Robert Gordon University (RGU) is working with Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust to help digitally capture a tourist trail which focuses on the artistic legacy of James McBey, who was born in the village more than 140 years ago.
A new partnership has been launched between Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust and Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, highlighting the power of collaboration between community organisations and higher education.
RGU’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology regularly seeks real-world projects for students to undertake as part of their studies. When Interface shared a RGU's call for digital development ideas, Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust was able to submit a proposal, thanks to a connection made through DEV4 Online Ltd’s ongoing partnership with Interface and the university.
This collaboration involves groups of students working directly with the Trust to design and prototype a mobile app for the James McBey Trail. The app will guide users along the trail while showcasing Newburgh’s rich history and artistic heritage, celebrating the legacy of James McBey, a renowned artist who grew up in Newburgh.
Ross Mclean (Course Lead for Computer Science and Web & Mobile Design) and RGU Students
Ross McLean, Lecturer at RGU, said: “The University has a history of working with communities & organisations across the North East and this project to create an app based on the trail is very exciting. Not only will this enhance the learning for our students but highlights the importance of collaboration with Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust and DEV4 Online Ltd.
“This is a great opportunity to bring the life and times of James McBey to a whole new audience through digital means.”
Gail Henderson, CEO of DEV4 Online Ltd and a Trustee with the Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust, said: “For the Trust, an entirely volunteer-run organisation, this new partnership provides a unique opportunity to launch an ambitious digital project. At the same time, students gain invaluable experience working on a live community project, applying their technical skills to create something with lasting local significance.
“The Trust looks forward to seeing the creative solutions the students develop for the James McBey Trail app, and to bringing Newburgh’s story to a wider audience through technology.”
James McBey was born in Newburgh in 1883 and was educated at the village school, eventually leaving as a teenager to work in a bank. After taking an interest in painting, he attended evening classes at Gray’s School of Art to hone his craft. He was the official war artist for the Egyptian Expeditionary Force and his portrait of Lawrence of Arabia is part of the Imperial War Museum. McBey would spend a lot of time in both the United States and Morocco and his vast collection of artworks, sketchbooks scrapbooks, diaries, photographs and letters were bequeathed to Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust