Time Capsule 2021

Inspired by the original university time capsule buried in the Gannochy Trust Pavilion in June 1969 the University will be creating a new time capsule for 2021 to celebrate the opening of the new Campus Central building. We want your help to choose what to put in the time capsule, creating a record for the future of what life was like at the University of Stirling in 2021.

Please submit your suggestions via this online form before Friday 12 November 2021.

The selected items will be added to the time capsule and buried on the site of the new Campus Central development as part of the events celebrating the opening of the building.

Please note not everything is suitable for burial in a time capsule. Here are some useful guidelines to help you make your selection:

  • The container is a large metal cylinder measuring 264mm in diameter and 460mm in length
  • Plant and animal specimens are not suitable
  • Food is not suitable
  • Remember that technology is constantly changing and developing and equipment that is in use today may be obsolete and difficult to use in the future
  • Any items that require batteries should also be avoided as batteries will deteriorate and damage their surroundings over time
The new time capsule is a large purpose-built metal container.

To help inspire your selection the contents of the original 1969 time capsule are currently on display in the archive exhibition cases in the University Library. The original time capsule was buried as part of the ceremony laying the foundation stone for the new Gannochy Trust Pavilion, which provided a home for sport on campus and was located on the site of the new sports centre. The metal box contained the following items:

  • A bottle of Bells Old Scotch Whisky
  • Black and White photographs
  • University Press Release providing details of the ceremony
  • University Prospectus for 1970-71
  • University exam papers (Spring 1969) for Philosophy, Sociology, Mathematics, French
  • Typed list of all undergraduate students at the University of Stirling in 1968-69
  • Blank UUCA application form for 1969 (Universities Central Council on Admissions)
  • Press cutting and scorecard for cricket match between the university team and a select XI led by Jimmy Brown (Perthshire Cricket Club)
  • Architectural plans for the new Gannochy Trust Pavilion
  • Copy of the Stirling Observer, 17 June 1969
  • Copy of the Glasgow Herald, 18 June 1969
  • Set of pre-decimal coins and new decimal coins
  • Selection of Scottish banknotes in use in 1969
  • Selection of postage stamps
  • A cricket ball
  • A tennis ball
  • A squash ball
  • A plastic shuttlecock
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