Old Fettesian Newsletter 2023

Old Fettesian Newsletter

No.68, July 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992)

It has been a privilege to be President of the OFA in the first full year back to events, having received the Chain of Office from my predecessor, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984), at what was my own Commem.

We all endured a few exceptionally challenging years of separation, through Covid induced travel restrictions. Now, on the other side, we must re-group and I warmly encourage you to check your Fettes Community emails and sign up to attend Old Fettesian Association events, once again!

In this vein, I personally felt a special sense of joy and belonging to join the celebrations of a full Commem programme on 1st October last year, along with over 350 OFs on the Fettes campus, many of my 1992 contemporaries, 30 years after we left school. I have been pleased to play my role in helping keep Fettesians connected and to meet many of you from across the generations at events such as the London Carols and the Edinburgh drinks. It is wonderful to see OFs gathering, catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. The work of the OFA is all about supporting lifelong connection and reconnection wherever you are in the world.

To the 2023 leavers, our newest Old Fettesians, I take much pleasure in offering you a special welcome into the OFA. I have met some of you through Evan Weir prize interviews and at school events (I am also, proudly, a current parent!). You are a fantastic group, with the world at your feet. You are just leaving Fettes, but the OFA and events are for you also and we hope you jump enthusiastically into being an Old Fettesian and all this offers!

In terms of making connections and organising events, I owe thanks to the wonderful Regional Representatives of the OFA around the world, who provide support and a warm welcome to OFs new (and old!) in so many locations. Along with them, the Fettes Community Portal is a tremendous resource helping Old Fettesians to connect. This has the Digital Archives and an online directory of over 2,200 members with 42% willing to help with careers, mentoring and support. Please do sign up at fettescommunity.org, if you have yet to join.

Closer to home, I am also very grateful for the work, guidance and support of the OFA Exec. (Philip Church (JS-Gl 1985–1993); Cordelia Pilz (née Harrison) (Ar 1982–1984); Carla Bannatyne (Inv-CE 2005–2013)) and of the wider OFA Committee. If you have ideas about shaping how the OFA could support you or you would like to get involved, please do contact us at ofa@fettes.com – we would love you to join the Committee and Exec or to lead an interest group, club or region in other areas of the OFA!

However, little of this would happen without the enthusiasm and energy of our Old Fettesian Coordinator, Vivienne Clark (Staff 2020–present) and Fettes Community Engagement Manager, Karen Jones (née Houston) (Ar 1989–1991, Staff 2012–present). I know the effort they put in, daily, and in producing this wonderful

Newsletter. I would like to offer them, from us all, a huge thank you for their continued support in keeping us informed, dealing with many enquiries, running events and in managing the Fettes Career Partnership programme. Finally, I offer thanks to the Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present), for her phenomenal leadership of our great school and her fantastic vision for Fettes Moving Forward You can find out all about this vision on pages 22 and 23. Looking forward – one piece of exciting news is that we are widening access to the OFA AGM. This is normally held on Commem weekend, but this coming year we will hold it online, which will allow more OFs across the world to join us and find out more about what the Old Fettesian Association has been doing throughout the year. Please save 12noon on Friday 6th October 2023 in your diaries and visit bit.ly/ OFAAGM2023 to sign up to receive the joining instructions. Wrapping up, I will reflect, one year into my time as President of the OFA, on what has been a poignant year. I have been considering what the Fettes experience means, through my own conversations and connections, but also because my son is now making his way in Moredun Third Form, as I did 35 years ago. Friendships made in House, in class, on the sports pitch and in the many clubs, societies and activities are the beginning for us all and they remain for a lifetime. Something which bonds us and, for which all OFs can be truly grateful.

I look forward to all the opportunities to gather that are coming up and hope that you will be able to attend an occasion near you.

Floreas Fettesia!

Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992), President of the OFA President.OFA@fettes.com

MESSAGE FROM THE OF COORDINATOR

Vivienne Clark (Staff 2020–present)

I am approaching the end of my third year at Fettes and no two have been the same. The last academic year is the first one that has been ‘normal’ and the main thing I have learned is that Fettes’ normal is very busy!

The highlight of the year for me was my first ever Commemoration weekend. Over the two days, we welcomed over 350 Old Fettesians back to campus and celebrated into the evening with 200 of them. See some of the amazing pictures from this reunion weekend on pages 4 to 7. There have also been lots of events going on around the world for OFs to get involved in wherever they end up beyond Fettes. Read all about the range of events that have taken place this year on pages 35 to 39.

One of the things that makes Fettes stand out is its people and we have some wonderful staff, students and OFs. At Founder’s Day we will say goodbye to Bruce Russell (Staff 1997–2023) as he retires after 26 years in the sports department and Claire Montgomery (Staff 2009–2023) as she moves home to Northern Ireland to spend more time with her family. Sue Bruce (Staff 2000–present), while not leaving Fettes, is leaving College West to take up a new role as Head of Wellbeing. One person who is leaving and deserves a special mention is Director of Development, Nicola Pickavance (Staff 2015–2023), who has been the guiding force in our team for the last eight years. Many OFs will have met Nicola over the years and will know what an impact she has had on the school and its wider community. My personal thanks go to Nicola for all she has done to support me in my role and for her guidance in events, communications, and this very Newsletter.

While we say goodbye to some of our much-loved members of staff, we also bid a warm welcome to new staff joining us this year. On pages 11 to 13, we introduce you to our new Archivist, Alley Jordan (Staff 2023–present), and find out what her favourite finds in the archives have been so far. Further into the Newsletter on pages 30 and 31, we hear from the Headmaster of Fettes Prep School, Charlie Minogue (Staff 2022–present) about his first year in office and some of his highlights of the year.

There is always a lot going on at Fettes and one of the key aspects of my role is helping to keep OFs connected to each other and the school. There are lots of ways you can do this but one of the easiest is via the Fettes Community

Portal. We now have over 2,200 members signed up to the portal, but we would always love to see more of you on there. It is an easy way to get in touch with your peers, find or offer mentorship or reminisce over your school days by browsing the Digital Archives. What are you waiting for? Visit fettescommunity.org to sign up or go have a look around.

There is lots to look forward to in the year ahead including Commemoration celebrations, the 150th anniversary of Glencorse House and many regional events. Keep an eye on your email inbox as that is the quickest way to hear about events and updates relevant to you. If you don’t think we have your email on file, get in touch with ofa@fettes.com

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible throughout the year. In the meantime, if I can be of any help or if you have any queries about the OFA, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

With my best wishes,

Vivienne Clark, Old Fettesian Coordinator ofa@fettes.com

+44 (0)131 311 6741

GUIDANCE FOR OF VISITS

Easily one of my favourite parts of my job is getting to welcome OFs back to Fettes for a tour around their old school.

We have security at Fettes to keep our current students safe, so it isn’t possible to just walk straight onto campus, but I always say to OFs that Fettes was your home, so the gates are always open. This is absolutely true, but it makes the security team’s job easier if you get in touch first so we know to expect you.

If you are thinking of coming to visit, the best thing to do is drop me an email (ofa@fettes.com) or give me a call (+44(0)131 311 6741) and I can arrange for you to come and visit. That means when you arrive, you’ll already be on our visitor system and the security team will be ready to welcome you.

I have had the joy of hosting several OF visits throughout my time here and I look forward to welcoming more of you in the future.

COMMEMORATION WEEKEND

Welcoming OFs back to Fettes

It was wonderful to be able to welcome more than 350 Old Fettesians back to Fettes on Friday 30th September and Saturday 1st October. The atmosphere was one of friendship and reunion with such delight at being able to see the Boarding Houses and enjoy the grounds once again.

The Head, Helen Harrison, joined guests for drinks on Friday evening and took the opportunity to share her bold, exciting vision, ‘Fettes Moving Forward’. On Saturday there were the formalities of the AGM of the Old Fettesian Association, opportunities to support school sports matches and a very well attended and insightful Careers Lunch.

In the evening we trialled a Saturday Chapel before dinner, which was very special and something that we will repeat in future years. We are grateful to Peter Sutton (SH 1979–1984) for his poignant address, and to the Chapel Choir who were in good voice. Congregational singing from

our guests and members of the Sixth Form was at a roofraising volume singing much loved hymns. It was a joy to be back in Chapel where every previous school day had begun. Our immense thanks go to the catering team for a delicious three course black tie dinner with short introductory speeches from our outgoing President of the OFA, Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984), our incoming President, Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992) and Senior Deputy Head, James Weatherby (Staff 2007–present)

After dinner, members of the Fettes College Pipe Band treated us to a powerful and nostalgic performance for the Loyal Toast before our evening came to a close with a high spirited rendition of Floreas Fettesia from every table in the room. The true spirit of life-long Fettes friendship was evident as everyone left at the end of a marvellous occasion.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST OLD FETTESIANS

Fettes provides a strong foundation for the future and a family for life. Whilst for our Leavers, Founder’s Day marks the end of their time at the school, it is just the beginning of the next step in their Fettes journey. Leavers are warmly welcomed into our vibrant community of Old Fettesians all around the world. We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome the Leavers of 2023 as they join the Old Fettesian Association and we look forward to seeing them at future OF events.

Jakob Adomeit (Gl 2021–2023)

Felix Alexander (PS-Ca 2016–2023)

Erin Armitage (CW 2021–2023)

Jade Ashburn (Da 2021–2023)

Onari Barango (PS-CW 2017–2023)

Martha Barlas (Ar 2018–2023)

Tom Barlas (Ca 2018–2023)

Rayane Bayeh (PS-Mo 2013–2023)

Kazuki Bekku (Ca 2021–2023)

Azad Boyadjian (Mo 2018–2023)

Findlay Brannan (Mo 2018–2023)

Finn Bremner (PS-Ca 2016–2023)

Erin Bridle (PS-Da 2015–2023)

Finlay Brogan (Mo 2018–2023)

Harrison Brown (Ca 2019–2023)

Hamish Buchanan-Smith (PS-Mo 2015–2023)

Alice Butcher (Da 2021–2023)

Della Carney (CE 2021–2023)

Oliver Carrick (Gl 2018–2023)

Toby Chan (PS-Mo 2017–2023)

Unaiza Chowdhury (Ar 2021–2023)

Beau Chung (PS-Gl 2016–2023)

Charlie Clark (Mo 2018–2023)

Leo Clarke (PS-Ca 2011–2023)

Imogen Cochran (Ar 2021–2023)

Nicolas Colman (Ki 2019–2023)

Fiona Cook (CE 2018–2023)

Mia Currie (CE 2021–2023)

Freya Darling (Ar 2018–2023)

Isla Darling (Da 2018–2023)

Órla Davies (PS-Da 2012–2023)

Connor Dawson (Ca 2021–2023)

Charlotte Dixon (PS-CW 2015–2023)

Guthrie Doig Henderson (Ki 2021–2023)

Sofia Evans (PS-Ar 2017–2023)

Will Farquharson (Ki 2018–2023)

Chloe Ferguson (PS-Da 2016–2023)

Digby Fraser (PS-Gl 2017–2023)

Drummond Fraser (PS-Gl 2017–2023)

Alexander Fraser (Gl 2018–2023)

Ailsa Gibb (Da 2021–2023)

Imogen Givens (PS-CW 2013–2023)

Emma Golding (CE 2021–2023)

Sophie Graham (CW 2021–2023)

Nandita Gurung (CW 2018–2023)

Dilon Gurung (Ki 2019–2023)

Veronica Harden Pedersen (Ar 2019–2023)

Kristina Holmes (CE 2021–2023)

Callum Johnston (Ca 2019–2023)

Ngina Kenyatta (CE 2021–2023)

Philip Kolomiets (PS-Ki 2017–2023)

Grigory Kozlovskiy (Ki 2021–2023)

Henry Lam (Ca 2021–2023)

William Lancaster (PS-Ki 2017–2023)

Elly Lang (Da 2021–2023)

Iris Lasnet (Da 2018–2023)

Kai Lewis (Gl 2018–2023)

Lily Lindsay (PS-CE 2013–2023)

Sam Ludwick (Ca 2021–2023)

Orla Lynch (Da 2019–2023)

Lulu Macdonald (Da 2018–2023)

Marissa MacLean (PS-CE 2015–2023)

William Macpherson (Ca 2018–2023)

Rosie Masson (Da 2019–2023)

Cameron Matheson (Mo 2019–2023)

Nanami Matsuda (CW 2021–2023)

Justin Matthew (Ca 2021–2023)

Alexander McCrae (Ca 2021–2023)

Fraser McDonald (PS-Gl 2012–2023)

Samantha McFarlane (PS-Da 2017–2023)

Pippa McNaught (PS-Ar 2012–2023)

Sophie Milburn (PS-Ar 2013–2023)

Todd Milne (Mo 2018–2023)

Olivia Muddiman (PS-Ar 2017–2023)

Dilara Mukasheva (Ar 2019–2023)

Rory Paterson (PS-Ki 2016–2023)

Amelie Paterson (PS-CE 2017–2023)

Matthew Peel (Mo 2018–2023)

Imogen Pettinger (PS-Da 2013–2023)

Marcus Pike (Ki 2018–2023)

Marta Pou Vidal (Ar 2021–2023)

Arseniy Protsenko (PS-Ki 2012–2023)

Yousef Quaba (PS-Ki 2017–2023)

Alexander Razmilovic (Ki 2018–2023)

Anna-Marie Regner (Ar 2021–2023)

Hamish Ross (Gl 2018–2023)

Alasdair Round (Ca 2021–2023)

Alexandra Ruediger (CW 2019–2023)

Zavier Ruiz Martinez (Mo 2019–2023)

Edith Schuch (Da 2021–2023)

Olivia Seager (Ar 2020–2023)

Ella Seton (Da 2019–2023)

Caitlin Snaith (PS-CE 2016–2023)

Jamielia Stark (Da 2019–2023)

Tom Stobart (Ca 2018–2023)

Alexander Stuart (Ca 2018–2023)

Kate Stuart (CW 2018–2023)

Max Sutherland (Gl 2021–2023)

Jack Sutherland (Ki 2021–2023)

Erika Taji (PS-CE 2015–2023)

Robert Tennant (PS-Mo 2012–2023)

Ella Thompson (Ar 2018–2023)

Leonardo Thomson (Ki 2018–2023)

Abigail Tipton (CE 2021–2023)

Louisa Todd (Ar 2018–2023)

Jove Todd (CW 2021–2023)

Oscar Tomlyn (Gl 2018–2023)

Cressida Tsoi (CW 2019–2023)

Emani Tuli (CW 2019–2023)

Vasily Turovets (PS-Ca 2016–2023)

Sam Walford (Gl 2018–2023)

Charlotte Webster (CE 2021–2023)

Fraser Weissen (PS-Mo 2016–2023)

Noah Williams (PS-Ca 2016–2023)

Joseph Wilson (PS-Ki 2016–2023)

Peter Wilson (Mo 2021–2023)

Colin Winton (Gl 2021–2023)

Anson Wong (Mo 2021–2023)

Henan Wu (Gl 2021–2023)

Kai Xu (Mo 2021–2023)

Yue Yu (Ar 2019–2023)

Zanita Yuen (CE 2021–2023)

Joshua Zindani (PS-Ca 2017–2023)

CONNECTING AND RECONNECTING TO FETTES FRIENDS

There are now over 8,000 OFs across the globe, 6,000 of whom we hold contact details for. Email is a particularly efficient way to keep in touch. If you don’t receive emails from us, please let us know your up-to-date email address by contacting ofa@fettes.com. If we don’t hear from you, you will still receive the OF Newsletter and important updates to your postal address.

Joining the Fettes Community Portal is also a great way to keep in touch, to connect with others and to access the Fettes College Digital Archives.

The Fettes Community Portal is also the way to access the Fettes Career Partnership programme.

Fettes Community Portal

Did you know that there are just over 2,200 Old Fettesians registered on the Fettes Community Portal and that this number is growing all the time?

Have you tried to connect or reconnect with your Fettes friends through the digital directory or find those in your year or from your House?

You can also reminisce or delve into Fettes history, by searching the Digital Archives. You can browse Fettesian magazines dating back to 1878, OF Newsletters from 1971 and over 1,300 scanned House, sports and school photographs.

Visit fettescommunity.org to sign up or log-in.

Fettes Career Partnership Programme – seek or offer help?

You can access the Fettes Career Partnership programme on the Fettes Community Portal. 42% of our wonderful community are willing to help.

We often hear how useful OFs have found it to search for business connections, seek contacts, advice or even internships.

If you are willing to help others, please add this to your profile on fettescommunity.org. We are delighted that the Fettes Career Partnership programme is helping the Fettes network to connect.

Old Fettesians are located throughout the world

On the Fettes Community Portal you can search and connect with OFs by location or join one of the growing number of regional groups.

You can see our Regional Representatives on the portal or on pages 40 and 41 of this newsletter.

Please do sign up to the Fettes Community Portal if you can. It is a great way to keep in touch. Sign up by visiting fettescommunity.org

To see more about the portal and its features, please visit bit.ly/FettesPortal to view a short film.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Alley Jordan (Staff 2023–present)

My name is Dr Alley Marie Jordan and I arrived at Fettes this January 2023. Originally from California, I came to Edinburgh to do a PhD in Classics, which I finished just before starting my new position as Archivist. I have worked at many archives and museums, including the US National Archives. In addition to my archival work, however, I am also a garden historian and frequently publish on the topic, so I am particularly interested in Fettes' gardens! Here are a few of my favourite finds in the Fettes Archives so far:

Rugby Jersey, ca. 1940

I found this knitted jersey during my first week here at Fettes! It was made by Greensmith Downes and Sons, Edinburgh. The jersey dates to around pre-WWII, possibly the 1940s.

The jersey is in a very delicate condition, as the fibres have lost much of their natural oils and have become stiffened. The colours are magenta and chocolate brown, though the pink has faded a lot, which is typical with textiles because pinks are always the colours to fade the quickest. What I love most about this item is the quick, crude mending done by hand, most likely by a student. The stitches are not precise, but were hastily done, which I love because the student saw their jersey as a thing to play in, whereas we

It is rare for such items to be found in the Archives because students usually keep textiles and clothing to themselves, or the items get thrown away after they are worn out. It is unknown how this jersey came to the Archives and by whom. But it gives us real insight into the tangible history of student life at Fettes because we can imagine a student wearing the jersey, match after match, we can imagine him struggling to mend the holes made from rough play or getting worn on the grass. That the jersey is not in perfect condition speaks to its usage, which tells us more about life as a student here at Fettes than if the jersey were never used.

If anyone has a similar jersey or is aware of its provenance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me!

Excerpts and commentary from the Debating Society Minute Book, 21 May 1953

Debate: ‘This House deplores the introduction of Television to Fettes’

‘Mr Angus commenced by saying that he was a Conservative diehard with strong objections to all mechanistic inventions, including motor cars, atom bombs, radio, telephone and television. He could sum up his objection to this latter in the one word, “Passivity”’. I have to admit, Mr Angus’ argument for ‘Passivity’ while watching television is a good argument! ‘Mr Angus concluded his speech by saying that the American name for T.V. is “Vidiots’ delight”’.

Much amusing to your dear American Archivist, the interlocutors took great fun at poking the Americans and their relationship with television. Mr Boyd retorted: ‘He also dismissed commercial television in the U.S.A. with the surprising statement, “That is not television.” He referred us rather to the BBC programmes and in particular to one on that very night, “Historic Houses of England”. It seems that the Fettes debate on television contrasted British television with the entertainment-driven American television. After accusing Mr Angus of ‘being Victorian’, he proceeded to argue that television is good for the British Empire.

When the debate opened to the floor, Mr Potts ‘considered T.V. suitable for the aged and infirm, but not for Fettes which he said was alive.’ In the end, Mr Williams ‘said that the continued London theatre bookings indicated the superiority of the theatre. […] In his opinion, people would abandon television for the theatre. […] The motion was carried by 24 votes to 20 with three abstentions.’

A lively debate indeed! I am not convinced that television is good for society. Then again, I have the benefit of hindsight.

5 November 1953

The debate circled the notion that ‘This House believes in Ghosts’.

The minutes begin with: ‘Mr Rhodes regaled us, as we sat in the dim light of the room, with various tales which he hoped would be of a scary nature.’ The debate began with Mr Rhodes providing tales of ghost-encounters across Britain, including a story about ‘two men in Cassel who had met a phantom in armour, while a red-faced nun, who had apparently had an affair with an ex-communicated monk hundreds of years before, had to be exorcised from a rectory in England.’

Mr Kirsop, after providing an ad hominem attack on Mr Rhodes, stated logically that ‘the word ghost meant in many languages fear and continued by saying that belief in ghosts was caused by fear, hallucinations and imagination.’ After poking fun at his opponents, Mr Kirsop continued ‘and went on by saying that the evening’s large attendance was caused by people wishing to listen to such an excellent person as himself. He finished off with his truest remark yet, that he needn’t have spoken, since, as he said, there were NO GHOSTS.’ It seems the Society Secretary was not taken with Mr Kirsop’s showmanship!

Mr Williams, when the debate opened to the floor, claimed that ghosts are ‘connected with the 4th dimension, while Mr Potts claimed that ghosts were merely sounds from

the past coming through a strange frequency.’ After Mr Kirsop objected to these theories and cried out, the other members of the Society ignored him and continued to tell ghost stories they themselves had heard, such as ‘a woman in Salford, who saw a ghost and left her home which was subsequently bombed, and a man with a poltergeist in his house.’ Mr Williams ‘then told us about Anne Boleyn’s ghost at Hampton Court’.

In the end, the debate was won in favour of phantoms, 38 to 31 with five abstentions. What do you think? I myself am convinced on the existence of ghosts. Down in the Archive, I have noticed a particular teddy bear that wanders around whilst I am gone…

The recent return of a spoon

This spoon was ‘borrowed’ from Fettes in 1956 by Alan B Gordon (Ki 1952–1956) (Deceased). Alan carried the spoon with him all of his life and kept it safe in a box in his home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shortly before passing away in 2017, he located the spoon in his belongings and asked his family that it be returned to Fettes. During a visit to Fettes on Thursday 13th April 2023, his daughter Dawn, along with her husband, Jonathan and son, Jonah, returned the spoon to its original home. Dawn believes that Alan took the spoon so he would always have a reason to return to Fettes.

If you would like to share any archival information with our Archivist, please email archives@fettes.com or phone 0131 332 2281 during term time.

Did you know that we now have a Digital Archive? This can be accessed via the Fettes Community Portal: fettescommunity.org

All copies of the Fettesian magazine dating back to 1878, OF Newsletters from 1971 and over 1,300 scanned House, sports and school photographs can be browsed or searched.

