Collection OM/488 - University of Strathclyde scarves

Alistair Goldsmith was educated at Jordanhill College School, Glasgow, and Marr College, Troon, Ayrshire. In the autumn of 1970, he commenced undergraduate studies at the Scottish Hotel School, University of Strathclyde, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Catering Management in 1973. He then completed a postgraduate course at Strathclyde, qualifying for the Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management in April 1975. After leaving university, he joined the Trust Houses Forte Hotels company as Personnel Manager for St George's Hotel, Liverpool: a post secured via Professor John Beavis at the Scottish Hotel School, who 'matched' him with the role when approached by the company. He subsequently returned to Scotland to manage the hotel at Weem, near Aberfeldy, before moving to the Queen's Hotel, Prestwick. Whilst in Prestwick, he also worked as a volunteer on the Waverley, the world's last seagoing paddle steamer. This led to a full time post as Catering Officer for the Waverley Steam Navigation Company Ltd, Glasgow, from 1978-1980. Having re-established contact with the Scottish Hotel School, he was then invited to return there in September 1980 to assist with teaching for a term. This temporary arrangement became permanent, and he remained on the staff of the Scottish Hotel School until his retirement in 2009. Whilst lecturing there, he also gained two postgraduate research degrees from the University of Strathclyde: an MLitt in History, awarded in 1985, and a PhD in History, awarded in 2002 for his thesis on 'The development of the City of Glasgow Police c.1800-c.1939.' In retirement, Dr Goldsmith is an active member of the University of Strathclyde Graduates' Association, serving as its President in 2024.