We are indebted to a recently published memoir of Northern College for some behind the scenes insights into the merger between Aberdeen and Dundee colleges of education in 1987.
A lecturer calls on principal David Adams with an exciting suggestion for the new college name. “Brig,” he proposed.
“Why Brig?” asked the principal.
“Because it is short and snappy and would put us first on the list of colleges of education, which boosts attendance from overseas; because a brig is a two-masted ship and we will be a college of two campuses, each with a seafaring connection; and because a brig is a bridge and both cities have famous bridges and are being bridged by the merger.”
“I see. But a brig is also a prison. Had you considered that?”
“Oh yes, Mr Adams. Indeed I had.”