ATHLETICS – CURRENT RECORD HOLDERS

Since the school opened in 1870, participation in sport has been part of life at Fettes. Whether you were in a first team, a House team, or ‘just’ a games session participant, the benefits of regular exercise and being active in our beautiful grounds (whatever the weather) will have been felt by all. For the vast majority of Fettesians regular exercise continues throughout life.

In this edition of the OF Newsletter we are looking back at School Sports Day records. We have been in contact with those whose records were upstanding at the time of going to print (May 2023). Many thanks to all who were able to contribute.

Alicia Lawson (CE 2003–2008) – 300m, 43.4s (2006) and High Jump, 1.60m (2008)

I still play lacrosse for Scotland which I love and find the motivation and confidence it gives me carries over to all aspects of my life.

Beth Fletcher (CW 2008–2013) – Discus, 27.41m (2013)

I have been playing women’s rugby for the past 10 years. The highlight of my rugby career has been playing for the British Fire Service with a couple of seasons playing for East Midlands Counties as well. I also play American football!

Dudley Smith (Gl 1972–1976) – Javelin, 49.66m (1976) I have played sport and trained throughout my life. At different times rugby, sailing, skiing and golf being the main ones.

Jenny Close (CE 1990–1995) – 100m Hurdles, 16.42s (1994) At school I loved the camaraderie and I just loved having fun and pushing my body to the limit. And I still do. I’ve raced at the Ironman World Champs in Hawaii three times.

George Chamberlain (Mo 1992–1997) – 800m, 1m 59.0s (1995)

I always enjoyed the teamwork, competition and camaraderie. Being outside in nature (ideally in the sunshine) with a mix of pupils and teachers aiming for a shared goal. I still run wherever and whenever I can.

Duncan Keith (Inv-Ki 2000–2006) – Triple Jump, 12.66m (2006)

I regularly play in 5-a-side and 11-a-side football teams and I’ve played touch rugby for the Netherlands. I also play golf, padel tennis and normal tennis. I’m happiest when I’m living an active lifestyle!

Alicia Lawson on the Scotland US tour before the 2022 Lacrosse World Cup

Beth Fletcher in her American Football Team

Dudley Smith just after his record javelin throw in 1976

Jenny Close running the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon (56km) in April 2023

George Chamberlain at Fettes Sports Day

Duncan Keith competing in a recent relay for his business, Days

Jo Twist (Ar 1986–1991) – Long Jump, 5.15m (1990)

Sports were such a critical part of my life at school and I loved the sense of achievement and pride being part of Team Fettes gave me. What has really remained with me is how important it is to look after your squad in the workplace, and the sense of achievement teams collectively have when they work hard and dedicate themselves to excellence.

James Wellwood (CE 1954–1959) – Pole Vault, 3.59m (1959)

At Fettes I was captain of Athletics and won the 1958 Scottish Amateur Athletics competition pole vault. I subsequently achieved three Cambridge University Athletic ‘Blues’ and pole vaulted for several years for the Irish Athletics Team.

Andrew Young (Inv-Mo 1997–2003) – 1500m, 4m 07.3s (2003)

Even though I was a better runner, swimming remained my passion into adulthood. I train and compete for a swim team here in Lisbon. I hold a few Portuguese swimming titles for my age group.

Louis Le Bayon (Ki 1999–2004) – 100m, 10.8s and 200m, 22.5s (2003)

Without sport at Fettes I would be a different person today. Learning to be brave in defeat and humble in victory, learning to lose as a team and win as a team, learning to

never give up until the final whistle. I still play competitive football, run and surf.

Connie Thurlow (PS-CE 2005–2012) – 100m, 12.30s and 200m 26.5s (2011)

I played lacrosse throughout my time at university, and in athletics, I was fortunate enough to travel to the United States in 2013 to compete in the biannual Oxford-Cambridge v. Harvard-Yale Meet. I’m still a keen sportswoman.

Alasdair MacLeod (JS-Mo 1983–1990) – Discus, 36.08m (1990)

Sport at Fettes was a massively important part of my time at school. The team spirit, physical challenge and the thrill of representing the school were the main motivations. Sport remains a key element in my day-to-day life.

Simon Castle (Ca 1988–1992) – 400m, 51.3s (1992)

I’m still very much into sport to this day. I have completed three marathons and countless half marathons for which my PB is 1 hour 32 minutes.

Jo Twist competing in the long jump whilst at Fettes in 1990

James Wellwood winning the pole vault at Fettes Sports Day in 1958

Andrew Young racing the 1500m at the 2003 Scottish Schools Championships

Louis Le Bayon sprinting at Fettes in 2003

Connie Thurlow (front left) in the Edinburgh Capital Lacrosse Club

Alasdair MacLeod

Simon Castle – before another 10k

ADMISSIONS

Considering Fettes?

We would be delighted to speak with you, your family, or friends who might like to find out more about the benefits of a Fettes education. A warm welcome awaits.

As Old Fettesians, you have experienced all that Fettes has to offer and we hope that your Fettes experiences and connections continue to play an important part in your life.

Our Succession Families

If you are considering Fettes for your children or grandchildren, you will join a group of succession families who, over generations, have chosen Fettes. These families hold a very special place in Fettes’ history and their contribution to school life is so very valuable to us.

It makes us proud that we have a significant number of current parents and grandparents, as well as prospective families with an existing Fettes connection.

An Invitation to Visit

Our Admissions Team will happily answer any questions you may have and update you on all that has been happening here since you left.

You are most welcome to register to attend our Open Day on 8th October 2023: bit.ly/FettesOpen2023

Alternatively, we would be pleased to arrange a bespoke tour.

Our Head, Helen Harrison, would be delighted to meet with you and discuss the Fettes of today and what a Fettes education can do for your child. Your tour will, of course, include a visit to your House and an opportunity to meet with the current Houseparent so you can reminisce and rediscover – and we look forward to showing you the exciting new developments, buildings and initiatives which have been introduced.

Living, learning and growing at Fettes is an incredible start to life with its history, ethos and community providing constant strength. A Fettes education is and should remain a currency that really matters to every student who receives it.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Admissions Contact Details:

admissions@fettes.com or +44 (0)131 311 6744

A strong foundation for the future, a family for life

FETTESIAN SUCCESSION

Parents

Bill B B Gammell (Mo-Ar 1966–1970)

Graham H W Waddell (Ca 1977–1982)

Alistair B Dawson (SH 1980–1982)

Emma M McGrigor (née Fellowes) (Mo-Ar 1981–1983)

Joanna M Prosser (Ar 1983–1983)

Cordelia E D Pilz (née Harrison) (Ar 1982–1984)

Peter R B Sutton (SH 1979–1984)

Stuart H Buchanan-Smith (JS-Mo 1976–1984)

Felix V L Chen (Mo 1979–1984)

Andrew M L Farquharson (JS-Mo 1978–1985)

A Mhari Blanchfield (née Gordon) (Ar 1982–1986)

Seonaid M Macpherson-Raffell (née Macpherson) (Ar 1982–1986)

Chris D G Hodgson (SH-Gl 1981–1986)

Jeremy D Kilpatrick (Mo 1986–1987)

Kate A Carrick-Buchanan (SH 1985–1987)

Bridget L Graham (née Cooper) (SH 1986–1988)

Nicola H Lucas (née Lockett) (SH 1984–1988)

Chris D Johnston (Ca 1983–1988)

Duncan B MacIntyre (Ca 1987–1989)

Amanda A F Mair (CW 1985–1989, Staff 2000–present)

Gillem M Tulloch (Ca 1984–1989)

Caroline J Lindsay (née Donaldson) (CE 1988–1990)

Kate C Farquharson (née Macpherson) (CE 1988–1990)

Roy M Leckie (Ca 1985–1990)

Jamie B Macpherson (Ca 1985–1990)

Mairi Mickel (CW 1986–1990)

Johnny D Weir (Mo 1987–1990)

Vanessa L Wood (née Hendry) (JS-Ar 1984–1992)

Richard A N R Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992)

Omar Quaba (Ki 1987–1992)

Lorna C Duff (née Bennett) (Ar 1988–1993)

Catriona J Irvine (née Miller) (Ar 1992–1994)

Murdo A MacLean (Ki 1992–1996)

Andros Symeonides (Gl 1992–1996)

Markos Symeonides (Inv-Ki 1993–1997)

Andriy A Dudko (Inv-Ki 1993–2000)

Grandparents

Alan A W Waddell (Ca 1946–1951) (Deceased)

William T Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955)

Iain H Nicholson (Ca 1953–1957)

Ian M G MacIntyre (Ca 1953–1958) (Deceased)

David G Johnston (Ca 1953–1958)

R Duncan Ferguson (CW 1953–1958)

David E G Kilpatrick (CW 1956–1961)

Michael G H Hendry (Ki 1957–1962)

David E Murray (Mo 1965–1966)

Chris J Hilton (Ki 1963–1967)

Great Grandparents

William D Lewis (Gl 1912–1915) (Deceased)

Joseph P Maclay (Ca 1913–1916) (Deceased)

Herbert Waddell (Mo 1915–1921) (Deceased)

James F Carnegie (Ca 1917–1921) (Deceased)

William A W Brown (Mo 1918–1922) (Deceased)

Alastair MacIntyre (Ca 1927–1932) (Deceased)

Great Great Grandparents

Ian MacIntyre (Ca 1881-1887) (Deceased)

Charles Connell (Mo 1913–1918) (Deceased)

YOUNG OFS CHOOSING TO STUDY INTERNATIONALLY

We are seeing an increasing trend for our leavers to select international institutions for their Higher Education choices.

This year has seen success in the US for Della Carney (CE 2021–2023) at Yale, Leo Thomson (Ki 2018–2023) at Columbia, Marissa MacLean (PS-CE 2015–2023) at Holy Cross, Callum Johnston (Ca 2019–2023) at Notre Dame, Will Lancaster (PS-Ki 2017–2023) at Lindsey Wilson College, Connor Dawson (Ca 2021–2023) at Pennsylvania, and Kai Lewis (Gl 2018–2023) at Harvard. Looking elsewhere, Emma Golding (CE 2021–2023) has been offered a place at McGill University in Canada, Mia Currie (CE 2021–2023) at Bocconi in Milan and Anson Wong (Mo 2021–2023) has been awarded a scholarship to Hong Kong University of Science & Technology.

Three of the above have OF relatives. Marissa Maclean is the daughter of Murdo Maclean (Ki 1992–1996), Callum Johnston is the son of Chris Johnston (Ca 1983–1988) and grandson of David Johnston (Ca 1953–1958) and Kai Lewis, Head of School, is the great grandson of William Lewis (Gl 1912–1915) (Deceased)

Richard Smith (Staff 1994–present), who many will remember as teacher of Drama or Housemaster of Kimmerghame, is now responsible for our overseas applications.

In November the cohort of Sixth Form students intending to apply to study in the US were joined live on Zoom by young OFs from Princeton, Columbia, USC, Brown University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Each representative was in a different period of their US Higher Education journey and provided fascinating insights into their experiences.

Fergus Bolton (PS-Gl 2011–2022) is a freshman at Brown University and plans to concentrate in political science or economics on the public policy track.

Amy Wong (CW 2015–2020) has been studying Chemistry at the University of Bristol, is on exchange at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for the year.

Ava Peters (PS-Ar 2012–2019) is at Princeton University in New Jersey majoring in Politics with a minor in Spanish.

Annarosa Zampaglione (Da 2017–2019) joined Columbia College of Columbia University in 2019 where she immediately began taking History courses of regions, people and cultures she had never learnt about before. Annarosa hopes to graduate in May with a degree in History & French Literature.

Justin Sian (Ki 2014–2016) graduated from USC in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science from the Viterbi School of Engineering for Computer Science. Since graduating he has been working as a software engineer for a fintech startup.

Having a network of support from recent leavers now studying in the US is very insightful and helps us to provide first-hand life experiences. Richard Smith runs a programme of weekly tutorials for those applying to the US. This live webinar provided invaluable hints and tips on all aspects of the US College journey from application through to enrolling as a first year, through to the Junior and Senior years, as well as explanations of core curriculum and the breadth of course choices to inspire Major selection. We are hugely grateful to all who took part.

In April Richard visited an array of US Colleges and met several OFs studying in the US as well a number of College Admissions staff across the country to ensure Fettes ever growing number of US College applicants are well equipped to navigate the admissions process.

We are keen to grow the OF network overseas. If you have connections with an international Higher Education institution, please let us know by emailing ofa@fettes.com

A VIEW FROM THE COMMON ROOM

Neil Ward (Staff 2008–present)

Fettes life has been very much back in full flow this year and it seems bizarre to think that it was only two years ago that we were still in the middle of the pandemic. Any thoughts that this might be a year of consolidation were quickly dispelled in September with the Head’s announcement of the public launch of the school’s new vision, Fettes Moving Forward. Although we had all been involved in its creation in some small way, it was inspiring to have it presented in its entirety, outlining the exciting journey ahead.

While the promise of new facilities often makes the headlines in such announcements, for the Common Room, the most immediate impact would be welcoming a new academic subject to the school: Engineering, Enterprise and Technology. Very few in the staff have been at Fettes long enough to remember the old Design and Technology department and, even if they did, I doubt they would recognise some of the high-tech kit going into the classroom this summer for this innovative new course. With EET to be taken by all in the Third Form, it aims to provide a welcome addition to the skillset of every future student that passes through our gates, highlighting the school’s commitment to ensure Fettesians are prepared for the ever-changing world of work ahead of them. We look forward to welcoming Michael Alton from Warwick School to lead this exciting new department.

Another strand of the vision announced to us in September focussed on promoting the wellbeing of the Fettes community. While the reveal of the plan for a new Science and Innovation Centre a few years down the line sparked the imagination of many in the room, the more immediate plans for a new Wellbeing Centre seemed so well-timed. With all that we have been through over the last few years, leading the way with such facilities to continue to provide the care and support so valued by everyone in the community feels like such a positive step.

Having finally returned to full fixture lists last year, coaching and supporting sports teams continues to be a highlight of the job for many in the Common Room. For some, our contribution is more limited to register taking and enthusiastic support, while others are equipped to provide more expertise and experience. Some of the most valuable experiences I have had as a teacher at Fettes have been coaching alongside some of the real experts in the various sports. We are blessed with a fair few within the Common Room, but one who is regarded among the best is Bruce Russell. Bruce is retiring this year after an incredible 26 years at Fettes, and it seems apt that in the year he departs, the boys’ hockey teams and the new girls’ cricket team he has nurtured over the last couple of years hold the Scottish Schools trophies. An unbelievable talent who has played at the top level in so many sports and contributed to so many Fettesians’ sporting achievements, Bruce will be sorely missed by everyone in the Common Room.

Having started this article talking about inspiration for the future, I’d like to finish by celebrating that this summer will mark the fifth year of SuperTroop at Fettes. SuperTroop is a charity that provides holidays for children and young people with disabilities, and it has been a personal privilege of mine to be involved with the holiday each year, volunteering alongside many of our amazing Sixth Form students, colleagues, and a growing number of OFs. When introducing the vision in September, the Head described Fettes as a place, and the first thing that came to my mind was how this place, this community, has helped make things like SuperTroop a possibility. This year, members from throughout that community raised an incredible £10,000 for SuperTroop through a 24-hour log carry. It was yet another one of those events that made me proud to be part of this place.

THE PAVILION, THEN AND NOW

Expert workmanship over the last 18 months has seen a huge transformation in the first phase of the refurbishment of the Pavilion for Fettesians of today and tomorrow.

The extensive roof work was overseen by a specialist heritage roofing consultant who has some interesting historical connections. His great great grandfather laid the original slates on the Bryce Building; his great grandfather was a roofer involved in the Pavilion when it was originally constructed in 1906, and he himself worked as an apprentice roofer on Arniston when it was constructed over 50 years ago now.

The Pavilion was built in 1906, in memory of John Shapland Yeo (Staff 1882–1904), teacher of Maths and Science. He was Housemaster of School House and then Housemaster of Carrington. Yeo died whilst in service, which caused deep sadness amongst the entire Fettes community. He was remembered as a hero with an understanding heart, brave, honest and kind. Old Fettesians organised an appeal in his memory to which there was an outpouring of generosity, generating the funds to build the Pavilion.

For well over a century the Pavilion has been at the heart of sporting life at Fettes. We are deeply grateful to the Old Fettesians, parents past and present, The Fettesian Trust and other friends of Fettes who have made generous donations to restore the Pavilion to its former glory.

We are also deeply grateful for the support from benefactors who have remembered Fettes in their wills. One such benefactor is Patrick Croker (Staff 1959–1965), or Paddy as he was known. Paddy came to us from Brasenose College, Oxford and very soon made an impact on Fettes life. During his time here he was Head of History, Moredun House Tutor, Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Coach, CCF Officer and President of the Debating Society.

On the games field in all seasons his voice rang out to inspire, rebuke, instruct and exhort. Cricket was perhaps Paddy’s greatest love, and he gave untold hours to fielding and net practices. Everything Paddy Croker did at Fettes he did wholeheartedly.

It is also fitting that the family of Frans ten Bos (Gl 1951–1955) agreed to direct his generous legacy towards this project. The Pavilion will have been at the very heart of Frans’ time at Fettes, given he was an impressive member of the famous XV which did not lose a school match in five years, before he went on to play rugby for Scotland. Frans not only made his mark on the sports field, but also became a valued friend to many fellow Fettesians. He remained a genuinely proud Fettesian throughout his life.

To mark their tremendous contribution their names and those of several other significant donors to this project are displayed on new corner stones for the Pavilion.

The Pavilion is now fully reroofed in historic rosemary tile. The lead work that had been missing or in poor condition has been re-instated. The rear slated roof panel has been redone using traditional Scottish slate and original methods. The main cupola has been entirely refurbished and reglazed.

We hope that you will agree that this work has already significantly transformed the Pavilion, ensuring that this iconic Fettes building remains the motivational, historical and nostalgic place it has always been for our teams and their supporters. Further phases of work are planned in due course, including a new water supply and additional electrics as well as extensive refurbishment to the rear areas and we will be sure to keep Old Fettesians posted about this much-loved Fettes landmark.

In the meantime, the next time you come back to Fettes, please make sure to visit the Pavilion to see for yourself the difference donations make to Fettes College.

Internally the walls have been stripped and the boss plaster repaired and painted throughout. The sub-floor and the floor have been fully repaired with the addition of spike-proof carpet (for cricket spikes). The original honours boards for both boys’ and girls’ teams have been remounted on the walls in an easy to view format which will be brought up to date with current teams. A large screen has been installed to feature a scrolling display of original team photos. The screen can also be used to support teaching and other presentations in the main gathering space. There is now a full digital network and Wi-Fi coverage.

All the woodwork has been repaired and replaced where necessary and repainted. The drains have been improved and to the exterior, there is now block paving and some landscaping including dwarf roses in suitable Fettesian colours.

Over many years, legacy gifts left to the Fettes Foundation have enabled the College to achieve so much, including the Pavilion transformation. Future legacy gifts will help us to develop and support the ambitions of Fettesians for generations to come.

If you would like to make provision in your will for Fettes, after looking after loved ones, you will be helping the College sustain its future. However large or small, your support will be greatly valued and will make a profound difference to the lives of future Fettesians. Please do not hesitate to contact Rachael Melrose in the Development Team to find out more or to discuss this further. Rachael can be contacted by phone on +(0)131 311 4758 or by email r.melrose@fettes.com

FETTES MOVING FORWARD

A place to live. A place to learn. A place to grow.

This year saw the launch of the Head, Helen Harrison’s bold new vision for Fettes – Fettes Moving Forward: A place to live. A place to learn. A place to grow. The vision focuses on what we believe Fettesians should aspire to be, the skills they will need in life and the impact we want them to make in the world.

Our Vision

Fettes will be the school of choice for students, parents and staff.

Our students will leave the school knowing themselves, looking out for others, capable of thinking critically and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.

Our students will be bold and visionary, yet compassionate; they will possess a global perspective and be ready to embrace the opportunities of the future.

The vision is informed by four key themes –Learning, Wellbeing, Our People and Our Community.

Learning

Among the academic objectives for our students are: Creating critical thinkers with informed opinions

Nurturing innovation and creativity

Encouraging diversity of thought, resilience and flexibility

Fostering agile young minds

To support our vision, we have established a number of new initiatives. These include:

Appointing a dedicated Head of Sixth Form to enhance sixth form experience for all students

Incorporating Engineering, Enterprise and Technology (EET) into the curriculum and the appointment of Michael Alton as founding Head of EET

Creating a new Middle School Diploma

Plans for the construction of new Science and Innovation buildings

Delivery of an even more diverse and inspirational co-curricular programme that provides challenge, fun and learning

Our People

Our people are at the core of everything we do, and the Fettes family is a family for life.

We want Fettes to be a school of choice for students, parents, and all of our staff. The school takes strength from its diversity and continues to work against any forms of discrimination to create an environment of kindness, compassion and diversity of thought.

Our targets include:

Development of social areas for inter-year group mixing

Nurturing the Fettes family and building on the Fettes Career Partnership by calling on the experience of so many Old Fettesians and parents

Ongoing consultation in self-evaluation, ensuring all stakeholders (including parents) are heard Equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core of any development

Creating opportunities for staff professional development

Wellbeing

In taking forward our wellbeing programme, our targets are:

Continuing to promote the full-boarding ethos

Investing in boarding facilities

Focusing on and supporting the key transition years – Third Form and Sixth Form

Promoting staff as well as student wellbeing

Constructing a new Wellbeing Centre which will improve our health and wellbeing facilities and provide a place for innovative and pro-active learning about life skills

We understand that happy children make the most effective learners and believe that every student should: Feel valued, nurtured and represented

Grow up in a caring and supportive environment

Be supported to develop a resilience they take with them into the world

Our Community

A drive to ensure that our school community is environmentally sustainable underpins this theme. Inclusivity is fundamental in all areas of school life. We will continue to prioritise fundraising for transformational bursaries to enable more boys and girls to benefit from a fully funded Fettes education. Our community is both local and global. While remaining proudly Scottish, we ensure that internationalism is part of the ethos of a Fettes education.

