Celebratory Event for Dr Melvin Dalgarno
May 2, 2025
Greek School in Aberdeen is back this September!
August 23, 2025
On Sunday, 25th May, around 50 current and former members of the Aberdeen Scottish Hellenic Society gathered in the Cruickshank Botanic Garden to honour the memory of our late Honorary President, Dr. Melvin Dalgarno. It was a moving occasion, filled with reflection, gratitude, and shared memories of both Melvin and his beloved wife, Dr. Loula Solomou-Dalgarno.
Thanks to the kind donations of many members and friends of the Society, we raised approximately £1,700 for Melvin’s Fund. With these contributions, a new memorial bench has been placed in the Sunken Garden of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, not far from the original bench dedicated to Loula 20 years ago. As Loula’s bench had weathered over time, the Society also commissioned a matching replacement. The two benches now face each other — a quiet, poetic symbol of their enduring bond.
The gathering began at 2:30pm in the garden, where guests took time to view the benches and reflect on the lives and legacies of Melvin and Loula. We were honoured by the presence of Antonis Poumpouras, Melvin’s stepson, and Andrew Dalgarno, his nephew.
Due to the unpredictable weather, the celebration continued at Dunbar Street Hall. Dr. Hamish Wilson, current President of the Society, welcomed guests, followed by a heartfelt tribute from Urwin Woodman, former President and founding member of the Society. His words about Melvin and Loula’s contributions since the Society’s inception in 1980 moved many to tears.
Loula served as President of the Society from 1987 until her untimely passing in 2004. A respected and passionate leader, she helped shape the Society’s identity and mission. Melvin, a devoted Philhellene, served as President from 2007 to 2017. His love for Greek culture — its language, music, film, theatre, and history — was infectious. He had a gift for sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others, enriching the lives of all who knew him.
The Aberdeen Scottish Hellenic Society owes a great debt of gratitude to Melvin and Loula. Their legacy lives on in the community they helped build and in the hearts of all who were touched by their warmth, wisdom, and dedication.
We will never forget them.
In the photo album below, in the final 2 frames, it’s unmistakably clear why Melvin was such a devoted Philhellene.
''Melvin’s home was a little corner of Greece — where the aroma of coffee met the laughter of a nostalgic and iconic figure in Greek folklore shadow puppets Karagiozis. So Greek. So him.''
