university campus, not miles away in a generic setting with no real meaning to the students.

“Aberdeen is blessed to be home to such a renowned university and it should be celebrated.

“Aberdeen University students have worked hard for their degrees and will have spent the majority of their time on campus.

“Yet they do not get to celebrate such a momentous personal achievement there – it seems very unfair.”

He also said the university’s history was a “unique selling point” that brought international students to the Granite City, as well as drawing Scots talent here too.

Photos of graduations, he claimed, were part of that.

However, a spokeswoman claimed Elphinstone Hall which sits about 400 people – could no longer cope with the number of graduands.

Construction work on campus, beginning next summer, will also mean ceremonies would need to be held elsewhere.

She added: “The decision to move the graduations was difficult but essential.

“We are hugely conscious of the importance of the graduation ceremonies to our graduands and their families.

“The decision to use Teca has been a careful and considered one.

“Winter graduations were successfully hosted there with extremely positive feedback from those who attended around both the scale of the event and additional benefits, such as the enhanced transport connectivity for those travelling there.

“It is also worth noting the graduations themselves are not the only events happening at the university during graduation week.

“Elphinstone Hall will be used for graduation dinners and schools themselves plan local events for their graduands.”

PICTURE PERFECT: Aberdeen University has made a picturesque backdrop for generations of graduates.

MSP Kevin Stewart.