Our targets include:

Increasing local community involvement, including developing and opening up the campus for school and community use

Educating and celebrating diversity within the school Embedding sustainable development into all our places

Our five aims within five years:

Measure campus-wide energy consumption and set clear targets to reduce usage by 10 per cent

Reduce the use of single-use plastic by 25 per cent

Reduce food waste by 15 per cent

Invest solely in sustainable developments

Remove diesel from all school vehicles

Fettes Moving Forward

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present)

As I write this message, we are heading into the final weeks of a Fettes year and the sun has been shining on our summer term. We have just had the now traditional Second and Third Form ceilidh, an opportunity for those joining us next year from the Prep School to mix with the year above them and, thanks to the weather, we were able to be outside on the Queen’s Lawn. The sight of around 150 young Fettesians dancing enthusiastically in the evening sunshine with our beautiful building as the backdrop was very special indeed and was a reminder that a Fettes education can be a uniquely enjoyable and inspiring experience.

This year, after a period of consultation, we have launched an exciting new vision for the school. It is called Fettes Moving Forward and it focuses on what we believe Fettesians should aspire to be, the skills they will need in life and the impact we want them to make in the world. There is a lot to tell you about it and I know that you will be able to read it in more detail in other parts of the Newsletter I believe that the plans we have for Fettes will indeed move the school forward without changing its ethos and culture which ensures we launch good people into the world ready to make a positive mark.

On the back of very impressive external examination results last summer, our candidates this year have been very focused on what needs to be done in the exam hall, all hugely supported by our dedicated and inspirational staff. We remain very proud of our academic achievements throughout the school and are excited about the addition of Engineering, Enterprise and Technology as a compulsory subject for all in the Third Form next year. We are always thinking of ways to develop our provision and to ensure our students have the skills necessary to flourish in the future. What goes on in the classroom matters as much as it ever did and we want our pupils to be stretched, challenged and feel confident that they can make the absolute best of their talents.

We also know that happy people learn and flourish, so excellent pastoral care remains absolutely key to what we provide. Our community know that kindness is at the core of everything and that looking out for others has to be central to our ethos. Our proactive education programme that helps our students navigate through life is the envy of other schools and will only be enhanced by the new Wellbeing Centre that is about to become a reality.

Fettesians remain busy and active; the wealth of sporting, academic, creative and cultural activities ensure an enjoyable and productive school life. There are so many highlights deserving of mention: superb concerts in St Cuthbert’s and the Chapel Choir singing in St Giles’, the boys U18 and U15 teams being crowned national hockey champions, a thought-provoking school play, Third Form Field Week back to the normal format, U14 girls’ netball team winning a nail-biting national final, a charity 24 hour log-carry for SuperTroop, Lego Robotics Regional Champions or the Pipe Band Beating Retreat on the Castle Esplanade… the breadth of opportunity and the talent and enjoyment displayed can only make a Head very proud.

It has been a year in which we have relished the ability to welcome everyone back to campus and it was wonderful to be able to host the first full Commemoration since 2019. Unfortunately, owing to family reasons, I was unable to be in school but I know that all those who attended the Commem events, and the superb Carrington 150th celebrations the next day, enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with friends, be back on campus and meet some of our current Fettesians.

It has also been wonderful to welcome back OFs who have given of their time to talk, educate and inspire our students. Some of those who have come back this year include Jake Wightman, Matty Jackman, Martin Lees, Peter Gray KC, Duncan Keith and Mike Gammell, Poppy Mitchell-Rose as our Founder’s Day Guest of the Day as well as many others who have been involved in discussions about studying in the USA, Career Insight evenings and helping with the Higher Education Fair. This insight from our OF community is invaluable and I am so grateful to everyone who has been involved. We are very proud of our leavers and they are heading out to study an interesting array of courses in an impressive range of institutions throughout the UK, while increasingly, many are heading to Europe and to the States. Thank you for your continued interest and support of Fettes. Please do know that a Fettes education continues to matter to all who have the opportunity to experience it.

Helen Harrison, Head

THE WATT MEMORIAL TRUST

The Watt Memorial Trust was set up in 1983 in memory of Old Fettesian Rob Watt (SH 1911–1916) and his wife Barbara. Rob had had an outstanding career: Head of School, XV, Oxford scholar, double first in Mods and History. He became a brilliant teacher of history (with classics and maths when needed), a wise and compassionate Housemaster at Rugby and Rector of Edinburgh Academy. He was always devoted to Fettes, where he had been very happy, and when he returned in 1967, he identified himself very much with the school.

As Fettes College and Edinburgh Academy were both very close to Rob’s heart, the Watt Memorial Trust was set up in his and his wife’s name with the aim of giving financial assistance to past and present members of both schools. The awarded grant enables recipients to “advance their education or professional training beyond the point at which public funds or university scholarships are available, or when private or family sources alone are not quite adequate for the purpose.” There have been many Old Fettesians and Academicals who have benefitted from the Trust. We spoke to a few recent OF recipients:

Charlie Bell (CW 1990–1994)

I received an award from the Watt Memorial Trust in 2012, in order to help jumpstart my career as a behaviour analyst in the US. Without the scholarship, I would not have been able to pursue my training towards my credential and I am forever grateful to the Watt Memorial Trust for supporting me years after I left school.

Since I completed my credential I have lived and worked internationally as a behaviour analyst, working with children with autism. I now own 2020 Behavior, an agency which supports children with autism and their families across three states.

I am eternally grateful for this help early on in my career.

Elaine Mitchell (née Muir) (Ar 1996–1998)

The Watt Memorial Trust enabled me to go back to fulltime education to complete an MSc at the University of Edinburgh. This set me on the pathway to become an academic and I now hold a position as a Lecturer and Researcher in Climate Science at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. I will always be grateful for this support!

Ciara Harvey (CW 2000–2005)

The award allowed me to purchase medical books for my medical degree, and it also supported me with a medical elective experience in New Zealand. Both were invaluable to my training as a doctor and I would not have been able to afford this without the support of the Watt Memorial Trust.

HOW TO APPLY

Deadlines are 1st September and 1st February each year. All enquiries to the Secretary:

Anna Bennett

The WS Society

The Signet Library

Parliament Square EDINBURGH

EH1 1RF

abennett@wssociety.co.uk

If you think that the Trust could assist you, please do get in touch.

OF GOLFING SOCIETY REPORT

Andrew Soulsby, Secretary of the OFGS

Many thanks to the golfers who played competitively this year.

David Paterson (Mo 1959–1963)

Richard Smith (CW 1965–1969)

Francis Clark (Gl 1966–1969)

Ewan Chalmers (Mo 1968–1972)

Richard Breakey (SH 1970–1974)

Andrew Hannay (Ar 1970–1975)

Colin Callander (Gl 1971–1976)

Chris Mather (SH 1973–1978)

Andrew Soulsby (JS-Ar 1973–1980)

Graeme Matheson (Gl 1975–1980)

Richard Philip (Mo 1976–1981)

Euan Matheson (Gl 1977–1982)

Gordon MacLeod (Ar-Mo 1978–1983)

Gavin Lawrie (JS-Gl 1978–1985)

S Andrew Morrison (Gl 1990–1995)

Ramsay Wilson (Gl 2001–2002)

Douglas Philip (Inv-Mo 1999–2005)

William Philip (Inv-Mo 2000–2010)

Jack Dingwall (Mo 2007–2012)

In April 2022 the Senior Wayfarers took place at Panmure. Fettes qualified in top spot, and were widely expected to beat a Merchiston team who had struggled to avoid the Wooden Spoon match. However, Fettes were well beaten, with only Andrew Soulsby and Richard Philip winning.

Worplesdon in June was in splendid condition for the Cyril Gray tournament. This year, there was a pre-tournament dinner to celebrate the 50th playing of the tournament and the dinner will now become an annual event. Over those fifty years, Fettes have contested the final on ten occasions, winning six of them. In 2022, Fettes comfortably beat Eastbourne and Merchant Taylors, before losing to Ampleforth on Friday afternoon.

As a mark of respect to her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the annual Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools Tournament at Royal Burgess was cancelled.

The Stenhouse Quaich at Elie is the traditional foursomes’ warm-up for the Halford Hewitt amongst the Scottish Schools. In 2022, Fettes won the competition, and were well placed to defend the trophy going into the final Sunday round. With Merchiston, Edinburgh Academy, Glenalmond and Fettes on equal points, it was a complicated countback that would likely determine who won. Unfortunately, Fettes lost the afternoon match versus Glenalmond, leaving Edinburgh Academy as the winners

of the trophy. A recent innovation for the Elie weekend is subsidised golf at St. Andrews, followed by lunch at the R&A clubhouse, which we hope will pique the interest of our younger OFs and encourage them to come along for the weekend.

At the Halford Hewitt in April, six of the team arrived at Liddlestone on the Monday for a practice round, before going on to Deal for Tuesday and Wednesday practice. A tough draw saw Fettes against Cranleigh in the first round, and we were well beaten 3.5 to 1.5. In the Prince’s Plate, we were comfortably beaten by Winchester. After the tournament, Ramsay Wilson took over the captaincy from Douglas Philip.

The Senior Scottish Wayfarers returned to Western Gailes, and Fettes finished fourth in the qualifying stableford on the Saturday afternoon. We played Edinburgh Academy on Sunday morning. While Gordon MacLeod and Gavin Lawrie won, Richard Philip and Graeme Matheson lost on the 17th, and Andrew Soulsby drove onto the railway on the 17th, leaving his partner, Colin Callander with much to do! They finally succumbed on the 18th green before enjoying a traditional ‘Western’ lunch. Merchiston went on to win the tournament. Many thanks to Colin Callander for driving up from Stevenage to take part.

In our other spring matches, we won against Marlborough at Sunningdale, with Jack Dingwall making his debut for the OFs, days after joining the Society. The OFGS hosted the School at Bruntsfield Links, with the Secretary, Ewan Chalmers and David Paterson lunching before the match. Andrew Hannay and two of the current staff (Michael Henderson-Sowerby (Staff 2019–present) and Ben Watson (Staff 2014–present)) made up the team. The OFs won the top match, and with the other two halved, the OFs retained the Lawrie Salver on a sunny day of 4-ball better ball.

To join or find out more about the OF Golfing Society (for social or competitive golf) contact us by email: OFGolfSociety@fettes.com

We are particularly keen to hear from players with handicaps of 5 or less who would like to compete.

The golf course images have been taken from the individual golf course websites.

Sunningdale Worplesdon

SIGNIFICANT STAFF CHANGES

Sue Bruce (Staff 2000–present) is not leaving us, but she is leaving her role as Houseparent of College West, having been in post since 2006.

“After 17 years in College West I feel very discombobulated. College West really has become my family home. I will miss the College West girls and the feeling of being in the thick of student life. Whilst I am going on to a new and very exciting role here to head up Wellbeing and manage the new Wellbeing Centre project, I know it will be a huge transition. In my time as a College West Houseparent I have supported almost 350 girls within the House, it has been an immense privilege to watch them all grow up into wonderful young women whilst at Fettes and beyond. I do hope my Westies will continue to keep in touch with me at Fettes and through the OFA. I always look forward to reconnecting and hearing news.”

Claire Montgomery (Staff 2009–2023) – Claire, ‘Monty’, came to Fettes as a newly qualified teacher in 2009. She has been a key member of the Modern Languages Department, and became Head of French in 2012. Claire has also been key to the pastoral side of the school, having been Assistant Houseparent in Arniston, then College West, and is now leaving us from Kimmerghame.

“I am now quite overwhelmed by the thought of leaving. Fettes has been a huge part of my life. I came here as a new teacher, and I have lived on campus, working seven days a week, for 10 of my 14 years. I married my husband in Chapel, and we now have two young children who live with us here too. It will always be an incredibly special place for me. I am moving home to Northern Ireland, to work in a day school, where I will have much more time to be able to be with my own family in the all-important early years of their lives. I am terrified, devastated and excited in equal measure to be leaving Fettes for this new chapter in my life. I will miss the exceptional community life we have here a great deal and very much hope to keep in touch through the Old Fettesian Association.”

Bruce Russell (Staff 1997–2023), over his 26-year tenure, has made an immense contribution to sport at Fettes as Head of Cricket, 1st XI Hockey coach for Boys and Girls and Squash guru. He is a much-loved member of the sport and PE staff team.

“With sport having played a huge part in my life, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to come to Fettes originally as a part-time sports coach, then my job was made permanent, initially attached to the Prep School games programme. I enjoyed the contact with pupils from all ages from seven upwards, and to this day, it is this aspect of my job I will miss the most. The Fettes experience demands

huge commitment from its staff, but when I look back, there are so many highlights. Among these for me were the opportunity to build teams in cricket and hockey, and to enjoy the highs (and even the lows) of these journeys, with my teams. Special highlights are the overseas tours, with my two cricket trips to Sri Lanka being foremost. And as I write, our girls are shortly to embark on a trip to the Northeast of England for a cricket tour. The development of the girls’ cricket programme is definitely one of my proudest achievements.”

Nicola Pickavance (Staff 2015–2023) has been Director of Development at Fettes College for almost eight years. During that time Nicola has made many Fettes friendships and connections and has made a huge impact on the life of the school. She has worked with our donor community to raise a staggering £8m towards bursaries and capital projects. As Director of Development she has also led the relationship between the school and the Old Fettesian Association, has championed best practice with the OFA Committee and improved the performance of those in her team to enhance the OF events, communications and programmes to keep OFs connected to each other and to Fettes.

“It has been a very difficult decision for me to leave Fettes, after nearly eight wonderful years here surrounded by brilliant people. However, this decision is absolutely the right one for me. It will allow me to spend more time with my partner, Mike, who is based in Broughty Ferry and, in due course, to branch out on my own to pursue some parttime consultancy contracts. I can’t thank the Old Fettesian community enough for their support and encouragement over the years. It has been an absolute privilege to become part of this very special family for life.”

REFLECTIONS ON THE FIRST YEAR AS HEADMASTER OF FETTES PREP SCHOOL

Charlie Minogue (Staff 2022–present)

Charlie Minogue became Headmaster of Fettes College Preparatory School in August 2022, succeeding former Headmaster Adam Edwards (Staff 2003–2022). We asked Charlie to reflect on his first year in office.

I write this as the sunlight bathes the emerald arena of Turf and the sound of leather against willow and excited cheers drift through my window. A timeless scene and soundscape and yet Fettes doesn’t stand still.

I am coming to the end of my first year as Headmaster of Fettes College Preparatory School and have loved every minute of it. I was of course aware of the rich history of the College before arriving but sensed from my interview process that I was joining a vibrant and forward-thinking organisation at an exciting moment in its history. I thought it might be interesting for OFs to read some reflections on this last year in the hope that it might give an insight into the Fettes of today whilst providing some nostalgia as no doubt very familiar scenes are described.

Fettes still stands proud on its hill, dominating the view north from the centre of Edinburgh. The impression could be one of aloofness or even arrogance and I was interested to see whether the culture matched the first impression. Nothing could have been further from the truth. People in

this school are warm and welcoming and both Senior School and Prep School have a culture of kindness at their heart. Schools should be moral institutions first and foremost and it has been heartening to be welcomed into a community that values this dearly.

Helen Harrison is fond of saying that young people are known here, and I can see exactly what she means. This does not only come from carefully curated systems and protocols; more important is the culture that exists amongst staff who genuinely take the trouble to understand each individual child. It has been a joy to discuss children with the staff at Fettes Prep. They know them from every angle and never lose sight of this knowledge amongst the occasional frustrations of shepherding young people through the vagaries of early life.

Tradition is important. It can support culture and a sense of belonging and Fettes has some wonderful traditions that I am enjoying getting to know. Regular moments during each week and in the course of the Prep School year will, in due course, become like old friends: Chapel services, Burns Night, Founder’s Day, the First and Second Form production are special moments. That said, no school should use its traditions to anchor it in the past and I have been delighted to join Fettes at a time when it is demonstratively moving forward.

The school I inherited from the remarkable Adam Edwards is a kind school with an exceptional staff. They care deeply about their school, each other, the children and their craft. I have watched them all teach and have also enjoyed the conversations after each lesson, the crucial skill of any teacher being the ability to self-evaluate. Teachers at Fettes Prep are interested in innovating and leading educational thinking outside of the confines of our iron railings. We have indulged in debate, studied research and thought creatively about what this could mean for our own teaching. This is only possible when you have a group of emotionally intelligent and skilled practitioners and I have been delighted to discover exactly this in the Prep School. This enables us to move this school forwards in interesting ways, particularly in the classroom which is the core business of any school.

Boarding is still very much part of Fettes life and the structure of the school day and week revolves around our boarding community. Although only 25% of pupils in the Prep board (we are near capacity, particularly in Arran, the boys’ House), these are all full boarders, and the day children benefit hugely from the length of day and the space this gives us to create the widest possible range of

experiences. Not every child can be good at everything, but every child can be good at something and it is our job as a Prep School to find something for every child. Boarding at Fettes Prep provides an unparalleled experience for young people and an ideal preparation for the Senior School. Children move on knowing themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, having been given every opportunity to find an area that they can be passionate about. A boarding structure, whether a child boards or not, provides the ideal conditions for this to happen and it is clear that Fettes Prep provides exceptional breadth.

Most importantly, Fettes Prep is a fun place to be! I have very much enjoyed getting to know all of the children by name whilst getting involved as much as possible. Whether it be being beaten at table tennis in Arran to baking in Iona House or simply chatting to them at lunch, our young Fettesians, and their teachers, are fun to be around.

We have exciting plans for the next few years. This school is rooted in healthy and established values but is also determined to innovate and lead. This is right and proper, and it is a privilege to be part of such a special community. Please keep in touch and I look forward to expanding on our plans in the future as Fettes Prep moves forward.

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF CARRINGTON HOUSE

It was very special to host Carringtonians for a Sunday Lunch and House Visiting on Sunday 2nd October to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the House. The former Housemasters who were able to travel joined us and all were delighted to reconnect with some of their previous students.

Robert and Sheena Philp (Ca HM 1975–1986)

Gregg and Allison Davies (Ca HM 1994–1999)

Rob Harrison (Ca HM 1999–2005)

David Goodenough (Ca HM 2005–2009)

James and Andrea Weatherby (Ca HM 2009–2021)

Sam Shelley (Ca HM 2021–present)

Sadly Nick and Jill Ridley (Ca HM 1986–1994) were unable to travel.

At lunch, Fettes families were represented with relatives going as far back as 1890. Despite there being 14 Housemasters in the 150 year lifetime of the House, the Old Fettesians in the room were connected to a total of 10 of the 14. We were particularly thrilled to have been joined by the daughters of the 7th Housemaster, MC Leslie who was Housemaster from 1960–1975.

After lunch there was a note of welcome from OF Governor and former Carringtonian Roy Leckie (Ca 1985–1990). Roy also took the opportunity to thank recent Housemaster James Weatherby and his wife Andrea for their time at the helm of Carrington which ended upon James’ appointment as Senior Deputy Head and during the pandemic when gatherings to thank them were not possible.

Rob Harrison (Ca HM 1999–2005) provided an informative and entertaining address to celebrate the 150 years of Carrington cleverly linking the House spirit of belonging with the history. Speaking on behalf of all Housemasters past and present he talked of the privilege of guiding the members of the House and watching them grow combined with the joy of seeing those former students many years later in their adult lives.

Sam Shelley then invited all present down to Carrington to visit the House. The Carrington pipers played in welcome and current students greeted the guests. They toured in small groups and both OFs and current Carringtonians enjoyed seeing familiar places and sharing stories of then and now.

“It’s an honour to have shared this house with so many amazing people, from all over the world. I hope that this historical house will still be here in another 150 years.”

Ca, Fifth Form Student

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the numerous Old Carringtonians and seeing generations who I know have walked through the same corridors as I am doing now.”

Ca, Lower Sixth Form Student

It is often said that within a week of joining the College everyone at Fettes feels like their House is the best House and the place where they live, where they belong and where their closest friends are made. The momentous Carrington House anniversary definitely brought out those feelings amongst the former residents and the current ones.

Excerpts from Rob Harrison’s speech:

I joined the Fettes staff 31 years ago as a Carrington resident tutor and I enjoyed thirty years of comparative obscurity as an English teacher and Housemaster before I shot to prominence recently with my appointment as Head Consort on my wife’s promotion to Head…

…My term as Carrington Housemaster was of pitifully short length compared to the prodigious stints of my predecessors who used to put in shifts of up to about 30 years. I can only think times and the pressures of the job

were different then, with perhaps the prefects having a freer role in the running of the house and the Housemaster’s timetable including at least one day’s grouse shooting a week…

…The building in which you all lived, then, was almost contemporary with the main college, comprising large communal dormitories, Study Area and its little individual studies with their own fireplaces as well as quite substantial accommodation for the Housemaster and his family. And it’s a building that has survived two World Wars, evacuation to Lake Windermere following the diphtheria outbreak that claimed the lives of the founding Headmaster’s wife and child, various fires, restorations and renovations and then the recent pandemic. As the number of boys in the House has increased, so the cavernous dormitories of yesteryear, so difficult to make cosy and homely for today’s more discerning market, have been further subdivided into smaller rooms and studies. On a side note, I used to love scouring the old House photographs in the back corridor and was always intrigued, in the house photos of maybe the forties and fifties by a man on the end of the row, labelled simply ‘MacArthur’. No Mr or initials for him and yet he was plainly far too old to be a pupil. And then what a delight it was to learn that his first name Joe lived on in Joe’s Pantry, that little kitchen off the side of the Common Room and his role, exclusively in Carrington, was to make the porridge and deliver the coal for the study fires…

…When you visit Carrington I feel sure you will be struck by pangs of vivid memory of place, of a room, a corridor, a view, a much-frequented fire escape – it might be a pang of affection, or one of recognition, it might recall a moment of humour (and let’s face it, House life was very often about the shared laughs)…

…I’m similarly sure that all Old Carringtonians visiting the House in the years after they left find the latest living conditions appallingly soft and quite unlike the characterbuilding spartanism that they themselves endured. I persist in my belief that all Fettesians believe the school to have been specifically built for the five or so glorious years that they were there, but you cannot but be affected by a sense of the past when you have occupied those rooms and walked those corridors…

…But a place like Carrington is about so much more than mere bricks and mortar. It cannot be denied, I suspect, that memories of one’s days in House are unavoidably linked with the identity and character of the Housemaster who was in post at that time. Let me read you the names, then: Bell, Heard, Yeo, Pyatt, Lodge, Cooper, Timbs, Leslie, Philp, Ridley, Davies, Harrison, Goodenough, Weatherby, Shelley. Some of those may have been names below the photographs you walked past a thousand times as a youngster, they may be names of various rooms around the house, but one or two of those names will be forever associated, one hopes largely positively, with the years you spent in the House. There’s a name not among that list that I also want to mention today and it’s that of Dr Peter Coshan, a Carrington tutor for many years and someone who stood in for two terms as Housemaster when Nick Ridley was seriously ill. It would be wrong, as we all come to terms with the appalling circumstances of his death, not to pause a moment to appreciate his contribution to Carrington life…

…Let all who can, then, be upstanding to raise a glass to old friends and to the home in which we made them, Carrington House…

EVENTS 2022–2023

7th July –London Summer Drinks Party

The OFA were delighted to host the first in-person drinks event in London in nearly three years. Over 100 guests gathered at The Reform Club on the Pall Mall for a Champagne and Canapés reception in The Library. This beautiful room proved a great back drop for the group shot which saw OF Coordinator Vivienne Clark (Staff 2020–present) having to stand on a chair to fit everyone in!

