The University of Dundee Ladies' Club held its inaugral meeting on 25 October 1928. Originally known as Dundee University College Tea Club it was later known as Queen's College Ladies' Tea Club. Formed for the relatives and wives of University staff the club organised social events, talks and lectures. In 2003 it celebrated its 75th anniversary.
The University hosted the dinner as a fundraiser for Robertson Trust Scholars. The invitation to high-profile alumni came from Lord George Robertson and the event was sponsored by George and Jean Baird. The Robertson Trust was established in 1961 by the Robertson sisters Elspeth, Agnes and Ethel, who donated their shares in the family businesses, built up by their grandfather and father, to the Trust for charitable purposes. The sisters were among the first Trustees, serving for a combined total of 71 years and ensuring the Trust upheld the principles at the heart of the family: honesty, integrity and a willingness to help people in need. The family business now operates as the global company Edrington – one of Scotland’s largest private companies and owner of several well-known whisky brands. The sisters’ generosity enables the Trust to use the dividends from its controlling shareholding in Edrington for the benefit of Scotland’s people and communities.
