Life in Maroon
George Watson's has been an integral part of Edinburgh and Scotland since it's Boys College was formed in 1870. Subsequently joined by the George Watson’s Ladies’ College in 1871, the school has prided itself as a premiere educational establishment now based on Colinton Road. Hamilton & Inches have strong ties with the school, our very own Ian Hamilton Inches donating a trophy to the college following his work as an Assistant and Vice Convener.
Inter-House Challenge Trophy
The Inter-House Challenge trophy was created for George Watson's Ladies College, commissioned by Colonel Young in 1924. His son, Archibald, had attended Watsons from 1899 - 1908, going on to achieve many remarkable sporting and military accolades before being sadly killed-in-action at Gully Ravine, 28 June 1915, along with at least 13 other Watsonians serving alongside him in the same Battalion.
A quote from Colonel Young in the George Square Chronicle (the GWLC publication) reads,
"Colonel Young, our Emeritus Vice-Convener, has stood forth as the apostle of light. The fine trophy in the form of the shield which he has presented to the College provides a welcome stimulus to the school patriotism which finds expression in the healthy rivalry in work, play, and good conduct among the Houses."
During a previous speech, the Colonel had "pointed out that, symbolically, the outer circle of the targe may be taken to stand for patriotism in the national sense, while the House badges stand for a particular form of loyalty, which should but increase our love for the School - the centre round which all our activities rotate."