Throughout the evening the drinks were flowing and OFs were pleased to be back together once more. A short while into the event Henry Skeoch (Mo 1999–2004) said a few words of welcome and provided a little more information on the history of The Reform Club before handing over to Nicola Pickavance (Staff 2015–2023) to give an update on the Fettes of today and thanks to the organisers and guests.

A huge thanks must go to London OF Regional Representatives, James Macpherson (Gl 1997–2002) and Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) for organising this event and to Henry Skeoch for being the sponsoring member of The Reform Club.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this return to London in-person events so special.

6th September – Learning at the Law Society with Peter Gray KC (Gl 1972–1977)

On 6th September, Fettes College was fortunate to host Peter Gray KC (Gl 1972–1977) for a talk about studying law in the UK. He gave practical guidance and advice on what to study at university in order to pursue a career in law, with tips on applying to universities in the UK. Thank you to Peter for sharing his knowledge on the subject.

12th September – Eight years on from Fettes with OF Matty Jackman

were fortunate to have members of the Fettes community with us for the evening representing investment, brokerage, crypto-currency, financial risk, regulation, fintech, research and technology.

Thank you to those in attendance for taking the time to share their wisdom with the students.

30th September – 1st October –Commemoration Weekend

Old Fettesian Matty Jackman (Ki 2009–2014) gave a truly inspirational talk to the whole of the Sixth Form. Matty provided relevant reflections having left Fettes himself only eight years ago.

The talk was well placed at the start of the academic year as members of the Sixth Form start to take serious considerations about their own steps beyond Fettes. Matty drew on his experiences at Fettes making the most of every opportunity. Keeping variety was his key message; always learn about yourself another; an open mindset a third. We are grateful to Matty for giving his time and sharing his insights with the Sixth Form.

20th September –Insight into Finance Careers

We were delighted to welcome more than 350 Old Fettesians back to Fettes to celebrate Commemoration weekend with us. The weekend was jam-packed with Friday drinks, the OFA AGM, opportunities to watch the sports teams, House visiting and an insightful Careers Lunch. For the first time, we hosted the Commem Chapel service in the early evening before dinner which proved popular. Guests then enjoyed a wonderful black-tie dinner in the Dining Hall. Read more about this great weekend of events on pages 4 to 7.

2nd October –150 years of Carrington House

Fettes College was delighted to host experts in the field of Finance to provide first hand insights to those from the Fifth and Sixth Forms. We

It was very special to host Carringtonians for a Sunday Lunch and House visiting to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the House. After lunch there were speeches from Carringtonian Roy Leckie (Ca

1985–1990) and former Carrington Housemaster 1999–2005, Rob Harrison (Staff 1991–2021). Guests were invited to visit Carrington, where they were welcomed by Carrington pipers. To read more about this event, please see pages 32 and 33.

9th October – South Africa Lunch

1981) and Maria Fish, Elena Kachkova (Staff 1993–2002) and her husband Nigel Wilkes, Fleur Hodgson and her husband Nick Hodgson.

Should there be any OFs in South Africa, who would like to be part of our annual lunch, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stephen Fish (SH 1980–1981) South Africa

+27 83 253 3766 stephen.fish@liberty.co.za fishman@iafrica.com

10th October –

Fettes in Conversation: Bringing Digital Content to Life

OF Regional Representative for South Africa, Stephen Fish (SH 1980–1981) arranged for OFs to gather for lunch. Stephen wrote the following:

It had been over two years since our last lunch gathering due to the COVID–19 pandemic which had chased us all into our homes and cut us off from our family and friends, so when the opportunity presented itself, the OFA Gauteng Group met for a wonderful lunch held at The Country Club, Johannesburg.

It was a very festive lunch held on the CCJ Auckland Park campus patio, on a magnificent, bright and warm spring Sunday, where we not only met up with old friends but were able to celebrate the very recent marriage of Fleur Hodgson (née Rollason) (Gap Student 2005) and Nick Hodgson. We all wish the new Mr and Mrs Hodgson all of the very best for their life journey together. A warm OF welcome was extended to Fleur’s parents-in-law, Valerie and Allan Hodgson, who were able to join us all for lunch.

We also welcomed a new member to the group for his first OF lunch, Dean Barnard (Mo 2008–2013) and his partner Madison. With Dean joining the OF Group, we had a span of 60 years between the youngest and the most senior leavers!

The Fettes Grace was read by our elder statesman, Colin Macdonald (CW 1948–1953, Staff 1956–1960). The food was superb, as was the ice cold Chenin Blanc and draft beers, followed by the required single malts. The lunch was thoroughly enjoyed by John Rollason (CW 1962–1966), Willie (Gl 1967–1972) and Maureen Rankin and their sons Chris (Gap Student 2009) and Alistair, Hitesh (SH 1976–1981) and Sonia Desai, Stephen (SH 1980–

We hosted a fascinating live webinar with Emmy-nominated Director and Creative Technologist Elliot Graves (Gl 2007–2012). Elliot has worked on both virtual reality and augmented reality environments and talked to us about some of the roles and techniques that were involved in his work on the recent David Attenborough productions Kingdom of Plants, First Life and Micro Monsters

It was inspiring to hear of his rapid career journey in the ten years since he left Fettes and it was beneficial to learn how his life as an undergraduate at Durham University was such a springboard due to his work on student radio and his passion for photography and promotion.

To hear the podcast of this Fettes in Conversation event, visit bit.ly/ elliotgravespodcast or search for ‘Fettes Community’ on your preferred podcast provider.

Thank you to Elliot for talking about this interesting subject.

21st October –Fettes Community Gather in Dubai Members of the Fettes community, including Fettes’ Director of External Relations, Debbie Atkins (Staff 2022–present) and OF Regional Representative for the Middle East,

Luke Daly (Ca 2001–2006) were generously hosted by past parents, Aditya and Helen Srivastava, at their home in Dubai. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful get together in splendid surroundings with Fettes friends old and new. We are deeply grateful to Aditya and Helen for providing the perfect setting for this special gathering.

27th October – British Columbia

Annual OF Dinner

OF Regional Representative for Western Canada, Nigel Grant (Ca 1949–1952) arranged for OFs to gather in West Vancouver. Nigel writes:

‘We were very pleased to have two 2022 leavers in attendance, Harry Marson (PS-Ki 2011–2022) and Taylor Torkington (Ki 2017–2022), who fitted in very well with us oldies. In fact there was an 80 year age span between the oldest and these two youngsters!’

Those in attendance were:

Andrew Milligan MBE (SH 1938–1941) our resident nonagenarian at 98 years old; Nigel Grant (Ca 1949–1952); Sandy Aird (Ki 1955–1959); Jonathan Maillie (CE 1956–1960); Mike Weddle (Ki 1956–1959); Derek Morris (CE 1966–1971); Mike Robertson (Ca 1967–1972); Harry Marson (Ki 2017–2022); Taylor Torkington (Ki 2017–2022)

David Hunter (Gl 1948–1953) was much missed as he died suddenly a few months prior.

3rd November – Jake Wightman

Talks to the Sixth Form

It was a great pleasure to welcome Jake Wightman (Gl 2008–2012) back to Fettes College to share highlights of his athletics journey with our students, from school all the way

to his phenomenal recent World Championships gold medal.

Jake’s advice to our students was: Don’t rush into specialising in one sport too early.

Making sacrifices to achieve your goals is part of being an elite athlete.

Understanding the small and mundane parts of training are important to gaining the edge in athletics.

We will again be cheering for Jake later this year when he is back on the track competing.

10th November – Remembrance Weekend Talk by David McDowell (Staff 2005–present)

was given by current parent, Brigadier Graeme Wearmouth OBE. We are delighted that the OFs in attendance were able to gather once again for the traditional photo in front of the Fettes War Memorial.

15th November – Young OFs talk about studying in the US

Through the Fettes Career Partnership programme our cohort of Sixth Form students intending to apply to study in the US were joined live on Zoom on Tuesday 15th November by young OFs who are currently or have recently studied in the USA.

Thank you to Fergus Bolton (PS-Gl 2011–2022), Amy Wong (CW 2015–2020), Ava Peters (PS-Ar 2012–2019), Annarosa Zampaglione (Da 2017–2019) and Justin Sian (Ki 2014–2016) for their time and insights into studying in the USA.

30th November – Celebrating St Andrew’s Day in London

Old Fettesians from across the generations from 1959 up to 2019 and it was a pleasure to have some current and past parents with us for the evening as well. The atmosphere was definitely one of friendship with a shared sense of connection. We are very grateful to Regional Representative for Edinburgh, David Hay (Ca 1991–1996), for his support towards this event.

9th December –OF Christmas Party in Hong Kong

Fettes was pleased to host a talk by renowned teacher of History and Head of Government and Politics at Fettes College, David McDowell. In the lead up to Remembrance Day, he talks fascinatingly about Fettes and the First World War.

To hear the event podcast, visit bit.ly/davidmcdowellpodcast or search ‘Fettes Community Podcast’ on your usual podcast provider.

13th November –

Remembrance Sunday

St Andrew’s Day was celebrated in style by the 90 Old Fettesians who joined us for drinks and canapés at The Caledonian Club in London. It was wonderful for everyone to get together and hear an update from Fettes. We were also delighted to welcome several of our newest OFs who left Fettes in 2022 to their first Old Fettesian event. We are grateful to the Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present) and to her husband, Rob Harrison (Staff 1991–2021) for travelling down to London to celebrate with us. Thanks must also go to Regional Representative for London, Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) for supporting the organisation of the event and for his toast at the end of the evening.

Nineteen OFs in Hong Kong enjoyed a festive get together kindly hosted by Jerome Barty-Taylor (Inv-Ki 2000–2005). There was a delicious range of Asian and Western food including Christmas pudding and mince pies. We are very grateful to the Regional Representatives for Hong Kong, Joseph Ng (Ki 1983–1986) and Alice Stevenson (Ar 2006–2011) for their efforts in keeping the OF community in Hong Kong connected this year.

14th December –London OFA Carol Service

On Remembrance Sunday, we were delighted to welcome back OFs and parents with military connections for a Chapel Service, coffee in the Library and lunch. Ninety-one guests attended the Service and 57 joined for lunch. The heartfelt address in Chapel

6th December –Festive Drinks in Edinburgh

Informal festive drinks in the beautifully decorated Tigerlily created a wonderful setting for members of the Fettes community to get together in Edinburgh before Christmas. Conversations were enjoyed amongst

Despite the national rail strike, the London OFA Carol Service had a congregation of 200 Old Fettesians and was a truly wonderful occasion. All were in excellent voice with very strong congregational singing and there were some very happy reunions afterwards over mulled wine. Particular thanks must go to Rev. David Simpson (Mo 2001–2006) for all of

his organisation. We are most grateful too to Adrienne Ferguson (Staff 2004–2014) for leading the service, to past parent Rev. Roger Simpson for his thoughtful address and to our OF readers, Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008), Saskia Cooke (PSCE 2009–2018), Florrie White (CW 1986–1991) and Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992). The volunteer support team of Urosh Teodorovich, Peter Park (Ki 1997–2000), Debbie Spens (Staff 2007–2017) and OFA President, Richard Llewellyn were invaluable. We could not have hosted this special event without you! We hope that many OFs will be able to join us for this year’s carol service on Thursday 14th December 2023.

31st January

The aim of the day was to provide insight and inspiration for the higher education journey beyond school. Thank you to Co-Founders of Days, Mike Gammell (Inv-Ki 2001–2007) and Duncan Keith (Inv-Ki 2000–2006) who delivered an informative panel conversation. Thank you also to the many members of the Fettes community who joined us to share their advice and insights with the students.

24th February –North West OF Dinner OF Regional Representative for North West England, Norman Rowbotham (Ca 1963–1968) arranged for OFs to gather for dinner. Norman wrote the following:

‘The North West dinner was again held at the Swan with Two Nicks by kind permission of Richard (CW 1957–1962) and Margaret Robson. It was a rather last minute and impromptu dinner but was attended by a dozen regular attendees.

law and the legal profession to help them develop their knowledge and understanding of this wide-reaching career area. Everyone who attended was extremely grateful for the opportunity to talk to these fascinating professionals.

7th March – Insights into Careers with Creativity, Technology and Entrepreneurship

Our Upper Sixth students had an informative session with Elliot Reeves (Ca 1997–2000), Social Media Strategist and Digital Marketing Consultant and founder of Inspired Edinburgh, a video production and media company.

Elliott shared his experience on personal brand providing students with tools and tips to use when developing their own CV. He also utilised his digital experience to provide techniques to make a professional profile stand out online. We are grateful to Elliot for his time and his insights which students can use to put the best version of themselves forward.

10th February – Higher Education & Career Exploration Day

‘The menu was settled by the manager Ann Amphlett, who has looked after us for several years. Grace was given by Ian Gillmore (CE 1951–1956). The Haggis and dram, was addressed by Allan Paterson (SH 1975–1979) in his usual entertaining manner. The evening was really enjoyed by all and it was good to meet up again after the three year break.’

Those who attended were Ron Crichton (CE 1955–1960), Ian (CE 1951–1956) and Val Gillmore, John Crompton and Dorothee Knight (regular guests), Anya Leaver (CE 1989–1991), Allan Patterson (SH 1975–1979), James Robson (JS-Gl 1985–1993) and Lisa Carter, Richard (CW 1957–1962) and Margaret Robson.

28th February –Insights into Careers with Law

Fifty students chose to discover more about careers with creativity, technology and entrepreneurship. We were joined by ten members of the Fettes community who represented a diverse portfolio of experience, each with a unique career journey to share. They worked in film, animation, video games, ethical journalism, media, creative agencies, finance, venture capital, startups and sustainable energy and infrastructure. We are so grateful to everyone who supported this event with their time.

9th March –Fettes Drinks in Edinburgh

Twenty of our students took the opportunity to find out more about careers with law. The informal format enabled students to ask questions and explore different aspects of the

Old Fettesians and their guests gathered at Tigerlily in Edinburgh to catch up and enjoy a drink or two with their Fettes friends. Over 30 OFs braved the snow and bitter temperatures to join us for a glass of bubbly or beer. For those preferring to skip the alcohol, we were delighted to see Tigerlily serving Days 0% alcohol beer founded by two OFs and brewed here in Edinburgh.

We love to see our local OFs come together at these regional events, but it is especially great when OFs join us while travelling for work. Two Old Fettesians based in South England decided to pop in to say hello while in Edinburgh and one of them caught up with a classmate who they hadn’t seen since leaving school in 1984.

– Insights into CVs and Digital Profiles

Four hundred students from Fettes and Edinburgh high schools along with their parents and guidance teachers gathered at Fettes for our Higher Education and Career Exploration Day.

The evening was a wonderful occasion enjoyed by Old Fettesians from across the generations and we look forward to seeing you at the next Edinburgh drinks on Friday 29th September at Brewhemia.

& 15th March –Martin Lees visit to Edinburgh

14th

In mid-March, we were delighted to be joined by Climate Change expert and Old Fettesian, Martin Lees (CE 1955–1960) for several events both at Fettes and in central Edinburgh.

On Tuesday 14th March, Martin delivered a keynote address to support the week long Third Form interdisciplinary learning project – Are we doing enough to tackle Climate Change?. The talk covered a broad range of areas including “How do we know the climate is changing?” and “Looking ahead, what does humanity need to do?”. The Third Form found the talk really helpful and made many notes throughout.

The following morning Martin attended a seminar with Lower Sixth Economic students in the Old Library. The students found the seminar “thought-provoking” and “eye-opening”.

In the evening of Wednesday 15th March, Martin spoke to a professional audience at the Library of Mistakes on Managing Systemic Challenges in a New Era of World Affairs

Mindful of our place in Edinburgh, the talk looked back at the legacy of philosophers and economists such as David Hume and Adam Smith, linking this to present-day concerns relating to sustainability and climate change and the need for new ways of thinking to solve the problem.

To hear the event podcast, visit bit.ly/martinleespodcast or search ‘Fettes Community Podcast’ on your usual podcast provider.

We are very grateful to Martin Lees for visiting Fettes to deliver these highly informative events.

12th & 14th April – USA Events in Washington and New York

new ones and very much enjoyed hearing about Fettes from the Head.

The following day the Head and Nicola travelled to New York for Friends of Fettes Inc. AGM. After the AGM, one of the Trustees, Richard Blackett (Ki 1969–1974), hosted a wonderful drinks reception for the Fettes community in his home, with his wife Marissa and son Chris. This happy event was attended by OFs from across the generations and current parents. Every encounter during this trip underlined that the Fettes community is thriving in the US.

21st May – SW England OF Lunch

During the Easter Holidays, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present), the Head of Fettes, and Nicola Pickavance (Staff 2015–2023), Director of Development, travelled to the USA. Their first stop was Washington DC, where they received a very warm welcome from OFs and past parents in the DC area, including several board members of Fettes’ US charity, Friends of Fettes Inc., Rupert Hammond Chambers (JS-Gl 1979–1986), Brock Landry (Mo 1965–1966) and Nick Burnett (CE-Ar 1963–1968) At an event hosted by Brock and Nick at Mission Dupont, guests were delighted to see old friends and make

On Saturday 21st May 2023, 21 Old Fettesians and their partners sat down to a long and splendid lunch at The Boatman Restaurant in Bath hosted by Regional Representative for the South West of England, Nigel Shepherd (Mo 1975–1979). The Boatman is in an idyllic setting on the river Avon and with the sun beating down it was an ideal location for the South West of England’s Old Fettesians annual get together. We were honoured to have Mr Andrew Gordon Clark (Staff 1964–1981), known to many as the former Housemaster of School House. Nigel was delighted to host a range of Old Fettesians and it was excellent to observe how well everyone got on, clearly the bonds of Fettes run deep. Thanks to the great help from the OFA, the administration was flawless. We will be holding a similar event in May 2024 and Nigel would urge all OFs in the South West to come next year and enjoy a great day out in a great city.

Our Regional Representatives are working to plan events and establish deeper connections with the OFs in their region. A full list of OF Regional Representatives can be found on the next page so you can contact your local representative.

To keep up to date with upcoming events, please sign up to the Fettes Community Portal (fettescommunity.org) where we will share details of our plans. We very much look forward to seeing you at an event in the future.

OF REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ARGENTINA

Sean Cameron (Mo 1978–1982) seandcameron112@gmail.com

+54 9 2262 40 9044

AUSTRALIA (TASMANIA)

David Graham (Ki 1946–1950) davidkategraham@netspace.net.au

+61 036 228 5261

AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA)

David Davidson (Inv-Ki 1961–1965) ddavidson1@optusnet.com.au

+61 417 552 757

BRAZIL

Colin Pritchard (CW 1954–1958) colinpri.alp@terra.com.br

+55–11-9-9901-5844

CANADA (WESTERN)

Nigel Grant (Ca 1949–1952) pnigelgrant@outlook.com

+60 4 922 0059

CHANNEL ISLANDS

Jeffrey Giovannoni (Ki 1989–1994)

jeffreygiovannoni@voisinlaw.com

+44(0)1534 500300

CHILE

Donald Filshill (CE 1949–1952) dmfilshill@gmail.com

+56 9 9325 6438

EAST AFRICA

Alexis Sarikas (Mo 1978–1982) flexnbi@hotmail.com

+254 722 380290

ENGLAND (LONDON)

David Simpson (Mo 2001–2006) davidmoodysimpson@icloud.com

+44 (0)7896 818167

ENGLAND (LONDON)

Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008)

u.teodorovich@gmail.com

+44(0)7985 178823

ENGLAND (NORTH EAST)

Alastair Ross (JS-Gl 1981–1990) alastairross33@hotmail.com

+44(0)7789 247912

ENGLAND (NORTH WEST)

Norman Rowbotham (Ca 1963–1968)

normanrowbotham@aol.com

+44(0)7747 141666

ENGLAND (SOUTH WEST)

Nigel Shepherd (Mo 1975–1979) shepherd947@btinternet.com

+44(0)7581 008128

FRANCE

Neil Robertson (JS-Mo 1973–1980)

neil.robertson@orange.fr

+33 6 80 03 83 03

GERMANY

Berthold Nicklas Lange (Ca 2008–2010) bnl@langefo.com

+49 170 4002140

HONG KONG

Joseph Ng (Ki 1983–1986) joe.cf.ng@gmail.com

+852 6731 4638

HONG KONG

Alice Stevenson (Ar 2006–2011) alice.stevenson@hkland.com

+852 9337 2339

INDIA

Duncan Watkinson (Ca 1961–1965)

dpwatkinson@gmail.com

+91 81055 22555

NORTHERN IRELAND

Jason Johnston (Gl 1988–1993) jason.johnston496@gmail.com

+44(0)7971 206972

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

David Baxter (Mo 1983–1988) drbaxter1970@gmail.com

+353 86 853 6966

ITALY

John Murphy (Ki 1963–1967) j.murphy@buroservice.com

+39 348 0851930

JAPAN

Shizuka Harada (Inv-CW 1993–2000) shizy999@gmail.com

+81 90 1849 2110

MEXICO

Alasdair Baverstock (Gl 2004–2006) alibaverstock@gmail.com

+52 55 2963 3746

MIDDLE EAST

Luke Daly (Ca 2001–2006) luke@moosa-daly.com

+971 506132681

NEW ZEALAND

James Purves (SH 1980–1985) jamespurves@mac.com

+64 21 274 1850

SCOTLAND (EDINBURGH)

David Hay (Ca 1991–1996) david@melvillecastle.com

+44(0)7932 042456

SCOTLAND (ORKNEY)

Barbara Graham (Gl 1975–1977) bjmgraham@gmail.com

+44(0)7710 404892

SOUTH AFRICA

Stephen Fish (SH 1980–1981) fishman@iafrica.com

+27 83 253 3766

SOUTH EAST ASIA

Oliver Draper (Mo 1989–1991) oliver.draper@consultgroup.net

+ 65 9176 8708

SWITZERLAND

Norval Gough (Ar 1976–1980) norval@perso.ch

+41 76 522 2625

SWITZERLAND

Christopher Milne (SH 1974–1979) christopher@thewiseelephant.com

+41 77 513 56 68

USA

Elena Jacque (née Poleganova) (Inv-CW 1994–2002) epoleganova@gmail.com

+1 267-304-9449

If there is a region you would like to volunteer for, please contact Vivienne Clark at ofa@fettes.com

OF NEWS

Former Staff

The Revd Dr David Weekes (staff 1974–1994) has published another book, John Buchan’s Faith and Issues in Some of his Prose. David also wrote the following:

During the 1980s Jean Weekes (Staff 1979–1994) was very fully engaged at Fettes as Housemistress, running the Remedial Department and teaching A Level Religious Studies. Nevertheless she voluntarily undertook an added responsibility in the local community as a member of the Edinburgh Children’s Panel. This has legal powers over arrangements for the well-being of children in difficult circumstances. There was a rigorous procedure for appointments to this which were normally limited to three years, but in Jean’s case this was extended for a further three. I know that independent schools are encouraged to make meaningful connections within their locality nowadays, but perhaps this individual initiative is noteworthy from an earlier period when it was less common. Jean’s voluntary work was a demanding extra, involving mastering case histories before the interviews with the individual, and required people who were good listeners, empathetic, compassionate and reliable. It speaks much for her contribution that her

appointment was extended in a way unusual at the time.

