Local model impresses in Hong Kong
03/04/2012 10:44:47
One Kilmarnock school’s reach is spanning the globe – and has now extended as far as Hong Kong.
Backing Grange Academy’s bid to ‘go global’, local architect David Ross, Design Director of Keppie Design, took one of Grange Academy’s miniature First Edition printing presses to the city state, when he travelled there recently on business.
David, 47, presented the model to Jacqui Donaldson, Chieftain of Hong Kong’s St Andrew’s Society, a prestigious expats group. Jacqui was delighted to receive a gift with such a strong connection to Ayrshire and Robert Burns.
The original wooden press was used in July 1786 to print the famous first ‘Kilmarnock edition’ of the poems of Robert Burns, which shot the young poet to fame.
Two previous replica presses have travelled thousands of miles from Kilmarnock – one to Cape Town, courtesy of Head of Scottish Engineering Dr Peter Hughes and another to Madeira, thanks to local tenor John Goodwin – all part of Grange’s plans to take over the world!
And now model press number three has pride of place in the St Andrew’s Society HQ in Hong Kong.
David Ross, 47, is a business leader linked with Grange Academy in a Council-wide enterprise programme designed to make school leavers ‘business ready’. A former James Hamilton Academy pupil, David has led international projects in China, Turkey, India and the Middle East.
He said: “Our architectural practice is one of the oldest in Scotland and for the last 18 months we have had a base in Hong Kong.
“I also represent East Ayrshire schools – and specifically Grange Academy – as a business leader, promoting entrepreneurship in secondary schools. One of our tasks is to build potential business links between the schools and Scottish communities overseas.
“The schools’ enterprise initiative is an inspiring one. Even in challenging times, the energy, enthusiasm and imagination of our young people are motivating to those of us in business.
“The Council is to be commended for its appreciation of the potential for bridging perceived gaps between school curriculum and business life”.
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk