26th January 2013
James Gorrie, a graduate from 1964 who organised the first ChemSoc Burns Supper in 1963, delivered the Selkirk Grace. The Head of School, Prof Eleanor Campbell, gave the address to the haggis after it was piped in by Dr Colin Campbell. Dr Neil Robertson gave the immortal memory and the night had an international flavour with Alexander Bulgakov singing a Burns song in Russian!
After a splendid Burns Supper there was a surprise visit by Joseph Black himself! Black was amazed to learn so much had changed since his time at University of Edinburgh from 1766-1799. He was interviewed by BBC reporter Stacy Segway (aka Dr Carole Morrison) who updated him on the research and changes in Chemistry at Edinburgh since his time.
He was very surprised to see so many women present and of course very pleased to hear that the school still has an excellent teaching reputation, winning the EUSA Teaching Award for Best Department in 2011. Black toasted the Scottish chemists, past, present and future and then stayed on to enjoy the ceilidh with music provided by the brilliant Off Centre Ceilidh Band.