1950s

James Lawson (Ca 1953–1956) wrote: The North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower and Museum are managed by the North Queensferry Heritage Trust, a registered charity, which I chair. My hands-on involvement with the refurbishment of the tower was to start the project, with others, in about 2007. The tower itself which is owned by Fife Council had been unused and became derelict since the end of WW1. In 2010 on completion of the refurbishment project the tower was opened to the public by The Princess Royal who became the first visitor to ‘light the lamp’. Since then we have had visitors from 93 countries all recorded in our visitor books with an average number of over 10,000 visitors annually. The museum was opened in 2019 just prior to the start of the Covid pandemic.

Christopher Souter (Ca 1954–1959), was reminded of Tony Blackburn (Ca 1952–1957) when reading in his local news paper of the sad news of Tony’s mother’s passing. He writes: He was senior to me by two years and therefore ignored his fellow townsman. He had a bent for acting, and was cast in the forgettable House Play at the time as Butler. His role

required him to cross the stage with a silver tray, a water jug and two glasses. On the night of the Dress

Rehearsal, Tony succeeded in ‘bringing the house down’. He didn’t see a lighting wire and did a very good interpretation of a clown somersaulting at the circus. All the water glasses and tray went everywhere, and the rehearsal stopped to recover itself, cease laughing, and settle down again. It was at this stage that Tony earned the first-ever Carringtonian ‘Oscar’. This was all very well but the Producer saw the funny side. Tony was instructed to triplicate this act on all three nights. And it was these three nights that moved Tony up to be awarded the first-ever Fettesian ‘Oscar’. It’s what you had to do in those days to be recognised. You try somersaulting on stage three nights in a row with a trayful!

David Agassiz (Ca 1955–1960)

A publication in August 2022 brought the number of species new to science which he has described to 140!

Alastair Sharp (Gl 1957–1963) has now been retired from his full-time job as an Immigration Judge and Crown Court Recorder in London for some nine years and spends much time in the Highlands where he and his wife Ann have extended their holiday home in Tomnavoulin in Glenlivet (purchased from Jane Wilson, daughter of Dr Neil

The North Queensferry Harbour Light Tower and Museum

Anthony Cleary’s 2022 John Cornwell award for Outstanding Contribution to Family Law

Sharp (SH 1930–1935) and mother to three pre-millennium Fettesians), and have taken over Alastair’s parents cottage in nearby Tomintoul (Father Alastair G Sharp (SH 1924–1930)) as a letting project.

Alastair has been a certified CEDR Mediator since 2002 and on retirement he took a Masters in Mediation and Conflict Management at Strathclyde University and now has his own small Mediation Business, ASMediation, which he operates throughout Scotland and with a base in his former Chamber in the Temple in London where he is a Bencher of the Middle Temple and actively involved in Inn activities. He is a member of Scottish Mediation and is currently Co-Chair of the award-winning Strathclyde University Mediation Clinic. He took a Masters in Global Governance and International Security at Loughborough London Campus in 2017 and maintains his interest in world affairs inter alia by his membership of RUSI (Royal United Services Institute).

He and Ann have downsized to a Georgian cottage in Highgate Village in London where Ann practises as a KC in high-net-worth matrimonial finance. During lockdown much could be conducted online but now significant travelling is required by both of them and they are good customers of Easyjet and Scotrail. In the Highlands Alastair is an Independent Prison Monitor and visits Grampian and Inverness jails. He was also a Chair of the Childrens Panel for a number of years. He keeps native Scottish Black bees and is a Board member of the Scottish Native Honeybee Society

and of the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust. He plays the occasional game of golf at the Donald Steel (Gl 1950–1956) designed ninehole Ballindalloch Castle Golf Course nearby and tries to catch fish on the Avon and the Spey nearby.

He is in regular contact with Derek Mowbray (Ki 1960–1965) who is his brother-in-law and who is now living in the Lake District. He has also recently re-established ties with economist and author Hamish McRae (CW 1957–1962) who, together with his wife fellow economist Frances Cairncross, gave the Toast to the Lassies and the Response at the latest Burns Night Event at the Middle Temple which Alastair has organised for the last 25 years. Any Fettesian passing through Glenlivet is welcome to drop in for a few holes and/or malts. Their phone reception is not good so best to email in advance at alastair.r.f.sharp@ btinternet.com

Anthony Cleary (CW 1959–1964) wrote: with some diffidence, I share this image with you for your consideration.

It is the 2022 John Cornwell award for Outstanding Contribution to Family Law (presented by Lexis Nexis, Law Publishers) in November 2022.

Two things: we’re talking English family law here, while observant readers will also notice an amusing spelling mistake in the citation!

1960s

John Lang (Ca 1962–1967, Staff 2005–2010) wrote: during August 2022, I completed a 14 day, 226 mile, paddle down the Grand Canyon on the muddy

(monsoon season) with multi-rapids, Colorado River. It was a very exciting adventure, including some impressive thunderstorms, coupled with Arizona’s sweltering + 40°C summer heat. In addition to myself, there was my son Oliver (Ca 1999–2004), daughter Fabienne (CW 2002–2006), and Caitlin McKenna (Ar 2002–2004). See Fabienne’s news for a more detailed account of our adventure.

Tim McArthur (Mo 1963–1967) sent news that he is alive and well and living in Ayrshire. Having had what can only be described as a haphazard working life including managing director, project manager, marketing manager and professional diver. After fifty years I found a job that I loved working in Southcraig, a brilliant school for young people with profound disabilities in Ayr for ten years. In the strange way that life works, having introduced the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to Southpark it led to a post as a Centre Support Officer working with DofE in East Ayrshire which I am still enjoying after six years – and aim to keep going with it. Outside this lots of sailing, hill walking, scuba diving and horses, but not all at the same time!

Tim wrote to us again noting that he was a regular at the Scottish Islands Peaks Race and was at the start in May, cheering on the Fettes team along with his own son on his own yacht!

Neil Jackson (Gl 1965–1969) – Neil Jackson’s book on the architect Peter Womersley (1923–1993) was published on 1st May by Liverpool University Press in association with the Twentieth Century Society and Historic England.

John Lang, Oliver Lang, Fabienne Lang, Caitlin McKenna

Womersley was famous for his modern buildings in the Scottish Borders and any OF (under 73) who was sent across the road to the Western General Hospital might recall his yellow concrete Nuffield Transplantation Surgery Unit (1965–1968) and linking bridge which once formed such a noticeable gateway to the hospital.

Sandy Pratt (CW 1965–1970) – has written two books this year. Collected Letters, The First 25 Years 1998–2023 – the miscellaneous musings of a letter writing correspondent over the last 25 years with chronological comments on contemporaneous events of the day. His second book of the year is A Concise History of English and Scottish Monarchs 800–1600

1970s

Nicky Forsythe (Gl 1976–1977) is a Psychotherapist and qualitative researcher. In December 2022 her Social Enterprise Talk for Health won in the UK Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards 2022. She says:

We won in the category that is close to my heart and satisfyingly hard to win: “long term impact”. The award recognises highly effective mental health services “that can evidence a positive impact over at least five years”.

It’s gratifying to see that our mutual approach to therapeutic talk, and robust impact data evidencing large and sustained increases in wellbeing

and reductions in depression, has been endorsed by the distinguished judging panel (The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, University of Southampton, The Root Of It, MindWise).

A huge thank-you to my team at Talk for Health as well as our amazing volunteers, staff, data team, funders, commissioners and supporters. We wouldn’t have been recognised without your dedication and belief.

David Turner (Ki 1974–1977) –David Turner was awarded an OBE in June 2022 for his services to Security and British Foreign Policy in his role as Deputy Head of Operations, Organization for Security and Co-operation in the Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.

Graeme Stephen (Gl 1974–1979) wrote: I have been with a start-up business now for over 10 years and we are making waves as a leading sustainable investment manager based in London (recently awarded Best ESG Investment Fund Global Equities 2023 following on from a similar 2022 award as Boutique Manager of the Year). www.osmosisim.com

Andrew Lownie (Mo 1974–1979) wrote: you might be interested in my latest book Traitor King: The Scandalous Exile of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as featured on a Channel 4 TV documentary. I’m now writing a joint biography of the Duke & Duchess of York and keen to hear from

anyone who has met them.

Andrew Purves (SH 1974–1979) wrote: I have been awarded a PhD in March ’23 from UCL – the topic: Economic rent, inequality and public revenue – The Singapore Model. After 30 years in the furniture business, I intend to concentrate on further research to promote greater equity in the UK and elsewhere.

1980s

Neil Robertson (JS-Mo 1973–1980) sent us the following news: I practice as a lawyer in France and have developed a sports law department. I regularly defend professional rugby players and coaches from clubs such as Toulouse, Racing, La Rochelle and Brive before French, European and international disciplinary panels. After they are sent off with a red card my role is to try to avoid a suspension for the player, or to keep it as short as possible. Players I have represented include Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, Julien Marchand, Jerome Kaino, Joe Tekori, Kurtley Beale and Georges-Henri Colombe.

I am very much looking forward to the Rugby World Cup in France in September and hopefully bumping into a few OFs over to support their teams.

Chris Sutton (SH 1976–1981) let us know that he has been appointed Master of the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants, a vibrant

A Concise History of English and Scottish Monarchs by Sandy Pratt

Graeme Thomson presenting Helen Harrison with a Georgetown Preparatory School plaque along with Zeff Yusof (Ar-Ki 1980–1985)

modern livery company in the City of London, from Oct 22 – Oct 23. Any Fettesians with a strong interest in management consulting are welcome to get in touch.

chris.sutton@wcomc.org

Amanda Forsyth (née Baker) (Ar 1982–1984) wrote: I am now Chair of Live Music Now Scotland, a charity which offers performance opportunities for music students in care homes, hospitals, special needs schools etc, at the same time giving the audiences a rare opportunity to hear live music performed to a high standard. I am also Chair of the new National Centre for Music (NCM), which is being formed to take on the former Royal High School building on Calton Hill. The NCM will aim to strengthen all aspects of music experience in Scotland, providing a venue for the people of Edinburgh and Scotland for rehearsal, performance and community engagement; and will sit alongside St Mary’s Music School, which is moving into purpose-built accommodation on the site.

Graeme Thomson (Ca 1980–1984)

wrote: It was my pleasure meeting Mrs. Harrison, the Head of Fettes, for the first time and presenting her with a Georgetown Preparatory School (gprep. org) plaque as a token of our gratitude for her hospitality during our rugby tour last Spring, 2022.

Prep Rugby toured Edinburgh, playing Fettes at Raeburn Place and

George Watson’s at Myreside. Prep trained at Fettes most days and stayed at The Village next door.

Mrs. Harrison dismissed classes early on match day, creating a fantastic atmosphere. I was proud of the students’ sportsmanship and overall sense of fair play. The match was better contested than the scoreline suggested, with Fettes winning 36-10.

This fixture (the first US team ever to be hosted by Fettes) was only made possible with Mrs. Harrison’s kind hospitality and the efforts of Mark Appleson (Staff 2020–present) (who laid out the Red Carpet for us!). Finally, I must thank Stuart Buchanan-Smith (JSMo 1976–1984) for helping to engineer the entire Tour (which started as a call reminiscing about the old days).

Angus Watson (Ar-Gl 1980–1984) – Angus spent two months in Ukraine with UK-MED in the summer of 2022. He was responsible for setting up a Field Surgical Hospital, 20 miles from the Ukrainian-Russian border. The work was featured on the BBC’s The One Show. At the time of going to print he was due to go back to Ukraine in May 2023 to help run a trauma conference in Kyiv. Angus became the Clinical Chair of Surgery at Aberdeen University on 1st March 2023. Professor Angus J M Watson is also: Consultant Surgeon, NHS Highland Council RCSEd, Clinical Advisor to CFSD, Chair Global

Surgery Foundation and Chair RCSEd Research Committee.

Francis Salvesen (Mo 1979–1984) –Francis lives in Berkshire with his wife, Amanda. He has four children, the most recent is a son called Robin, born in August 2021.

Francis is a director of a forestry business and active, executive Trustee creating windfarms as well as investing worldwide.

He continues to paint and had an exhibition of 108 oil paintings encompassing many of the traditions of the UK, landscapes, seascapes, animals and birds, at the prodigious Mall Gallery in St James’s, London (March 2023), with considerable newspaper coverage. Portraits included HM the Sultan Ibrahim of Johur and HRH The Princess of Wales.

Albert Pollard (Ca 1986–1987) of Irvington VA (Carrington, ’87 and ESU exchange) has opened up a boutique hotel called Refuel Irvington and is still working in public policy promoting renewable energy and advocating for electricity consumers. He is still trying to describe to his kids the miracle by which Carrington won the school rugby match.

Mark Nelson Awori (Ki 1983–1988)

– had a lovely dinner with Richard Raczkowski (Ki 2012–2016) whilst Richard was visiting Kenya. They were both in Kimmerghame (almost 25 years apart!).

Field Surgical Hospital set up by Angus Watson

Francis Salvesen

Mel Chambers (née Jarron) (Ar 1986–1989) wrote: This year, I started an Art School in North Berwick for children aged 5–10, called Little Artists My own five children had the audacity to grow up and no longer wanted to make crowns from cereal boxes nor create magic caves with papier-mâché. So I have collected a new bunch of little people to play with most days after school in the wonderful Art Room at our local Community Centre. During the Easter holidays I held my first Art Camp where we painted hot air balloons, drew crazy cartoons, made cosy beds for favourite teddies, built fairy houses and decorated Totem Poles. It was great fun for me – I think the kids had a good time too! Contact me on www.littleartists.uk for a 10% discount for children of OFs.

An old Arniston friend, C-J WongKen (Ar 1986–1989) visited last Summer. Myself, Ann Wright (née Amos) (Ar 1984–1989), Tania Gillespie (née Lanzl) (Ar 1985–1989), Clare McLeod (née Roberton) (Ar 1987–1989), Amanda Mair (CW 1985–1989, Staff 2000–present) and some of the husbands and kids, all had a wonderful lunch together to reminisce. At one point, my daughter Lily, C-J’s daughter Georgie and Ann’s son Samuel, were all chatting and laughing too. Priceless! You always want your kids to like your friends’ kids!

1990s

Victoria McCusker (Née Wickes) (SH 1985–1990) sent us this news: I am still living in Bridge of Allan although

we sold our house in autumn 2021 to begin building our new home. My husband, Iain, has now retired from the fire service and so he is building it more or less single-handedly with the odd bit of help from the family. He is aiming to achieve Passivhaus standards and is enjoying learning as he goes. In October 2021, I took over the business I had been working closely with for the past 10 years and I am now the managing partner of Facilitating Change (UK) Ltd. We primarily work in the energy sector with a focus on new renewables projects and I am enjoying spending time working in Caithness and Orkney, amongst other places. It’s been a super busy 18 months which is a good thing as my builder is a very capable spender!

Our children, Oscar and Amelia, are both teenagers now and Oscar recently won his school’s Battle of the Bands competition. He is a much more proficient drummer than his mother ever was. Amelia is currently competing in a fashion competition where the finalists will have the pleasure of meeting Patrick Grant! She hasn’t quite developed the flamboyant style of her auntie Marion Wickes (CE 1985–1989) yet but she is very dextrous with a sewing machine.

I love spending time with OFs Nichola (née Bowie) (JS-CE 1984–1990) and Jason Lyons (Gl 1988–1990) and their family. I was also delighted to see so many of the old gang at the reunion events last May. The various lockdowns did not completely obliterate the 50th birthday season

either which provided even more time to catch up with many dear OF pals.

Jo Twist (Ar 1986–1991) – After 11 years heading up the Trade Association representing the UK’s video games industry, she will move on in the summer of 2023 to take up the role of CEO of the BPI, representing music labels in the UK.

Robin Weekes (JS-Mo 1983–1991) wrote: After 10 years of being the Vicar of Emmanuel Church in Wimbledon, and 23 years of ordained ministry in the Church of England, I’m having a career break. From September 2023 I will be teaching History at Radley College, hoping I can emulate the heights of Mark Peel (Staff 1983–2007) and Andrew Murray (Staff 1981–2014) who first inspired me –along with my father David – with a love for the subject.

Tim Butler (Ki 1986–1991) is delighted to share that his youngest, India, and her fiancé James Hilditch are expecting a son in August (due date is his birthday 21/08) and he will be their first grandchild.

Grace Tam (CE 1988–1992) sent in OF News: I was an awardee of The Secretary for the Civil Service’s Commendation Award Scheme 2022 for my outstanding work performance as a government Clinical Psychologist in Hong Kong. The award ceremony took place at the Central Government Office, Hong Kong on November 8th 2022. Despite the city being affected by COVID–19 at the time, my father was able to join the ceremony to celebrate the special occasion with

Richard Raczkowski and Mark Nelson Awori

C-J Wong-Ken stepping on the Queen’s Lawn

Victoria McCusker

me. I was also selected as one of the seven awardees to be interviewed by a group of newspaper reporters for the occasion.

Parisa Urquhart (CW 1990–1992) wrote to tell us: I am now a BAFTAwinning documentary maker. I captured the dramatic journey of Sir Geoff Palmer in Scotland, Slavery & Statues about the Melville Monument in Edinburgh. Short films on this story were commissioned by Channel 4 News and a one hour documentary by the BBC. It then won a BAFTA Scotland award. It can be watched on BBC iPlayer and www.urquhartmedia.com I also co-directed a BBC documentary about the world-legendary Livingston Skatepark and it triggered the West Lothian Council to apply to Historic Environment Scotland for heritage listing. I am now developing a documentary on the Iranian Revolution. If you are interested in hearing updates I am on Twitter (@urquhartmedia) and Instagram (@parisa_urquhart).

Ric Clark (Ki 1989–1994) – It’s not only Jake Wightman (Gl 2008–2012) who is an Old Fettesian running for Edinburgh Athletic Club. I’ve been competing for them too since I stopped playing rugby in 2015 and I regularly bump into Myles Bax (Ki 2000–2005) and Angus Thompson (Inv-Ki 1993–2000)

Myles and Angus are still young enough to knock together a few results both in cross-country and on the road.

My focus is generally round the track both indoors and outdoors and I have won a few medals at Masters level over 400, 800 & 1500m in recent years.

Angus and I took part in an ‘urban cross-country’ event on Fettes grounds in mid-March 2023. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to relive some halcyon days on the College grounds. Over a course slightly longer than 5km taking in some of the Steeplechase course (as I remember it anyway), Angus managed to place 3rd in 20:43 with me 10 places back in 23:13.

Great fun and with such a fantastic backdrop!

Gemma Douglas (CW 1993–1998) married Barry Gow on 4th July 2022 at Kilchoman House, Isle of Islay. In attendance was fellow Fettesian, Emily Middleton (née Moule) (Inv-CW 1991–1998).

Milen Bozhilov (Ca 1995–1999) wrote to tell us about his friend – A quick news update about Mr. Nikolay Spassov (Ca 1995–1996) of Carrington who recently received the Banker of the year award in Bulgaria.

2000

Jonathan Collins (Mo 1996–2001) is an obstetric anesthesiologist and Medical Director at BC Women’s Hospital in Vancouver BC, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. What may come as more of a surprise to

his contemporaries is that he ran his first marathon last year (in under four hours), and having turned 40 this year he hopes to do even better.

Kay Chan (Mo 1999–2003) sent in news: my wife Janet Yee gave birth to our son Chan Geoffrey Yu Ching on 7th November, 2022.

Miranda Barty-Taylor (Inv-CE 1998–2005) – Since completing her PhD in Sociolinguistics at Lancaster University, Miranda joined Engender, Scotland’s feminist policy and advocacy organisation, developing a proposal to Scottish Government for a new Equal Media and Culture Centre for Scotland, as recommended in 2018 by the National Advisory Council for Women and Girls.

With funding now in place, the Centre aims to provide research, monitoring and advocacy for equality in Scotland’s rich media, creative, cultural, and sports sectors. Institutions across these industries have immense power to shape – or disrupt – the gender stereotypes which undermine women’s equality, and where there is often openness to equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives and policy recommendations, implementation remains patchy. To create meaningful, long-lasting change, the Centre will address these challenges head-on, conducting participatory research, fostering strategic partnerships, and advocating for better policy to create

Grace Tam

Ric Clark and Angus Thompson

Gemma Douglas on her wedding day with Emily Moule

Nikolay Spassov

a more inclusive and equitable media and cultural landscape in Scotland.

Partnership working is foundational to the Centre’s work, making our relationships with international media monitoring bodies, Scottish creative and cultural sector leads, academics and creators key to our success. As Manager of the Centre, Miranda is already developing relationships with major UK and Scottish broadcasters, news publishers, and cultural bodies. If any OFs involved in Scotland’s media or cultural industries would like to connect, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. The Centre is also looking to address sustainability challenges to ensure maximum longitudinal impact, and would welcome conversations with those looking to support such endeavour. You can find us on Twitter (@EqualMediaScot) or our website: www.emcc.engender.org.uk

Guillermo Latorre Miró (Gl 2004–2005) sent us news: back in 2018 I opened a very successful restaurant and hotel in the surfparadise island of Siargao, the Philippines (Instagram: @alma.siargao) serving Spanish food. In December 2021, the island was badly hit by category 5 Hurricane Rai, which killed over 400 people and left thousands homeless. Most expats and business owners left the island in a hurry, leaving what little was left behind. However, I decided to stay and use what was left of the restaurant (the kitchen was in good condition) to feed the locals who were and still are in dire need. We currently feed over 2,500 people per day for free, and we have reached a total of 40,000 hot meals served as of

today. The work we do can be followed on my Instagram account: @gui_spain. I have launched a fundraiser campaign to keep feeding the local population until tourism in the island is restored in about 12 months. Here is the link to the Gofundme initiative: gofundme.com/f/ alma-siargao-free-meals. We have made it to the Spanish national and local news, both on TV and newspapers outlets.

