Orkney Image Library

Orkney & Zetland Association Dux Medal

This will explain the mystery object at picture #23712. Graham Garson was pretty close with his guess. This one was awarded to my older brother (along with a bursary of some kind I think). The medal gives the date of institution of the O & Z Association: 1869. I think it may have been dissolved quite recently. Our site moderator (a senior O & Z dux himself) will probably know.

[I'm afraid I never got a nice medal, just some nice money instead. I can't remember how much, but I do remember winning £7 from them when I was 10 for coming third in a handwriting competition, incredible as it may seem to anyone tackling my writing these days.

Ian's correct that the O & Z Association was recently wound up. This happened in 2006, with the remaining funds of £12,000 being passed on equally to the OIC and SIC. The OIC resolved that the £6,000 be spent on assisting pupils with additional support needs to access outdoor activities.

I don't know why it was wound up, as £12,000 still seems relatively substantial to me. Perhaps encouraging individual efforts has become an anachronism. - Steven]