This year marks ten years of the Craig Centre for Performing Arts, with Robert Gordon’s College celebrating the exceptional contribution of former pupil and benefactor Douglas Craig (Class of ’67), whose generosity enabled the College to realise its vision for a dedicated centre for creative performance. Since opening, the Craig Centre has become a key part of the College’s Creative Arts ethos, significantly expanding opportunities for pupils across music, drama, technical theatre, sound and lighting production, film, and music technology, while strengthening creativity across the wider educational experience.

Over the past decade, the Craig Centre has played a central role in the development of Creative Arts at Robert Gordon’s College, expanding performance opportunities, deepening pupil engagement, and embedding creativity within the educational experience. It continues to act as a catalyst for confidence, ambition, and excellence, supporting both curricular and co-curricular learning.

Following the completion of the building, Douglas Craig made a further contribution to enhance the performance experience within the Craig Theatre through the provision of a world-class grand piano, which remains a central feature of the space and is deeply valued by pupils and staff.

Douglas Craig’s commitment to philanthropy is rooted in a strong family legacy and a long-standing connection to Robert Gordon’s College. His wish in supporting the project was to honour the Craig family name in tribute to his late father, David Craig. A maquette commemorating David Craig is displayed at the entrance to the Craig Centre, with additional commemorative pieces held within the family business and at the University of Aberdeen.

The Craig family’s connection to the College spans generations. Douglas attended Robert Gordon’s College from 1954 to 1967, following his father David (Class of ’34), and preceding his sons Steven (Class of ’99) and Andrew (Class of ’01). His daughter Samantha has also supported the family’s philanthropic commitment to the arts, including the establishment of a Performing Arts Prize Fund, helping to nurture and develop emerging talent across music and performance pathways, with many pupils going on to pursue careers in the performing and technical arts.

During his school days, Douglas had a strong passion for music but limited opportunity to pursue creative arts. After leaving RGC, he graduated from the University of Aberdeen and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG before joining the family business, where he remains Chairman of Craig International. He was awarded an OBE for services to the oil industry and wider community and later received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Aberdeen in recognition of his contribution to business and public life. From 1999 to 2007, he served as a Governor of Robert Gordon’s College and was a founding member of the College’s UK Development Committee, contributing to the long-term strategic development of the School.

Reflecting on ten years of the Craig Centre, Douglas Craig said: “It has given me great pleasure to support the Craig Centre for Performing Arts. When it opened, it far surpassed my expectations in terms of design and functionality, and it is hugely rewarding to see it now so firmly embedded in College life. Music and the arts play a vital role in shaping confidence and creativity, and I am delighted that the Centre continues to give pupils the opportunity to explore their talents and develop a lifelong appreciation of performance and the creative arts.”

Robin Macpherson, Head of College, said: “We are deeply grateful to Douglas Craig for his generosity. The Craig Centre for Performing Arts has transformed the cultural life of the College, significantly strengthening our Creative Arts pathway and enriching the educational experience for all pupils. It is also recognised as a dynamic venue used by professional organisations and the wider community, and stands as a powerful example of the long-term impact philanthropic partnership can have in shaping education. We are extremely proud of what has been achieved.”

Amanda Massie, Head of Creative Arts, said: “The Craig Centre has transformed the way the arts are experienced across the College. It provides pupils with an exceptional learning space to explore, collaborate, and perform whilst continuing to be central to developing confidence, creativity, and ambition in our young people.”

As Robert Gordon’s College celebrates this milestone, the Craig Centre continues to play a defining role in the School’s Creative Arts journey, ensuring creativity remains central to pupil development and supporting generations of young people to thrive. The biennial Creative Minds Festival further demonstrates the enduring connection between alumni and the College, and the long-term outcomes made possible through philanthropic support.