Johnny Ng (Ki 2001–2005) was in London in March, conducting three sold out concerts in the Royal Albert Hall with a well-known Hong Kong artist Hins Cheung. He had a wonderful time catching up with two good friends from Kimmerghame House from the same year, Ali Paul (Ki 2001–2005) and Bobby Stewart (Ki 2001–2005). Bobby was Head of House and Johnny was Deputy Head of House.

Fabienne Lang (CW 2002–2006) wrote: Last year, three other OFs and I went on a 14-day white water rafting adventure in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. My father, John Lang (Ca 1962–1967), my brother, Oliver Lang (Ca 1999–2004), and a good friend, Caitlin McKenna (Ar 2002–2004) were all on the trip. It was as fantastic as it was tough!

Nothing could prepare me for two weeks white water rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

Before the trip, I pictured heartfelt discussions with my brother, father, and friend – all OFs – around a campfire and afternoons spent gently paddling through famous sections of the emerald-coloured river like Horseshoe Bend. Little did I know that 14 days in the Grand Canyon were

going to put me through the Colorado wringer and churn me back out again, just like one of the river’s rapids.

I quickly learnt four things: One, you don’t light campfires in the Grand Canyon as it is a desert; Two, you’re far too uncomfortable and hot to dig deep into anyone’s psyche; Three, the Colorado River isn’t emerald during monsoon season, it is mud brown; And four, you don’t paddle through Horseshoe Bend on a commercial 14-day all-paddle river rafting trip.

I also learnt there is an abundance of sand in the Grand Canyon and it gets everywhere. Armies of red ants rush to bite into your soft ankle flesh as soon as you stop moving. Bats swoop overhead, tiny scorpions hide beneath rocks, and snakes slither past your tent at any hour of the night. Even by day 14, relieving myself in the river in front of the 27-strong team was a struggle, and my wet sandals felt lined with sandpaper.

However, for all its trials and tribulations the Grand Canyon took my breath away as soon as I laid eyes on it. Never had I felt as tiny as when I was perched on the side of our inflatable raft or stood in our campsite on a spit of sand, gazing up at the towering ancient, rocky monoliths around me. My mind was unable to deal with the canyon’s magnitude. I had never seen anything of this scale in nature before. In places, the canyon was 10 miles wide, a mile deep, and 180 miles long. You could place the Empire State Building at its depths and the canyon’s rim would still be thousands of feet above it. My entire existence was crumbled into perspective.

Miranda Barty-Taylor Guillermo Lattorre Miro with local children in the Philippines

Johnny Ng, Ali Paul and Bobby Stewart

Down on the canyon floor lay the thing that carved it: the Colorado River. This mostly peaceful, 226 miles-long waterway is peppered with over 160 boiling, frothing, and technical sets of rapids that are on a level I had never encountered before. Nearly 20 of these series of rapids dropped more than 15 feet, sending my stomach into a lurch when we careered down them. The speed, ferocity, and strength of these rapids put our fantastic guides’ experience to the test, which they excelled at time and again.

On each of the 14 scorching days I spent in between the canyon’s towering red walls in late July and early August 2022 I felt an inexpressible awe that anything on this earth could be so vast, so beautiful, or so silent.

Even if those heartfelt campfire conversations with my brother, father, and friend only happened in my imagination, I was extremely grateful to go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip with them. Sharing an adventure of this magnitude was enough to bring us even closer. The sprawling canyon views will forever remain etched into the creases of my brain and if you signed me up for another river rafting experience in the Grand Canyon, I’m certain I would still not be prepared

for it, as its nature ebbs and flows with every season, along with the mighty Colorado River’s pulse.

Mike Gammell (Inv-Ki 2001–2007) and Duncan Keith (Inv-Ki 2000–2006) are finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the year for their 100% beer, 0% alcohol, Days.

We were thrilled that both were able to join us at Fettes in February to deliver a keynote panel session for our Higher Education & Career Exploration Day for Lower Sixth students from Fettes and students from Edinburgh high schools.

Christopher McCorkell (Mo 1999–2006) – Christopher took part in the Reddendo Parade held for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, by the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers, to mark the 200th Anniversary of being the Sovereign’s Personal Body Guard. The parade was held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse during Royal Week 2022.

In March this year, he was appointed a Member of the Order of St John (MStJ), by His Majesty The King, in recognition of his volunteer charity work with St John, since 2015.

David Simpson (Mo 2001–2006) will be inducted as the Vicar of Holy

Trinity with All Saints, Wandsworth in July 2023. If you’re looking for a friendly church in SW London or wanting to re-explore the Christian faith after a sabbatical since school chapel, do pop along to Holy Trinity (SW19 6SP).

Chris Murphy (Mo 2002–2006) is now a Major in the Blues & Royals division of the Household Cavalry. He marched in the Coronation Procession on 6th May 2023.

H. I. H. Abimbola Fernandez (Inv-Ar 1999–2007) sent news: I am Executive Producer of and featured on a docu-series detailing my family’s story titled African Royale which is slated to be released later this year by The Africa Channel US/Fred Media Global.

African Royale is a docuseries celebrating Black heritage, ambition, glamour and decadence. Further information on the series is here – www.fredmedia.com.au/ catalogue/2074

Elizabeth Macneal (Inv-CW 2000–2007) – The TV series of Elizabeth’s novel, The Doll Factory, will stream on Paramount+ this autumn (2023).

John Lang, Oliver Lang, Fabienne Lang, Caitlin McKenna

Major Chris Murphy

Abimbola Fernandez

Mike Gammell and Duncan Keith speaking at Fettes in February

2010s

Nicki Lange (Ca 2008–2010) participated in The Speed Project, where he ran 500km over five days, from the Santa Monica Pier to the Las Vegas welcome sign. Jack Maitland (Ca 2005–2010) supported in LA and ran a few kilometres with Nicki, while Jack Greer (Ki 2005–2010) assisted leading up to the event.

Melissa Hepburn (née Oliver) (InvCW 2000–2010) – was the winner of the business category at the Women in Business Awards in November 2022.

Dominique Yewdall (née McNeil) (Inv-Ar 2005–2011) and her husband, Robert, were blessed with the arrival of their daughter on the 28th July 2022. Lily arrived in the early hours of the morning weighing a healthy 7lb 5oz. The parents are enjoying the endless love that accompanies the many sleepless nights.

Jake Wightman (Gl 2008–2012) –Jake won the gold medal in the 1500m event at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in July with a personal best and world-leading time of 3:29.23, beating reigning Olympic champion and European record holder

Jakob Ingebrigtsen (3:29.47). It was the first British world 1500m title since Steve Cram in 1983 and the first Scottish world title on the track since Liz McColgan’s 10,000m gold in 1991, moving Jake to third on the UK all-time list.

Jake continued his good form in August by taking a bronze in his specialist event at the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022, and a silver for the 800m at the European Championships held in Munich.

In September, he broke for the first time the 1:44-barrier in the 800m and Tom McKean’s 33-year-old Scottish record of 1:43.88, taking his fifth overall Diamond League victory with a time of 1:43.65 in Brussels. He capped his breakthrough season on the road a few days later, winning for the third time the Fifth Avenue Mile in New York.

Across the season, Jake also set Scottish records in the 1000m and one mile, as well as revising his personal bests in the indoor 3000m and road mile. He was named Sports Journalists’ Association Sportsman of the Year, while British Athletics Writers’ Association awarded him the John

Rodda Award for British Male Athlete of the Year for the second time. He was also named on the six-nominee shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2022.

Matty Jackman (Ki 2009–2014) has been promoted to Captain in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and Project Officer, UK Home Office. In 2022 he was awarded a Lord Lieutenant’s of Cumbria Award for his actions when serving in Kenya in 2021 where he coordinated the rescue of one of his soldiers who became rapidly unwell. He marched in the King’s Coronation carrying the Colours for the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Matty also competed in the Scottish Islands Peaks Race in May 2023 and enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with Mr Loudon and the Fettes participants.

Dr James Watson (Mo 2012–2014) (son, and Grandson to Roderick Watson (CW 1951–1956), nephew to Susie Glanville (née Watson) (Gl 1982–1983), Emma Bettany (née Watson) (Da 1985–1987) and Kirsty Watson (Ar 1987–1989)) was awarded a PhD in Organometallics from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Nicki Lange finishing his 500km run photo by Fabian Stoffers

Melissa Hepburn wins Women of the Future

Dominique Yewdall’s daughter, Lily

Matty Jackman receiving the Lord Lieutenant’s Award

Jake Wightman

India Daley filming Channel 4’s Hunted

on 27th April 2023. He has started a new job in energy transitions at Price Waterhouse Coopers in Sydney.

India Daley (Ar 2010–2015) told us: After gaining my Masters in Intelligence & International Security from King’s College London a few years ago I am now an Assistant Vice President at Barclays Bank working in Threat Intelligence. I have also recently become a Hunter on Channel 4’s hit show Hunted where you can tune in later this year to see myself and other Intelligence professionals track down fugitives across the UK. I will be reuniting with the cast in the near future to film next year’s Celebrity Hunted, which sees British celebrities go on the run for a chance to win their charity a share of £100,000.

Katie Hughes (Ar 2011–2015) has been accepted to do a Masters at Columbia University in New York starting in September after spending two and a half years working as a strategic communications consultant.

Liza Karmannaya (Da 2012–2016) and Gavin Tennant (PS-Mo 2010–2016) married in June 2022 after meeting at Fettes.

Caroline Getley (Ar-Da 2011–2016) played for the Scotland Lacrosse senior squad in April 2023.

Alison Waugh (PS-Da 2009–2016) wrote to tell us she and her fiancé Daniel welcomed a baby boy, Lestyn Robert David Jones, at home in the early hours of October 13th, 2022. They are very much looking forward to their wedding in September – a real Celtic Clash of Wales and Scotland! This photo is of Lestyn at a week old, heading to the British Farming Awards.

Harry Paterson (PS-Gl 2011–2019) signed his first professional contract for Edinburgh Rugby in March 2023.

2020s

Gabby Mitrushi (CW 2015–2020) –

On 13th and 14th May Gabby led (cocaptain) Yale Women’s Rugby team to the US Nationals in Dallas for the first ever time in Yale’s history for either male or female teams. The team played hard winning against Fairfield and University of Denver but losing against San Jose, Colorado Mesa and San Diego. The team finished the season ranked 6th in the US!

Kai Harper (Da 2018–2020) continues to play in the Lacrosse Scotland U21 squad and will compete in the Europeans this summer.

Izzy Sale (CW 2016–2021), Jess Alexander (Da 2017–2022) and Lulu MacLeod (PS-CE 2016–2022) represented Scotland U21 Lacrosse at the Home Internationals in April 2023.

Chidaro Nyirenda (Da 2019–2021) kindly came in to Fettes to speak to students, running an Anti-racism and Allyship workshop.

Marissa MacLean (PS-CE 2015–2023), Fettes 1st XI Hockey Captain 2022–2023, played alongside last year’s Captain Izzy Usher (PS-Da 2011–2022) for Scotland U21 vs Wales on 9th April.

Matt Hughson (PS-Gl 2012–2021), in January 2023, was selected as one of 36 players to join the Great Britain Hockey GB Men’s Elite Development Programme. He played in the Scotland U21 against England in April 2023.

Lochie Nairn (PS-Gl 2014–2022) and Charlie West (Gl 2017–2022) both attended the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in South Africa in February 2023.

Liza Karmannaya and Gavin Tennant on their wedding day

Alison Waugh with fiancé Daniel and their son, Lestyn Robert David Jones

Gabby Mitrushi in the Yale Women’s Rugby team

Marissa MacLean and Izzy Usher playing for Scotland U21 Hockey

Jess Alexander and Lulu MacLeod representing Scotland U21 Lacrosse

Lochie Nairn and Charlie West at Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in South Africa

A TRIBUTE TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Amanda Forsyth (Ar 1982–1984)

On Thursday 8th September 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away. She had been residing at Balmoral for some weeks, and remained actively involved in her duties as Sovereign to the very end.

Immediately, the project codenamed ‘Operation Unicorn’ was put into action – the title under which plans had been drawn together many years previously, should the Queen die in Scotland. At St Giles’ Cathedral, those plans had particular significance, and as a member of the St Giles’ Kirk Session, and its Cathedral Choir, I was to participate in the Service of Thanksgiving for Her Majesty’s life which would take place with all due solemnity, while being broadcast to the world.

On Monday 12th September, we provided an hour of organ and choral music for the congregation before the arrival of the Royal Party at the Kirk. As the Queen’s coffin was carried to its plinth, the choir sang Samuel S Wesley’s introit “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee”. The pressure of flawless performance was never greater!

As soon as the service ended, and the Royal Party and congregation had left, the Cathedral became a new hive of

activity, being reconfigured to allow two lines of mourners to file past the coffin. All of this time, a guard formed of four members of the Royal Company of Archers, the monarch’s bodyguard in Scotland, stood in silent watch, heads bowed – an oasis of calm. It was then I had my own moment of reflection, alone before the coffin.

At around 6pm, the first of more than thirty thousand members of the public began to stream through the building. As Elder on duty, it was my job to welcome them as they arrived; many were in tears as they entered the Cathedral. It also fell to me to greet His Majesty when The Queen’s four children came to hold their own vigil – another great honour in a momentous day.

When I left later that night, I walked home through the Meadows. I will never forget the sight of thousands of people queueing on every one of the paths that zigzag across the area, shuffling forward a few feet at a time, patiently and good-humouredly waiting for their turn to pay their respects at St Giles’.

In such a manner, Scotland said farewell to an extraordinary Monarch.

Amanda Forsyth (Ar 1982–1984) greeting His Majesty at St Giles’.

Photograph: Jacob King/Alamy

James Robertson (Gl 1976–1981) (standing vigil top left) wrote: ‘I was honoured to have been on duty as a member of the Royal Company of Archers, The Kings Bodyguard of Scotland, during Her Majesty The Queen’s funeral. I was one of four Archers to stand Vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral. The 1st Vigil took place during the service of Thanksgiving attended by The King.

‘I was then asked to travel to London to be on duty at Westminster Hall for the final Vigils the night before the State Funeral. My first Vigil was at 0020hrs once again for 20 minutes. This time there were only two Archers standing at the front of the coffin. My colleague and I stood Vigil five times through the night with the final Vigil at 0540 finishing at 0600 on the Monday. To have been part of this historic moment was not only a huge honour but something that I will remember for the rest of my life.’

Christopher McCorkell (Mo 1999–2006) stood watch as part of the King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers, during the Lying-at-Rest in St Giles’ Cathedral, as HM Queen Elizabeth II spent her final night in Scotland.

From left to right, Douglas Beard (PS-Gl 2009–2015), Hugh Dingwall (Mo 2009–2014) and Tom Ogilvy (Inv-Ki 1996–2003) all in the Scots Guards who stood vigil by Her Majesty’s coffin in Westminster Hall on Thursday 15th September at 1800 until 0001.

Hugh Dingwall (Mo 2009–2014) wrote: ‘It was an honour to be involved in a Vigil for the late Queen and to have had three old Fettesians currently serving in the Scots Guards together.’

SADLY DEPARTED

We would like to thank family members, friends and colleagues who have notified us of the deaths of Old Fettesians and other friends of Fettes listed in this edition of the Newsletter. This list includes news of deaths that we have been made aware of up until 16th May 2023. If you know of any omissions, please do let us know by emailing ofa@fettes.com or calling +44 (0)131 311 6741.

JAMES V KINNIER WILSON (KI 1935–1940)

James V Kinnier Wilson passed away on 22nd December 2022, aged 101.

James followed his older brother Dr Alexander B Kinnier Wilson (Ki 1930–1935) (Deceased) to Fettes. His nephews Ninian A Kinnier Wilson (Ar 1967–1972) (Deceased) and Jim B Kinnier Wilson (1972–1977) were both at Fettes. Whilst at Fettes, James was a House Prefect, Secretary of the Art Society and a member of the 3rd XV. He also won the Governors’ Prize for Latin Prose and was Sergeant in the Officer Training Corps.

James was a British Assyriologist and authored many publications.

He was admitted to Christ Church, Oxford in 1946 and awarded a BA (Oxon), in (Classical) Hebrew and Assyriology. In 1950 he was appointed Lecturer in Assyriology at Durham University. He had a research year in 1951–52 at The Oriental Institute, University of Chicago and became a lecturer and (one year) Asst. Prof., University College, Toronto from 1953–55. From 1955–89 James was appointed Eric Yarrow Lecturer in Assyriology at the University of Cambridge during which Cambridge became a leading centre in the subject. In addition to this, he was Chairman of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Cambridge 1965–67. He was an Emeritus Fellow, Wolfson College, Cambridge. He supervised several students who went on to hold major university and museum posts and who exercised a decisive influence on the study of ancient Iraq (Mesopotamia).

DAVID H H ROBERTSON (CA 1938–1943)

David H H Robertson passed away on 4th February 2023, aged 98.

Whilst at Fettes, David was a House Prefect. He achieved the Royal Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion and the 1st Class Instructor’s Certificate. He was also in the Art Society. His son, Michael L H Robertson (Ca 1967–1972) also attended Fettes.

The following was published in The Scotsman:

‘David studied Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and qualified in 1948.

‘From 1949–1951 he undertook his National Service responsibilities as a Surgeon-Lieutenant at HMS Victory, Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth.

‘In December 1951, he married Vera and after completing

a course in Tropical Medicine in Liverpool, Vera and David set sail for East Africa. He was a Medical Officer in Dar es Salaam. In 1955 he moved to Tororo, Uganda, having taken up a position as a Medical Research Officer with the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organisation. In 1963 he left to fill the Registrar’s position in the Department of Venereology at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1966. In 1969 he became Head of the Department and Senior Lecturer. Until 1990 he was Head of the Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine and Senior Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.

‘He retired in 1991 and in 1997 emigrated to Canada where he resided in both North Vancouver, BC and Maple Ridge, BC.’

He is survived by his wife Vera, son Michael and daughters, Eleanor and Clare as well as four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

QUENTIN (MARK) P M PATERSON (CA 1943–1944)

Quentin (Mark) P M Paterson passed away on the 18th November 2022, aged 95.

At Fettes Mark was in the 3rd XI. After Fettes Mark was soon evacuated to the US during the Second World War. He worked in publishing in New York and as a literary agent in London.

The following was published in The Bookseller:

‘After a spell in the Royal Marines, he undertook an apprenticeship at Thomas Nelson Publishers in Edinburgh, and then, aged 22, returned to the US to work firstly for Oxford and then Cambridge University Presses.

‘The contacts and knowledge he made in the US served him well when he returned to the UK in the 1950s and established his own literary agency, Mark Paterson & Associates.

‘In the 1970s he was appointed the foreign rights agent for the BBC Books working on the rights and co-editions for some of the significant books of that time.

‘It was however, an introduction to Ernest Freud, the son of Sigmund Freud, that led to Mark and the agency becoming specialists in the area of psychoanalytical publishing. Mark took full responsibility for Sigmund Freud Copyrights, which he continued in his retirement. He worked across the whole field of psychoanalytical publishing, including representation in the estates of Anna Freud, Donald and Clare Winnicot, Wilfred Bion, Michael and Enid Balint, and Marion Milner amongst others. He continued to work with and represent other general academic and educational writers and estates, including John Seely, Patrick Casement, the estate of Dorothy Richardson and the late Hugh Brogan and Peter Moss.

‘In 2000, he merged his agency with Paul Marsh creating Paterson Marsh Ltd – now fully incorporated into The Marsh Agency Ltd.’

JOHN D L MELVIN (CA 1944–1947)

John D L Melvin passed away on 11th April 2023, after a short illness, aged 92.

He joined Carrington House in 1944 and participated in the many aspects of life at Fettes. He achieved his Royal Lifesaving Society Medallion in 1945. He was in the 3rd XV and the School Choir. He was in the Art Club and the Bridge Club and was the Leading Cadet A.T.C. Proficiency and Advanced Training.

John kept in touch with Fettes and more recently three of John’s grandchildren attended the school: Amy Hardie (CW 2002–2006), Nell Hardie (CW 2005–2007) and Gael Hardie (CW 2005–2010)

John intended to join the celebratory Sunday Lunch at Fettes in October for Carrington’s 150th anniversary and would have been our oldest Carringtonian present. Unfortunately he did not feel up to it on the day.

He is survived by his wife Anne and children Frances, David and Robert along with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

MICHAEL J BURNS (GL 1945–1949)

Michael J Burns passed away on 16th October 2022, aged 90.

Both Michael and his brother Tho Burns (Gl 1939–1943) (Deceased) attended Fettes. Alongside his academics at Fettes Michael participated in many of the societies, namely the Science Society, Debating Society and the Ornithological Society.

The following was published in The Press and Journal:

‘Michael John Burns was born in Dingwall where he lived for more than 80 years before moving to Maryburgh.

‘He was educated at Dingwall Primary School, Dingwall Academy, Fettes College Edinburgh, and the universities of St Andrews and Edinburgh, gaining the degree of MA LLB (Hons).

‘It was at Edinburgh that he met Janet, to whom he was very happily married for 63 years.

‘Mr Burns qualified as a solicitor and, after national service with the Seaforth Highlanders, joined the family firm TSH Burns & Son, Park Street, Dingwall, along with his father, Thomas and his brother, Saunders.

‘He very much enjoyed his career and said that he never knew what was coming through the door, be it a case of murder or divorce.

‘For many years, Michael provided the Law Society of Scotland with advice on crofting law and, in later years, served as an honorary sheriff for the Sheriffdom of Grampian and Highlands and Islands, a role which he felt privileged to hold.

‘He had three daughters, Alison, Davina and Sarah-Jane, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.’

walking 100 miles on behalf of Alzheimers Research UK. My target date was the end of April and I am delighted to say that I completed my target of walking (or rather dawdling) 100 miles and raised money for what I believe is a really worthwhile cause. Not a really challenging target for someone who is young and fit but, I can assure everyone, something which I was not certain I could achieve as the paralysis of my arms, body and above all legs ten years ago has certainly affected me.’

