40 years of Moray

2025 marks a significant milestone for Scotch College: 40 years of Moray. The site was named Moray after the province in Scotland, from which Clan Murray derives.

An aerial of Moray taken in 2024.

A vision for Outdoor Education

During the 1970s, Scotch College considered obtaining a piece of land for a school camp, as popularity for outdoor wild adventures grew.

Headmaster Bill Dickinson was specifically interested in land around Dwellingup as it offered rugged terrain, plentiful vegetation, close access to canoeable rivers, power, water, and state forest. Additionally, it was a decently short distance from Perth.

In 1974, Dickinson, who was aware that school groups were venturing out throughout the state, communicated the significance of this undertaking:

There is no doubt of the desirability of the school being able to develop further the opportunities for camping expeditions.^¹

The first camp at Moray

Before its official opening, in May 1984, the Year 9 adventure camp became the first Scotch group to use Moray. This camp, originally planned for Nanga, was washed out by heavy rain and relocated to the large shed on the Moray site.

The site officially opened on 27 October 1985 by Tom Bunning (OSC 1927).

(left to right) Mr Tom Bunning (OSC 1927), Mr Bob Keall (Acting Chairman of the Council) and Headmaster Bill Dickinson.

Supporting future generations of Scotch boys

For continuous use of Moray, it became evident that a dormitory, assembly building, and ablution blocks were required.

In aid of this, the Parents' Association hosted a fundraising fair in November 1984, to which an estimated 12,000 people showed up, raising $70,000.

Parents' Association fundraising fair, November 1984.

To this day, the Outdoor Education Programme offered at Moray encourages students to develop self-confidence, leadership skills, and personal relationships.

References;
1. Headmaster's Report, September 1974.