From Cox to Coccyx – 130 Years of Anatomy in Dundee

Tower Foyer Gallery, Tower Building, University of Dundee
Now on until 14th December 
Monday to Friday 9.30am to 7pm and Saturday 1pm to 5pm


This fascinating new exhibition explores the history of Anatomy in the city. The Chair of Anatomy in Dundee was endowed by Thomas Hunter Cox of the jute family who owned Camperdown Works, and the first Anatomy teaching began here in 1888. This was a key milestone for the new University as it marked the first official step towards the creation of a Medical School in the city, which would eventually be realised in 1897.

The fortunes of the Anatomy department have fluctuated since then, and on at least two occasions it was threatened with closure, but today the Centre for Anatomy & Human Identification (CAHID) is internationally recognised for its work in anatomical and forensic science.

This exhibition looks at the history of Anatomy at the University, with a particular focus on the eight men and women who have held the Cox Chair over the past 130 years. Included in the exhibition are models, charts and other materials used in teaching students about the human body. It also explores the long connections between anatomy and art – from the Artistic Anatomy classes taught by the first Professor of Anatomy, Andrew Melville Paterson, up to the unique Medical and Forensic Art masters courses that the University offers today.


Stories of Hope and Forgiveness from the Burma Railway

The Steeple, Nethergate
Saturday 27th October 2018 – 7.30pm to 10pm 


Eric Lomax’s book, ‘The Railway Man’, records his terrible experiences as a Japanese prisoner of war.    The book inspired the film of the same name starring Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman and Jeremy Irvine.    

Charmaine McMeekin is Eric’s daughter and she will speak movingly about living with the painful legacy of her father’s experiences and her own journey to find peace and reconciliation with him. 

Charmaine was a nurse and midwife, she is now a counsellor and psychotherapist in Edinburgh.

Captain Clarkson Blackater was also captured by the Japanese in 1942 and sent to work on the notorious Burma -Thai Railway. 

The secret diary he kept during his ordeal became the basis of his book ‘Gods Without Reason’. 

His daughter, Phyllida, and grandson, Piers Bowser, will use extracts from his book, along with private letters and poems to reveal how his faith and his love for his family sustained him through his dark days in captivity.

Proceeds from this event will go to Erskine Care for ex-servicemen.  Tickets, priced at £5, are available here or at the door on the evening. 


Sistema Scotland and Tinderbox – a performance

St Peter’s Free Church – St Peter Street
Thursday 8th November, 5.30pm – 6.30pm


Revolutionary youth orchestra Tinderbox collaborate with the incredible Sistema Scotland Big Noise Douglas Project – a charity that aims to transform the lives of children through music and strengthen disadvantaged communities. 

Taking inspiration from video games music, Tinderbox and Big Noise Douglas will improvise a new collaborative score.    They will also be treating us to musical performances from their individual repertoires. 

Big Noise Douglas works with over 400 children in Dundee, and around 2,500 children across Scotland every week, towards permanent social change.

A free event – more details here.


West End Surgeries #dundeewestend

With the October school holidays now over, it is back to West End Ward surgeries this coming week.   My Mitchell Street Centre and Harris Academy surgeries take place later today.

My full surgery details are below – although I can also be contacted via esurgery@frasermacpherson.org.uk or phone me at home on 459378 anytime :



Weekly Road Report – West End Ward #dundeewestend

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL – WEEKLY ROAD REPORT

REPORT FOR WEST END WARD – WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 22 OCTOBER 2018

Old Hawkhill – temporary traffic lights for one week for water main connection.