To infinity and beyond: A surprise proposal in the NESCol Planetarium

November 3, 2026

Love was written in the stars at NESCol’s Aberdeen City Campus last week when Derek Marr popped the question to his partner, Dawn Hutchison, and she accepted his out-of-this-world proposal!

The couple, who are from Carnoustie and the neighbouring village of Friockheim, travelled to Aberdeen to visit the College’s Planetarium, one of Scotland’s few permanent planetarium theatres.

Unaware of what was about to happen, Dawn believed they were attending one of the many public screenings hosted at the facility. However, Derek had secretly arranged a private showing with the assistance of College staff.

As the presentation of ‘From Earth to the Universe’ came to an end, a special message appeared across the planetarium dome, revealing Derek’s proposal and proving that, like the universe itself, his love for Dawn is infinite!

Derek (41) and Dawn (42) have been together for several years and are both space and sci-fi fans, and it was this that gave Derek the inspiration for his stellar proposal idea.

He explained: “I wanted to do something out of the ordinary when I proposed and, after reading about NESCol’s planetarium online, it felt like the perfect place to do it.

“Dawn is originally from Strachan in Aberdeenshire and studied at the College when she was younger, so she already had a connection to both NESCol and the North East.

“I really appreciate all the help the team at the College have provided in creating such an amazing experience for us both; we’ll never forget it!”

The future Mrs Marr was over the moon with the proposal. Dawn said, “I was completely shocked when the proposal appeared on the planetarium dome. Derek managed to keep the whole thing a secret, which makes it even more impressive!

“It couldn’t have been a more perfect place for him to ask the question. It was such a thoughtful and unforgettable surprise, and I was absolutely delighted to say yes. “

Principal and Chief Executive of NESCol, Neil Cowie, was on campus to congratulate the newly engaged couple and present them with a floral arrangement created by College floristry students as well as a voucher to enjoy a meal in the renowned City Campus training restaurant, Gate 63.

He said, “Our planetarium is an ever-popular facility in the North East, and in addition to offering shows to the general public, we’ve also hosted schools, community groups and facilitated private and corporate bookings. However, this is our very first marriage proposal!

“Our Workforce Development team, who manage the Planetarium, were only too happy to help when they received Derek’s request, and there’s been great excitement about being the starry setting for such a romantic gesture.

“On behalf of everyone at NESCol, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Derek and Dawn. We’re delighted to have played a small role in their exciting new chapter and wish them every happiness for the future.”

The happy couple have now shared their exciting news with Dawn’s son, Daniel, both sets of parents, and their wider family and friends, who are all thrilled.  They are now looking forward to planning their wedding and beginning the next stage of their journey together.

Visit the Planetarium

Originally opened nearly 50 years ago, the iconic facility was recently transformed and now features a fulldome projector. With a domed ceiling, reclined seating and an immersive sound system, it offers audiences a breathtaking, 360-degree visual experience.

Find out more about public screenings and private hire.