Watch: Edinburgh Stewart’s Melville College set to light up blue for NHS tonight

The display was the idea of two former students of the college.

Two former pupils of Edinburgh’s Stewart’s Melville College have masterminded a project to light up the building this evening in honour of NHS staff.

Daniel Beaton (19) and his older brother Matthew (21), who both have strong ties to the events industry, decided to use spare lighting equipment to join in the nationwide show of support for health workers and carers.

“My brother Matthew and I are both proud former pupils of Stewarts Melville,” explained Daniel. “Due to the current government guidelines putting a stop to all events, events companies currently have large amounts of equipment sitting in warehouses doing nothing.

Stewart's Melville College lit up ahead of tonight's show of respect for NHS workers. (Credit: Daniel Beaton)

“We decided to use this opportunity to put our skills and contacts to use and show our support for the brilliant work of the NHS.”

21CC Productions, the AV & technical production side of Scottish based events management company 21CC Group Ltd, pitched in with the kit the brothers needed free of charge.

After a successful setup and rehearsal on Monday night, the team’s hard work and generosity means that the College, The Mary Erskine School, and the ESMS Junior School will all be lit bright blue at 8pm tonight (Thursday, April 30).

Linda Moule, Principal of Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools, said: “NHS workers are putting their lives at risk every day to help those affected by COVID-19.

“Until the school is together again we hope that our blue lights display, created by a parent from ESMS Junior School, will show our support and gratitude.”

Geoff Crow, director of 21CC group said: "21CC Group and the #ThinkOthers campaign team are delighted to stand alongside the ESMS team to recognise the hard work, determination and commitment of our NHS and key worker heroes.

“In times such as this, we want to use our resources and our connections as a company to bring a message of hope to those around us and make a positive impact on others."

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