He ended his update with the note: ‘My target now is to reach the memorable age of 90 in March 2022.’ We are delighted that he managed to achieve this aim!

MICHAEL (MICKEY) I C BAIN (GL 1946–1948)

Michael (Mickey) I C Bain passed away on 30th November 2021, aged 92.

Mickey came to Fettes from Singapore. He made the most of his two years at Fettes participating in the Art Club, the Photographic Society and the Science Society. He was in the 3rd XI Cricket team and was a keen swimmer coming 3rd in the Open Diving competition. He was also a member of the fencing club.

His wife contacted us to let us know of his death. She noted that ‘He passed away in France where he had been living for many years. He was always speaking about Fettes with nostalgia and I know he passed away taking along with him in his thoughts Fettes College where he spent time when he was young’.

DOUGLAS D SHEWAN (CW 1946–1952)

Douglas D Shewan passed away in December 2022, aged 88. Douglas excelled at sport competing in the 1st XV and the Basketball team. He enjoyed the Photographic Society and the Science Society and held the rank of Corporal in the Army section of the CCF.

After Fettes he had a career in global finance, working initially in South America where he was also the Regional Representative for the OFA in Brazil and Uruguay from 1969–1974. Later in his career he worked in the Middle East. He retired to the UK and at the end of his life he lived in Hampshire.

He had one OF relative, his niece Susan B Williams (Ki 1975–1976), one of the early Fettesiennes at the school.

ALAN A W WADDELL (CA 1946–1951)

Alan A W Waddell passed away on 14th September 2022, aged 89.

DAVID O HORNE (GL 1945–1950)

David O Horne passed away on 25th December 2022, aged 90.

At Fettes David was a House Prefect and he was in the 4th Cricket XI. He was on the Science Society Committee, in the Debating Society and was the rank of Corporal in CCF (Army Section, Signals).

In the OF Newsletter of 2021 David wrote to tell us news of his tremendous fundraising achievement: ‘From mid-February to the end of April this year (2021) I was slightly busy as I tried to complete my charity target of

At Fettes, Alan was both a sportsman and an academic. He was a School Prefect and he played in the 1st XV in 1949–1950 but was injured in 1950–1951 so was unable to play. He was in the 1st Hockey XI, the Fives team and he played golf. He left Fettes for Pembroke College, Cambridge, and then did his National Service with the Royal Artillery. He won a Harkness Fellowship to Harvard Business School and was awarded an MBA in 1958. He then worked in finance at Lazard Brothers and investment at the Glasgow stockbroking firm Speirs & Jeffrey.

Alan was a Governor of the Fettes Trust from June 1972, retiring in July 1984. He was Convenor of the Finance and General Purposes Committee. He was very proud to be Guest of the Day at Founder’s Day in 1985, having also stepped up to speak as Guest of the Day two years prior.

Alan married Marjorie in 1959 and they had four children, Gillian, Jennifer, Graham and Andrew. After school and university, he continued to play rugby and then squash. A very tall scrum half and man with a lovely line in drop shots and boast shots in the squash court. Later on, he would continue stubbornly with his ancient 1950’s golf clubs to hugely enjoy playing golf.

Alan was from a large family of Fettesians begun by his OF father Herbert Waddell (Mo 1915–1921) (Deceased) and uncle Robert Waddell (Mo 1915–1917) (Deceased). His brothers Robin Waddell (Ca 1945–1950) (Deceased) and Gordon Waddell (Ca 1950–1956) (Deceased) also attended Fettes. Alan’s own children Graham Waddell (Ca 1977–1972) and Andrew Waddell (Ca 1982–1987) came to Fettes as well as his grandchildren Kate and Anna Waddell (PS-CW 2008–2015), Lachlan Waddell (Ki 2008–2013) and Duncan Waddell (Ca 2021–present).

DONALD S YOUNG (CA 1946–1951)

Donald S Young (Ca 1946–1951) passed away on 24th July 2022, aged 89.

He was the son of Stewart (Ca 1915–1919) (Deceased), brother of Kenneth (Ca 1948–1953) (Deceased) and uncle of Kate Eckett (née Young) (Gl 1979–1981).

The following was written by William Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955), with considerable help from Lucy Copper, Donald’s daughter:

At Fettes Donald was a House Prefect, in the 1st XV, the 1st XI Cricket team and he played fives and golf. The Fettesian of July 1950 notes of D S Young: The most natural stroke player in the team; he never seemed to be in difficulties, yet he always got out carelessly just when set. As a bowler he was always dangerous, and took several valuable wickets. His cheerful confidence and aggressive spirit meant much to the team.

His career was one of a stockbroker, mainly with the then well-known City firm of Colegrove and latterly with a smaller one in Reigate. His great enthusiasm in life was golf; in his younger days as a low handicap player and in his latter ones, although not playing to his earlier standard, as a keen follower of, and commentator on, the game. He played for the Old Fettesians in the Halford Hewitt, including as a member of the team which won the trophy in 1964; also in matches in the south and in the Cyril Gray. Playing with the late Billy Steel (Gl 1949–1954) (Deceased), his partner in the 1964 Halford Hewitt final, he hit one of the finest shots the latter had ever seen, a two iron to within a foot or two of the pin on the 14th at Deal. Donald was a member of many golf clubs including St George’s Hill, the R&A and Prestwick. He was also a member of the Moles, a peripatetic match playing club. At St George’s Hill he used to hold court at the bar to the entertainment and amusement of his listeners, often with risqué stories.

Donald married Nicky in 1960 and was a wonderful family man. They had three daughters and a son and ten grandchildren, in each of whom he took a special interest. A notable feature of their life was the family holiday at

Trevose in Cornwall where he organised golf competitions, including one in the dark where the balls glowed, and a cricket match. He usually acted as umpire and in an unpredictable way making up the rules as he went along, depending on whoever he wished to favour at the time.

Donald was a most likeable and popular person and is sadly missed by his family, including his sister, Ann Laughland, and his many friends.

JOHN A L GUNN (KI 1947–1953)

John A L Gunn passed away on 5th March 2023, aged 88. John followed his brother Andrew L Gunn (SH-Ki 1943–1950) (Deceased) to Fettes, arriving as a Foundationer in 1947, he participated fully in Fettes life becoming Head of House in his final year. He was a member of the Paramecium, Vice-Chair of the Debating Society, awarded the Governors’ Prizes for Greek and English, he was Captain of the 3rd XI Cricket team, a player in the 3rd XI Hockey team and was in the CCF. He won a Major Open Scholarship for Classics to Christ Church, Oxford.

He had a career in the Civil Service working across many portfolios including the Ministry of Transport, the Department of the Environment, Water Services and Heritage.

During his life he was in touch with Fettes and attended some events. In his last wishes he requested that Floreas Fettesia was played at his funeral.

ROBERT (BOB) HANSON (CW 1947–1953)

Robert (Bob) Hanson passed away on 3rd October 2022, aged 88.

At Fettes Bob was a House Prefect. He joined in with many aspects of school life alongside academics. He participated in life saving, boxing, the 4th XV and the Reel and Country Dancing Society. He performed in the College West play The Happiest Days of Your Life and the school performance of A Doll’s House. He was joined in 1950 by his brother Hartley Hanson (CW 1950–1955) (Deceased)

Bob left Fettes to study medicine at Trinity College Dublin from 1953–59 and had a great time, eventually qualifying BA, MB Bch BAO, in 1959. For his Houseman’s year he went to M’PILO Hospital, Bulawayo in what was then Southern Rhodesia. On return to the UK he helped his father for his final year in General Practice. This did not appeal, so he moved into Anaesthetics and, needing a course for the FFA, he joined the Royal Navy. He spent much of the rest of his career as a Naval doctor across a diverse range of roles from medical officer to a diving specialist, moving into the Institute of Naval Medicine. Having become expert in deep dive compression he did a PhD at Southampton University on ‘The Effect of Hyperbaric Environments on Exercise Metabolism’. Towards the end of his career he was employed by the Ministry of Defence as Principal Civilian Medical Officer. This entailed advising the Surgeon General on the Occupational Health of civilians working in service establishments, making sure that service and civilian personnel received the same ‘Duty of care’ from their employer (MOD).

Bob was a regular attendee at the OF Newcastle Dinner.

PETER D J ELLES (MO 1948–1953)

Peter D J Elles passed away on 28th June 2022, aged 88.

During his time at Fettes, Peter was a House Prefect, played in the 1st XV from 1952–1953 and was a member of the Science Society. He was also a member of the Music Club, the Choir and the Orchestra. He was a Leading Seaman in the Naval section of the CCF. His son, Tim J L Elles (Mo 1980–1985) also attended Fettes.

The following was published in the Helensburgh Advertiser:

Died peacefully on 28th June 2022. Will be missed by his wife, Penny. Dedicated father to Timothy, Juliet and Alexander (deceased). Devoted Grandfather to Calum, Sophie, Alasdair and Robin.

DAVID G HUNTER (GL 1948–1953)

David G Hunter passed away on 6th August 2022, aged 87. David came to Fettes from Hong Kong. He played for the 4th XV from 1952 to 1953 and was a strong swimmer, being awarded both the RLSS Bronze Medallion and the Bronze Cross for life saving skills.

The following was written by his family: David was the only surviving child of Scottish expatriates, spending his early life in China, Hong Kong, Australia and South Africa before attending Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College. After graduation, David served as an officer in the British Royal Navy based in Hong Kong and Singapore. His early career began in Singapore with Malaysian Stevedoring before being convinced to give up the Far East life for a university degree in Vancouver. David attended UBC, graduating from Civil Engineering (‘61) and there he met and wed his life partner, Margarete (Gretel) Kruger.

Calling Vancouver his home, but ever the adventurer, David continued to explore the world and the couple moved their family to various locations including Dominica, Britain, Northern BC, Jamaica, Indonesia and Thailand, primarily working as an international development specialist with global aid agencies within water, sewage, power and infrastructure space. David also did shorter solo contracts throughout Canada, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Northern Africa and Asia. His professional contributions were extensive; latterly he worked as an expert in Engineering Claims for Revay and Associates for 25 years, only retiring in 2021.

Not only was David a valuable member of his profession, he and his wife were home builders extraordinaire who took building to the next level by doing everything from pouring concrete to plumbing to shingling roofs. Their legacy remains in the homes they single-handily built in Whistler, Vancouver and finally in Chilliwack, where they spent 20 years on their beloved acreage at Ryder Lake.

David made life long friends wherever he went and, along with Gretel, and despite the many bionic parts he acquired latterly, faithfully and frequently travelled the globe, Canada and their BC backyard, keeping those connections and friendships alive. He was active with the Old Fettesians and did not miss the opportunity to gather with his UBC Civil (‘61) classmates.

A keen intellect and intensely knowledgeable of world affairs, David loved his family, his pets and the outdoors – he spent his final days with all three in the country he loved

so much. He will be missed by his wife Gretel, his children Bruce, Birte (Tom) and Rhona and his grandchildren, Kiah, Sheldon, Makenzie, Siobhan, Teagan and Keeva.

KENNETH A MACKINNON CVO WS (GL 1948–1954)

Kenneth A MacKinnon CVO WS passed away on 23rd April 2023, aged 87.

The following was written by William Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955) with considerable help from Neil A MacKinnon (Gl 1977–1982):

Kenny was the son of Neil MacKinnon (SH 1917–1921) (Deceased) and father of Neil A MacKinnon (Gl 1977–1982) and of Michelle MacKinnon-Rae (Ar 1989–1991). He was head of Glencorse, in the 1st XV, captain of the Shooting VIII, in the Fives, the Pipe Band and a Petty Officer in the Corps. In his National Service he was commissioned in the Navy, serving in the waters around Cyprus during the EOKA emergency. He then went up to Pembroke College, Cambridge where he was in the college XV and took a BA degree. He also enjoyed target shooting and, had he not given it up, would have gained a half-blue. Subsequently, he attended Edinburgh University where he graduated LLB, joining the WS Society in 1962. His working life was as a solicitor in the family firm in Oban, acting as a factor to many estates. He was Secretary of the Argyllshire Gathering and its Chief Steward, Clerk to the Lieutenancy of the county and, from 2002 to 2011, Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, for which the Queen appointed him Commander of the Royal Victoria Order. He continued his naval connection in the RNR, reaching rank of Lieutenant Commander and he helped to raise considerable sums for Macmillan Cancer Relief as Chairman of the Oban branch winning the President’s Medal as a reward.

Kenny’s main recreation was sailing, particularly cruising West Highland waters in his boat, Clandara, with Andrew Porteous (CE 1950–1955) and Bruce Weir (Lord Weir, Chairman of the Fettes Governors (1989–1996)) as crew. He also enjoyed rough shooting and stalking. From 1988 to 1990 he was President of the Old Fettesian Association. In 1963 he married Clare and they had three children, Neil, Nicola and Michelle. They have three grandchildren and in January 2023 Kenny became a great grandfather. Clare died in 2020 and for most of the rest of his life Kenny lived in Edinburgh. While spending time in his home in Oban his health deteriorated and he died in hospital there. Kenneth Mackinnon was a fine, straightforward person of distinction, who gave considerable service to others, and a loyal Old Fettesian. There was a fine service celebrating his life at an Edinburgh crematorium on 15th May which representatives of both the King and the Princess Royal attended.

IAN S WEIR (CW 1948–1954)

Ian S Weir passed away after a long illness on 9th December 2022, age 87.

Whilst at Fettes Ian was a cadet in the CCF and participated in athletics, notably he was 4th in the Open Class Shot Put in Summer 1953, and 4th in the Discus in Summer 1954. In swimming he achieved his Bronze Cross

Life Saving Award and an award of merit. Academically he received the Form prize for English in 1952.

He chose to send his own children, C Erica S Pomeroy (née Weir) (Gl 1978–1980), Lois F S Pelham-Lane (née Weir) (Gl 1980–1982) and Ralph Weir (JS-Mo 1978–1985), to Fettes. Ralph’s wife, Lucy Weir (CE 1987–1989) (née Livingston) is also an Old Fettesian, as is one of Ian’s granddaughters, Ellie E P Pomeroy (Ar 2008–2013)

He continued to have an international life living across the world in Sri Lanka, South Africa, Belgium, Nigeria, France and the UK.

He is survived by his wife Alison, their three children and five grandchildren.

ALEXANDER (SANDY) C LIDDELL (CA 1949–1954)

Alexander (Sandy) C Liddell passed away on 27th April 2022, aged 86.

At Fettes Sandy was in the Athletics team. In the summer of 1954 he won both the Mile and the Half Mile in the Open Class and came 3rd in the Quarter Mile in his final School Sports Day. Sandy’s brother William Liddell (Ca 1952–1956) also came to Fettes.

After Fettes, Sandy did his National Service in the Royal Signals before becoming an insurance broker.

GEORGE W D LESLIE (CA 1949–1952)

George W D Leslie passed away on 8th July 2022 peacefully at his home in Kirkwall, Orkney, aged 88. Family connections with Fettes include his cousins, Eric Graham (Gl 1970–1975) (Deceased) and Barbara Graham (Gl 1975–1977) as well as nephew Patrick Goddard (Ki 1979–1981).

George looked back on his time at Fettes as being character-forming, made personally difficult by having had polio and losing the use of his left arm prior to joining the school. The majority of his life was spent as an inventor and he used to recall, whilst at Fettes, carrying out his own experiments in the chemistry labs, resulting in an explosion and a fire at one point.

Throughout his life he kept in touch with fellow Fettesian, John Leith (Gl 1948–1951)

After Fettes he attended Aberdeen University, graduating with a B.Sc. in Agriculture.

Following this he worked in Kenya as a Maths teacher and then moved on to live and work in South Africa in computer systems; it was here that he met and married his beloved wife, Sandra.

Family was everything to George, he moved to live in Orkney with Sandra and their two young children, who were soon joined by two further siblings. George leaves his wife of 55 years, along with their four children and nine grandchildren, all much inspired by his positivity, love and inventiveness.

David attended Fettes alongside his brother William W Mather (CW 1949–1952) (Deceased)

The following was published in The Scotsman: ‘MATHER David Crawford (Milne Garden, West Mains) Peacefully, on July 17, 2022. Devoted husband to the late Ann. Dearly loved dad, grandad and great-grandad.’

WILLIAM (BILLY) J A STEEL (GL 1949–1954)

William (Billy) J A Steel passed away on 7th January 2023, aged 86.

This following was written by his friend, William Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955): In his last school report, his Housemaster, Tom Goldie-Scott, wrote ‘Billy is a survivor’, a prescient comment considering that, despite the roller coaster nature of his subsequent life, he made it almost to 87. At Fettes he was a House Prefect, wicket keeper in the XI, a member of the Hockey team and Lance Corporal in the Corps. After school, during National Service, he was commissioned in the Royal Horse Guards (the Blues) serving in Cyprus during the EOKA uprising against the British rule. There, at one point, he had General Georgios Grivas, its leader, in his sights but, when he pulled the trigger, his Bren gun failed to go off, a lucky escape for the Cypriot! He then went up to Oxford, to St Edmund Hall, where he won a ‘Blue’ for golf in 1958 and 1959. In the first of these, in the foursomes at Rye, he created history by playing against, and beating, his brother, Donald Steel (Gl 1950–1956), who was playing for Cambridge.

Billy joined the financial company, United Dominions Trust, and continued to play golf, amongst others for the Old Fettesians, notably as a member of the team which won the Halford Hewitt in 1964. He also got married to Jane Wadia, with whom he had a daughter and a son. But then things began to go wrong. From merely social drinking he turned to alcohol as a necessity, becoming an addict with fatal consequences to both his career and his family life. After many years of misery, with help from ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’, he managed to take himself off the drink and remained sober for the last 40 years of his life. During this time he supported the ‘AA’ by participating in its meetings and by encouraging others to use its services. Also, in about 2010 he wrote The Power of Powerlessness, an account of the addiction as it had affected him, but with an uplifting message of hope for both alcoholics themselves and for others whose lives were affected by it.

DAVID C MATHER (CE 1949–1952)

David C Mather passed away on 17th July 2022, aged 86. David was in the 4th XI Hockey team and competed in the Inter-House Football and Boxing competitions. He won the Welter-weight Boxing medal in 1951–52 and was awarded a Bronze medallion in the 1950 Life Saving examinations.

For a number of years Billy made an annual visit to Scotland and spoke to schools including Fettes about his experiences as an alcoholic. He did so in a pleasantly relaxed and engaging way without suggesting that alcoholism was not a serious matter. Thus, from somebody who had suffered from it, the students learned about it in a far more telling and effective manner than being lectured by their teachers.

Billy Steel was an engaging character whose life was upset considerably by an addiction to alcohol. However, by his own determination and with help from others he overcame it and used the rest of his days for the benefit of those who suffered from it. It is a pleasure and a privilege

to have known him. He leaves his widow Sarah, his children Charlotte and Charles, and three grandchildren.

JIM S HELM (MO 1950–1955)

Jim S Helm passed away on 27th December 2022, aged 85. At Fettes, Jim took part in the Inter House Boxing Competition in 1951 and he gained the Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Medallion. He was also a member of the Reel Society and an Army Cadet in the CCF. Jim’s daughter-in-law Tania Helm (née Kilpatrick) (Da 1984–1986) also attended Fettes.

ANDREW J A HOBSON (MO 1950–1954)

Andrew J A Hobson passed away on 15th September 2022, age 86.

Andrew’s daughter Jane wrote to tell us that her father’s time at Fettes was hugely important to him.

Andrew was born in 1936 in Sri Lanka (Ceylon as it was then) where he spent much of his childhood living on tea plantations. During the Second World War he attended Bishop’s College School in Colombo, and subsequently the Hill School in Nuwara Eliya. In 1950 he won an Open Exhibition to Fettes College and travelled to Scotland, close to Scottish family and friends. After National Service in Ayr, Andrew read History at Christ Church, Oxford, which was the foundation of his life-long interest in history. He then moved to London and joined the Civil Service. He became an Inspector of Taxes and a specialist in Corporation Tax, working for the Inland Revenue until his retirement. He volunteered actively in his local community for many years, especially after retirement.

Andrew married Sarah Porter in 1970, which is when he made Wimbledon his home. He had one child, his daughter Jane, and was always highly committed to family life. More recently, he was delighted to become a grandfather to Blessing.

Andrew enjoyed art, making the most of all London has to offer as well as painting his own watercolours. A keen walker, he knew all corners of Wimbledon Common, explored the City of London on foot and enjoyed regular Alpine holidays. His love of travel took him on many archaeological and historical tours as well as visits to his daughter while she was living and working overseas.

Andrew held lifelong affection and respect for Sri Lanka, the country of his birth and childhood. He was an active member of the Friends of Sri Lanka Association, and in 1996 returned to Sri Lanka with Sarah and Jane to revisit his childhood homes. Jane has set up a fundraising page in memory of her father to support people living and working on tea plantations in Sri Lanka. For anyone who would like to make a donation, this can be found at: tinyurl.com/ AndrewHobson

During his retirement he was a regular at the OFA Glasgow Lunch and other reunion events.

ALAN R MATHER (CW

1950–1953)

Alan R Mather passed away on 17th January 2023, aged 86. Whilst at Fettes, Alan was the Captain of Riding, a member of the Science Society and was also a Cadet in the RAF section of the CCF.

The following was published in the CA Magazine:

‘He trained with A&J Robertson, qualifying in 1959. He was self-employed in practice when he retired and was living in Crieff at the time of his death.’

GRAHAM B A WATT (KI 1950–1955)

Graham B A Watt passed away on 8th September 2022, aged 85.

Graham joined his brother Eric Watt (Ki 1947–1951) (Deceased) at Fettes. Graham was a House Prefect, he was in the Athletics team, the 3rd XV, the Debating Society and the Choir. The Fettesian of 1955 notes: Many will remember the three Gilbert and Sullivan trios from Princess Ida and The Mikado as sung by A. W. M. Bain, G. B. A. Watt and A. M. L. Potts with just the right light-hearted energy.

After Fettes Graham went to Glasgow University and did an arts degree followed by a law degree. He then undertook a legal apprenticeship before starting a business career with Coats Viyella. He worked across the globe with the business in Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey and South Africa. He then worked for the Lilley Group and for Scottish Power before retiring and throwing his work ethic into life in the Borders. He was Chairman of the Governors at St Mary’s School Melrose from 1994–1998 and Vice Chairman of the Borders General Hospital from 1995–1999. The following was published in The Herald: ‘Graham died after a short illness in The Borders General Hospital. Much loved husband of Carol, father of Pip and Nick, father-in-law of Claudine and grandfather of Milo and Sebby.’

