Graduation day

After five years of study at The University of Edinburgh, Adam graduated with a Masters degree in Astrophysics. All very complicated stuff and we really have no idea where he gets his brains from, especially his ability with maths because both LSH and I never enjoyed that. We are very proud of what he has achieved and he now gets to put the letters M. Phys after his name.

The ceremony was held in the McEwan Hall, which was specifically built as a graduation/concert hall for the university and was funded by William McEwan of the famous (in Scotland at least) brewing company, hence the name. It took a further three years to complete the very lavish decoration, which could perhaps be described as a little over the top but is, nonetheless, quite wonderful......as you will see. The hall, of course, is nowhere near as old as the university, which was founded in 1583.

The McEwan Hall

Waiting for proceedings to start

Inside the hall

The organ that you can see in the photo was not part of the original plan of the hall and was actually built three years later. Only some of the pipes are visible as most of them had to be ingeniously fitted in behind the existing fabric of the platform apse. It sounded wonderful.

The domed ceiling

The hall is semi-circular and has two galleries running around it.
You can see a bit of them in the photo above. We wondered who had the job of polishing all the lovely carved woodwork.

Adam having his head touched with the graduation cap by the Vice-Chancellor.

It's all over and we try to spot Adam in amongst the throng!

The carving above the door depicting a graduation. Legend has it that the cap is made out of John Knox's breeches.

Adam Gray M.Phys

Last photo in full regalia

Stripped down to Highland dress and off to celebrate

Stopping for a Guinness on the way to meet up with Ian and Lynne.
It was quite a hot day.....and kilts are very warm!

Grassmarket. Lovely architecture, shame about some of the modern signs!

Ian, Lynne and Euan met us for a celebratory meal. We chose a little Italian bistro and sat outside in the lovely Grassmarket area.

Euan is very mobile now and was keen to explore the pedestrianised area.

This tree just had to be visited for a game of peek-a-boo

There's just no stopping him now!

Using your tongue as a musical instrument can be so much fun..........

.............if a little dribbly.

We went for a wander

Striking a pose outside a tartan shop

More fantastic architecture

Looking down the Royal Mile

Back at the flat, footsore but happy, after a wonderful day.

NB. Adam only lives in a part of this house but I had to include it because it is such an improvement on his student accommodation of the last few years! And it has parking!

I can't do a graduation post without including Ian. Since I wasn't blogging when he got his degree in Sports and Fitness from Abertay University, he didn't get his moment in the spotlight. We are very proud of him too.

Ian Gray Bsc

Our sons have turned out not bad.