Mr. Colin T. Graham: Dundee Inver Discs

with Mr. Colin T. Graham, Chairman, Thorntons LLP Class of 1979

Castaways must select eight records, providing as much detail as they wish with respect to preferred interpretation and the reasons for their choice. They are provided with a copy of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare and their chosen Bible or philosophical text. Over and above this they may select one book (omnibuses are acceptable) and one luxury, for which practicalities of transport or quantities are not of concern, (pianos and ‘lifetime’s supply of X’ are perennially popular choices), however the luxury cannot be another person.

The Apple Dumpling Gang – Shane Tatum. This song will be well known to all Former Pupils who were involved with the Scottish School Boys’ Club (SSC). The Club is an amazing organisation which is now 105 years old, which brings together school pupils from across Scotland for regular Camps. The most memorable of these camps were held at Dalguise and Bruar. This song was one of the favourites, and means even more to me now personally given that I have a niece with a learning disability. When she is sad, my singing this song to her changes her mood to one of laughter I am sure this laughter is directed toward my singing above anything else which is a joy at any time. I often even get phone calls from her parents down in Devon, asking me to sing the song over the phone. This is an extremely special song, both from School days, and also over recent years. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Andy Williams. This is just one of these songs that you can really belt out. It is a true family favourite, and is sung at many occasions. Most recently it was sung at a Thorntons’ Staff function – only to set the bar so low to make those that followed look good! Raintown – Deacon Blue. This song brings back so many memories, and highlights a lot of personal connections for me. As I’m sure you know, Ricky Ross was a Former Pupil of the School, and the band are synonymous with Dundee. A former neighbour of mine, whose brother-in-law works for my firm, is in the band, which just epitomises the lovely feel of Dundee being big enough, but without being too small. Obviously the song is about Glasgow, and given that I did my Traineeship as a Solicitor there, there is a directly linked connection, which makes this a very memorable song for me.

Highland Cathedral – Ulrich Roever & Michael Korb. This is a highly emotive tune, which is now often used by the SRU when Scotland Rugby players run onto the pitch. As a former Captain of the FP Rugby Club, and with rugby being a huge part of my life, this song has always made me feel connected to the sport that I have been passionate about for many years. Team sport for me is always to be encouraged as it can provide an opportunity to develop many attributes, which can be carried over into professional life. However, when I had the privilege of sitting on the Board of Directors at the School for twelve years, I was able to attend various concerts put on by the Music Department, and the most emotive of these was always when this tune was played, along with the Pipe Band. This particular tune being played in the Caird Hall, accompanied by the pipes and drums of the School was a sensational sound. Sara Smile – Daryl Hall & John Oates. This is simply a family favourite. While my middle child is called Sarah, this always reminds me of all three of my children. Young people today are so lucky in being able to travel the world, and while the world is a smaller place with FaceTime, WhatsApp et cetera, it is still nice to have a song which you can listen to that gives you that personal connection to your family. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea. December for me is a wonderful time of year, and the Christmas festivities, as well as the lead up to Christmas, are also very special. There are so many School events which go on throughout the year, and of which I attended as a School Board Director. However, always my personal highlight at this particular time of year is the Junior School Nativity Play. Sheena Leadbitter is of course synonymous with this Event. Mr Brightside – The Killers. A genuine, and classic holiday song. We are all busy in our own lives, and for me, it is important to ensure I take holidays each year. This song is just a fantastic reminder of long journeys to France, as well as to other parts of Europe. Enjoy Yourself (It’s later than you think) – Guy Lombardo. One of the highlights of my summer this year was the Perth Festival, held annually, with often high quality artists making an appearance. I have heard Jools Holland there several times, this particular song is both a happy, and uplifting one, which his Band are renowned for. A favourite song of mine to really sing my heart out to in the car on the way down the road after an extremely busy week! Book – Rumpole of the Bailey (Omnibus Edition) – John Mortimer. No matter where one works, it is important to have a good sense of humour, and to be able to have a laugh at certain points of the day. If I started to not enjoy going into work, or to no longer like my workplace then it would be a dark day. John Mortimer is such a wonderful author, and Leo McKern was the perfect ‘Rumpole’. The stories remind me of my legal career, and remind me how fortunate I am to practice with such a fantastic firm, to work with such wonderful people, and to live my life in the city of Dundee with all of the advantages of the surrounding areas. I will never tire of reading these books. Luxury Item – With my interest in wine, as well as being lucky enough to be a Chevalier of Chantepleure, and a Confreres of Chateau la Clariere, my luxury item would have to be a French Chateau, with a Vineyard attached, and of course a supply of wine glasses.