Crichton Foundation to unveil latest addition to the Crichton Campus

Posted on Tuesday, 9 June, 2009

The latest addition to the Crichton University Campus will be officially unveiled today (Tuesday, 21 April). The Henry Duncan Building will be officially named and opened by Susan Rice, Chairman and Chief Executive of LloydsTSB Scotland, in celebration of the bicentenary of the founding of the savings bank movement. The building, which consists of a reading room and research centre, is located in the College grounds and will be shared between students and staff from the three learning institutions at the Crichton: the University of Glasgow, the University of the West of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway College. The building was designed by BDP architects, the team behind the design of the new Dumfries and Galloway College campus. The Crichton Foundation raised approximately £1.2 million and contributed a further £250,000 from its endowment to the total cost of the building. As major contributors, Lloyds TSB Scotland and the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, were offered the opportunity to name the building by the Crichton Foundation. Susan Rice, Chairman and Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland, said: "The Rev. Henry Duncan founded the first savings bank right here in Dumfriesshire in 1810. This began a movement that now stretches across the world. He also understood how far-reaching the impact of education could be. Naming this educational resource after Henry Duncan is a very fitting tribute to our founder as we approach our 200th year." Dame Barbara Kelly, Convenor of the Crichton Foundation, commented: "The official naming ceremony offers a chance for everyone involved in the development of the Henry Duncan Building to see the building and allows the Crichton Foundation to thank them for their support. The generosity of the people, organisations and businesses of the south of Scotland has been heart warming. "The Henry Duncan Building is a vital building block in the development of the Crichton Campus and demonstrates the Crichton Foundation's commitment to helping provide students in Dumfries and Galloway with the very best facilities and opportunities in further and higher education; widening access for those living in rural areas and investing in the economic, social and cultural future of our community." Mary Craig, Chief Executive of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, said: "The Rev. Henry Duncan founded his bank to enable all people in his parish, regardless of wealth or position, to strive for financial independence. At the Foundation, our grant schemes continue his legacy by helping grassroots charities carry out their valuable work improving the lives of thousands of people across Scotland." Tony Jakimciw, Principal of Dumfries and Galloway College, said: "The Crichton campus is the first shared facility between further and higher education institutions in Scotland. The Henry Duncan building is a remarkable addition to the campus. By contributing to the Crichton Foundation's funds for this building, the people of Dumfries and Galloway have demonstrated that they too are fully committed to investing in the future of the area and to providing the very best for all learners."