IAN L CRAIG-WOOD (KI 1951–1957)

GEORGE M LANHAM (CE 1950–1953)

George M Lanham passed away on 24th March 2023, aged 86. George came to Fettes in 1950 and left after three years at the age of 16. Whilst at Fettes he was a keen swimmer achieving his Royal Life Saving Society Bronze Medallion. He undertook his National Service in the RAF 1954–1956 and then began an international career in global finance and banking spending much time in South America. He retired to Prestwick in Ayrshire where he enjoyed playing golf.

Ian L Craig-Wood passed away on 8th July 2022, aged 83. At Fettes, Ian participated fully in every aspect of school life. He was Head of School, Head of House, in the 1st XV, in the Shooting VIII and a member of the Choir and Orchestra. He was also Secretary of the Music Club, President of the Science Society, President of the Paramaecium, President of the Cabal and a member of the Dramatic Society. He was a Flight Sergeant in the CCF and, in 1956, won a Governors’ Prize for Music. Ian was made President of the Hyperon Society when it was formed in 1957. He gained an Open Exhibition in Natural Sciences at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Ian’s brothers Dougal (Ki 1954–1958) (Deceased), Peter (Ki 1957–1961) and Rick (Ki 1959–1964) (Deceased) all attended Fettes.

ANTHONY G N CROMBIE (MO 1952–1957)

Anthony G N Crombie passed away on 30th September 2021, aged 82.

Anthony was a House Prefect and he was in the 1st XI Hockey team. He excelled at athletics winning the Open

mile record in 1957 with a time of 4:35.3 earning him the Old Fettesian Cup for the best individual performance of the Sports. In that year he also won the Scottish Schoolboys Athletics Standard Medal. He was in the 2nd XV, a Sergeant in the CCF and he was also a school librarian. He was joined at Fettes in 1954 by his brother Richard E F Crombie (Mo 1954–1959). Both brothers settled in Australia.

MICHAEL G B STARKE (KI 1952–1956)

Michael G B Starke passed away on 26th July 2022, aged 84.

At Fettes, Michael was in the Golf team, the 4th XV and the Swimming team. The following was written by his daughter, Debbie:

He did his National Service in the Navy and then went into the family business as a director import and export eventually becoming Manager Director. He continued to be active in this company until he sadly passed away.

Mike was married to Maureen for 55 years, who he met on a skiing holiday. They were an ideal couple. They worked and lived together spending very little time apart. They had two children, Iain and Debbie and one granddaughter Lucy.

Mike loved parties as a host or attendee.

He also loved to travel with Maureen, their favourite places were New Zealand and Vancouver Island. They loved the Black Forest in Germany, where they went on walking holidays.

Mike was a vice president of Southend Rugby club and in semi-retirement became a district counsellor. He was on the local selection committee for MPs. He was head of environmental issues and made some great changes locally in Essex.

In the last 30 years he had many health issues. He was a fighter and led a full life.

Michael will be remembered for the kind, gentle, reliable, and honest man that he was and will be missed by his family and everyone who knew him.

JOHN A D INNES (GL 1953–1958)

John A D Innes passed away on 8th November 2022, aged 82. At Fettes in 1956 John was joined by his brother Richard Innes (Gl 1956–1960). John was a House Prefect and a talented musician becoming Leader of the Orchestra in 1957–1958. He was also President of the Paramaecium and Leading Seaman in the CCF. He left Fettes to study Law at Fitzwilliam, Cambridge. He became a solicitor in Scotland where he worked for much of his life. When he retired he became the Honorary Treasurer for the Fet-Lor Boys Club.

John was part of a Fettes succession family started by his grandfather, John Innes (SH 1883–1877) (Deceased), followed by his father Richard Innes (Ca 1914–1919) (Deceased) and his uncle Andrew Innes (Ca 1912–1916) (Deceased).

The winter term began as Hugh and I entered Carrington House having travelled from the west of Scotland. Hugh had previously attended Belmont House School and myself at Crawfordton House in Dumfriesshire.

I vividly remember one of our first discussions was comparing both schools and the discovery that we were both taught dancing by the same teacher – a very formidable Miss Hazeldine.

As time progressed our friendship grew and we both played our part in the House games of rugby and cricket following in the strong Fettes and largely victorious tradition at that time. Hugh joined the army section of the CCF which paraded every Wednesday afternoon after lunch along with the Naval and RAF sections.

Hugh and I met frequently during the school holidays and it became obvious that Hugh’s interest was going to be in either motor car sport or sailing and preferably with his own yacht. Sailing opportunities at Fettes in the mid 1950s were not in much demand and were limited in availability.

Shortly after leaving Fettes in 1956 Hugh and I entered for the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ speed hill climb which was popular with well known car rally enthusiasts such as Jim Clark and Jimmy Stewart (elder brother of Jackie). Hugh became eligible for National Service and spent two years with the REME section where he was part of a motor display team. The job also entailed helping with the ‘Horse of the Year’ show at Olympia where the entire crew were paid with cigarettes! After National Service he joined the family company of Plumbers Merchants in Glasgow and was subsequently joined by his son Chris.

Hugh’s business commitments took him all over the west of Scotland and the islands and his passion for sailing soon came to the fore when he bought his first of three boats all named Quaila and took part in the many races organised by the Clyde Cruising Club. Such was his enthusiasm for the sport that he was invited to become a board member of the RYA, on which he served for many years as well as other notable sailing clubs such as the Mudhook Yacht Club where he was given honorary membership. He was always more than willing to share his knowledge of sailing particularly with those of school or university age. If the ‘wind blew’ setting the sails would be his first choice of propulsion.

Over the years, since retirement I have enjoyed being part of his crew on many voyages on the west coast. Camaraderie was always present along with the enjoyment of Hugh’s once a week special ‘cooked breakfast’.

Hugh has left a legacy for the sailing world that few can match. This was evident at his funeral in Glasgow where the numbers were so great that there was ‘standing room’ only. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sue and family and his many friends in the sailing world.

HUGH F MORRISON (CA 1953–1956)

Hugh F Morrison passed away on 10th February 2023, aged 83.

The following was written by James Lawson (Ca 1953–1956), who met Hugh at Fettes in 1953:

Hugh sadly died on 10th February 2023 in a hospital in Glasgow after a short illness.

JAMES (PETER) P SHAW (CA 1953–1958)

James (Peter) P Shaw passed away on 27th November 2022, aged 81.

Peter was a House Prefect and was a key member of the 1st XV playing for three seasons. He was in the Basketball

team and Athletics team. He was Company QuartermasterSergeant in the CCF.

He attended OF reunion events in Yorkshire and attended Commemoration Weekend in 2013 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Newmen of 1953.

LESLIE MCMORRIS (CW 1954–1960)

Leslie McMorris passed away on 9th March 2023, aged 81.

At Fettes Leslie was Head of House, played in the 1st XV and was a strong cricket player. He went on to Christ’s College, Cambridge to study Engineering. He played rugby at Cambridge achieving a Blue. His engineering career took him to many countries before he retired to Yorkshire.

DAVID L SEAGER PHD (GL 1954–1959)

David L Seager PhD passed away on 26th June 2022, aged 81.

David is the grandson of Lewis C Grant (Gl 1894–1897) (Deceased). At Fettes, David was a House Prefect, in the 1st XV and 1st XI Hockey teams. He was also a keen member of the Athletics Team performing particularly well in the 880 yards. In 1959, he set a new record of 2 minutes and 1.1 seconds which knocked over three seconds off the previous record set in 1950.

JAMES (JIM) A P SHACKLETON (KI 1954–1958)

James (Jim) A P Shackleton passed away on 14th September 2022, aged 82.

At Fettes Jim was a School Prefect and excelled at sport. He was in the 1st XV, the 1st Hockey XI and the 1st Cricket XI as well as breaking the 220yd record in Athletics with a time of 23.9 seconds.

The following was written by Donald Steel (Gl 1950–1956): Jim Shackleton, forever just Shack, was one of the youngest ever to play international rugby, the first of seven caps for Scotland coming a week before his 19th birthday in 1959. There were, in fact, three Fettesians in the same team, Frans ten Bos (Gl 1951–1955) (Deceased) winning the ball in the lineout and Gordon Waddell (Ca 1950–1956) (Deceased) feeding passes to his dashing new centre.

Shack’s seven caps spanned six years. One notable result was the 0–0 draw with New Zealand at Murrayfield in 1964 but, in his final match in 1965, he scored the winning try against South Africa. He was equally proud of victory over France in Paris in 1963.

There were those who felt he was unlucky not to have been picked more often, but his most notable successes were in the golden 1960s decade of London Scottish not least in the 7-a-side version at which they excelled. They were successful five years out of six in the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham and once in the Melrose Sevens, the birthplace in 1883 of the game’s popular off-shoot.

However, rugby wasn’t the only string to his sporting bow. An accurate clue to his speed was a School-recordholding dash in the 200 yards on Sports Day. He was almost as quick between the wickets in white flannels even if my

main memory of his cricket was bittersweet. In our first visit to Durham School, Shack supplied the only crumb of comfort on an otherwise doleful day.

Batting at 8 in his second summer in Kimmerghame, he was undefeated on 45 out of a measly total of 119, full credit to the opposing captain, Mike Weston, the multi-capped centre for England at rugby and, no doubt, occasional opponent of Shack. Altogether, Shack played in the 1st XI Cricket team for two more years plus two for the 1st XI Hockey team, although, for many like me, hockey was the stop gap between rugby and cricket, an option much preferred than the School Run.

For a few years after leaving school in 1958, our paths crossed only occasionally, but Denham Golf Club was responsible for a friendship renewal in 1966 thanks also to the fact that Denham could, at that time, boast a XV of past internationals amongst its membership. Donald Crichton Miller used to say that Fettesians were the most loyal of Old Boys and nothing in my lifetime has stirred that loyalty more than playing in the Halford Hewitt. Golf is a wonderful way of fostering old friends and making new ones, a game for all ages that can be played almost anywhere. At what other game can the best play against the worst and still have a meaningful contest? What is more, it is the only active game you can play all by yourself.

Shack’s contribution was immense, principally in the form of an annual meeting at Denham every October for Old Fettesian golfers of all abilities, joined later by Lorettonians. His organisational skills for 40 years made it a gathering not to be missed. His own skills were not to be forgotten either. He made the Halford Hewitt team for a few years and was Captain and then President.

It is a strange confession that lengthy knowledge of people you know doesn’t necessarily include what they do for a living. Shack was an exception because he invited me to speak at a Building Alliance Golfing Society Dinner, something you can only do for an old friend. Had he not done so, I may never have known.

On another personal note, he was a great one for cornering you or ringing you up at length with ideas, suggestions and character assessments which he expressed with vigour. It was advisable simply to listen but, when news came of his passing at the end of a prolonged fight against cancer, which he faced with rare courage, the line went blank, and a bright light went out. Sadly, there is no known way to lighten the darkness.

SIR ROBERT WALMSLEY (GL 1954–1958)

Sir Robert Walmsley passed away on 4th August 2022, aged 81. At Fettes Robert joined in with many aspects of school life. He was President of the Hyperon Society, played regularly in the 2nd XI Cricket team with occasional matches for the 1st XI and he was a Bell Ringer. He was a keen scholar in the physics department under John C Naiff (Staff 1948–1973) (Deceased), whom he had great respect for. His brother, Dr Thomas Walmsley (Gl 1959–1964) also came to Fettes.

Robert left Fettes in 1958 with a scholarship to Royal Navy College, Dartmouth, before reading Mechanical Sciences at Queens’ Cambridge. Whilst at Cambridge he gained a rowing blue, he coxed the Cambridge boat to victory in the 108th Oxford and Cambridge boat race in 1962.

The following was published in The Times:

‘After completing training, he served in the aircraft carrier Ark Royal before converting to the submarine branch… In successive technical and MOD roles, he proved an intellectually gifted, highly able engineering specialist and an energetic, decisive influence. By 1981 he was chairman of the Naval Nuclear Technical Safety Panel… He was appointed as the Royal Navy’s director of operational requirements in 1987, he found himself responsible for determining the types of ‘platforms’ and ‘systems’ that would be needed at sea… Promoted to vice-admiral in 1994, he served as controller of the Navy, responsible at Admirality Board level for overseeing all procurement and acquisition.

‘Walmsley was selected to be Chief of Defence Procurement (CDP) from 1996 until his retirement in 2003. During this time he transformed the organisation in to the Defence Procurement Agency and streamlined its processes and focussed its priorities.

‘When he retired in 2003, he spent time away from the defence sector… he joined the board of British Energy… the board of General Dynamics as well as being strategic advisor at Morgan Stanley. In addition, he was chairman of Universal Credit, a role which reflected his core beliefs that everyone should be encouraged to take personal responsibility for ‘living the best version of themselves’.

‘Until 2021 he was the Crown representative in the Cabinet Office, responsible for managing the relationship with defence companies that are classed as strategic suppliers…

‘Away from the procurement frontline, Walmsley did not stand on ceremony and was fun to be around. A man of integrity and a firm but quietly expressed faith, he was loyal to colleagues and friends.

‘Walmsley was married twice, first to Christina, from 1967 to 2009, with whom he had Emma, now chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline; Victoria a counsellor and drama therapist; and James, a barrister. In 2010 he married Alexandra Ashbourne who, together with his children, survives him.’

WILLIAM A LIMONT (MO 1955–1959)

William A Limont passed away on 11th September 2022, aged 80.

Whilst at Fettes, William received prizes in 4th Form for English and in his final year for English Essay. He assistant produced and played Widow Quinn in the school play The Playboy of the Western World. William also played football in the House Belows and was a member of the Debating Society. William’s father, Dr William Limont JP (Mo 1926–1929) (Deceased) also attended Fettes.

IAN H MACKENZIE (CW 1955–1959)

Ian H Mackenzie passed away on 28th April 2023, aged 81.

Ian’s school record shows a keen interest in writing from the outset. He was a Library Officer and won the Royal Commonwealth Society Essay Prize three times, the first when he was just 13 years old.

He kept in touch attending many OFA events and chose to send his sons Ian D MacKenzie (Inv-Ca 1991–1998) and Jamie E MacKenzie (Inv-Ca 1996–2003) to the school.

The following was written by his son, Jamie:

‘At Fettes he was a member of the Shooting team and spoke fondly of his time at the school. After Fettes, my father and his family moved to Canada where my father started his career as a journalist. He joined Reuters and then moved out to South East Asia where he worked in Cambodia, Hong Kong and also covered the Vietnam War. He then worked in Japan where he met my mother, Junko. They moved all around the world as a result of my father’s work as a foreign correspondent, living in places like China, Bahrain, Cyprus, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Indonesia. He lived a full and happy life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.’

NIGEL G L ROBSON (CE 1955–1959)

Nigel G L Robson passed away on 26th March 2022, aged 80. Nigel was in College East, following his brother John L Robson (CE 1951–1956) (Deceased) to Fettes. He played in the 3rd XI Cricket team and was a Lance Corporal in the CCF. He left Fettes at the end of the Lower Sixth. During his life he built his successful farming business which is now being run by his sons.

He is survived by his wife Janice and his sons Stephen and Richard along with his four grandchildren.

Janice notes that he was a ‘much loved husband, father and grandfather’.

HUMPHREY (HENRY) J SPURWAY (KI 1955–1958)

Humphrey (Henry) J Spurway passed away on 6th April 2023, aged 81.

At Fettes Henry was an active member of the Natural History Society, so much so that he is thanked in the Fettesian for hand rearing four mallard ducklings in 1958.

He was an early recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, achieving the Silver Standard and was a good runner, placing 4th in the Steeplechase in 1958.

He left Fettes mid-way through the Sixth Form to attend the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, later becoming a farmer.

He was followed to Fettes by his brother George H Spurway (Ki 1959–1961) who survives him.

CAPTAIN DONALD F MACDONALD (CW 1955–1959)

Donald F Macdonald passed away on 26th July 2022, aged 81. At Fettes Donald was Head of School. He was a sportsman and a strong rugby player, playing for the 1st XV from 1957–1959 and for the Scottish Schools XV. He also played in the College Fives team. He left Fettes for the Navy becoming a pilot and working in aviation. He was followed to Fettes by his brother William Macdonald (CW 1957–1959) He became a Fettes parent, sending his children, Rebecca Janson (née Macdonald) (Mo 1980–1982), Jared Macdonald (Ki 1980–1983), Robin Macdonald (JS-Gl 1980–1984) and Dominic Macdonald (Mo 1980–1985), to Fettes in the 1980s.

BRUCE R LUNDIE (GL 1956–1961)

Bruce R Lundie passed away on 28th February 2022, aged 79. Bruce was in the 3rd XV, the 2nd XI Hockey team and participated in athletics.

He attended some OFA reunion events including the Glasgow Dinner and Commemoration Weekend.

He chose to send his children Giles R D Lundie (Gl 1981–1986) and Ben M Lundie (Gl 1983–1988) to Fettes.

DAVID (RICHARD) R THORPE (CW 1956–1961)

David (Richard) R Thorpe passed away on 2nd February 2023, aged 79.

At Fettes Richard was Head of House and a School Prefect. He was in the Athletics team. He excelled at drama and had several key roles in school productions. He was in both the Dramatic Society and the Play Reading Society as well as the Paramaecium. He was a Sergeant in the CCF and was an assistant signalling instructor. He was an excellent writer winning the Bannatyne-Thomson Shakespeare Memorial Essay Prize for three consecutive years. He left Fettes for Selwyn, Cambridge in 1962.

The following was published in The Telegraph:

‘David Richard Thorpe – Richard to his numerous friends – was born on March 12 1943, the only child of Cyril Thorpe, a Yorkshire accountant, and Mary, née Avison, who was at school with Harold Wilson. Scotland became Richard’s adopted home after his mother’s remarriage, his father having died in 1946 at the very end of his war-time service in the Royal Navy.

‘At Fettes College in Edinburgh between 1956 and 1961, Richard became a lifelong protégé of the great Eric Anderson… Anderson instilled in him a deep love of English literature, which he read at Selwyn College, Cambridge.

‘After graduating in 1965, Thorpe taught briefly at Gordonstoun followed by a teaching career of more than 30 years at Charterhouse.

‘A passionate footballer, no less devoted to golf. His other great passions were the theatre and opera.

‘Richard Thorpe was one of the finest political biographers of his generation. He brought the meticulous, critical eye of the scholar to bear on an immense range of private political papers, including many which had not been consulted before. He wrote up the results of his research with great literary skill, winning the admiration of professional historians and a wide general readership.

‘He will be remembered in particular for his “prime ministerial triptych”, as he liked to refer to his lives of Anthony Eden, Harold Macmillan, and Alec Douglas-Home, the men who led successive Conservative governments following Churchill’s retirement in 1955.

‘Over a period of 35 years Thorpe interviewed all the major politicians and senior civil servants connected with them.’

from University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1970.

He married Hazel Jean Cameron McLaren in 1971 and they went on to have four children.

Professionally, his career included time with Coudert Brothers in New York, Freshfields in London, American Express in New York before finishing the final two decades of his career working with former colleagues, who had started a boutique law firm that eventually merged into Day Pitney LLP, from where he retired in 2019.

He was an active member of the Rye Presbyterian Church, helped run and expand the Rye Youth Intramural Soccer Program, coached his son’s travel soccer teams and served on the Rye School Board of Education for six years. He was particularly proud of his strong support for the successful effort to keep Milton School open in the 1980s. Despite living in the USA for decades his love of Scotland never faded. Throughout his life he ensured that his family had lots of time in the UK with family and friends. In his final decades, he spent weeks attending various reunion events and paying visits to lifelong friends. His children are grateful for the connections that he helped keep strong and the time spent golfing, hiking and enjoying pints with family on the Isle of Arran.

Davidson was predeceased by his wife Hazel, who passed away in 1998, and is survived by his four children, Lorna Mary, Alexander, Ramsay, and Robert, five grandchildren, Oliver, Hazel, Penny, Alistair and Audrey, daughter-in-law, Erin, and two sons-in-law, Mark and Jeff.

JOHN G STEWART (GL 1957–1962)

John G Stewart passed away on 8th August 2022, aged 78. At Fettes John was in the Shooting VIII. He also enjoyed backstage roles supporting drama productions. He was involved in the school production of Othello in 1961 and was a painter for the Glencorse House Play, A Penny for a Song in 1962.

John’s father was an Old Fettesian, Athole J Stewart, OBE DFC 1924 (Gl 1924–1929) (Deceased)

IAN M M GRAY (KI 1958–1966)

DAVIDSON T GORDON (GL 1957–1962)

Davidson T Gordon passed away on 8th March 2023, aged 78 after a short battle with aspiration pneumonia.

Davidson was born in Aberdeen to parents Dr. Christie Wilson Gordon and Robina Alice Munro. He came to Fettes in 1957. He was in the Hockey XI and was in the swimming team. He was a keen member of the Debating Society and Cdt. RSM in the CCF. He was connected to Fettes throughout his life and was a loyal Trustee of Friends of Fettes College Inc. from 2004–2022. The following was written by Davidson’s family:

After Fettes he went on to study law at Birmingham University, receiving an LLB in 1965, before obtaining an LLM

Ian M M Gray passed away on 1st August 2022, aged 77. Ian followed his father Robert L M Gray (Ki 1928–1934) (Deceased) to Fettes. He rose to the top of the school becoming Deputy Head of School and Head of Kimmerghame House in his final year. He was Captain of the 3rd XV, he played 2nd XI Hockey and he was in the Athletics team.

MICHAEL (MIKE) J G CULLEN (CE 1959–1962)

Michael (Mike) J G Cullen passed away on 12th December 2022, aged 77.

During his time at Fettes, Mike was in the 1st XV and the Squash team. He was also in the 1st XI and in 1961, he won the Sandy Crawford Cricket Cup for best player in the 1st XI.

He was a member of the Pipe Band and Drum Major in the CCF. His brother Jonathan P Cullen (Ca 1971–1975) attended Fettes after Mike.

BRUCE L K RAE (GL 1960–1964)

Bruce L K Rae passed away on 30th July 2022, aged 75.

At Fettes Bruce won the 3rd Form prize. He played for the Colts XV. He enjoyed Long Jump, coming 3rd in the Class 2 Long Jump 1962 and 4th in the Open Class Long Jump in 1964. He proudly scored a try against Moredun in the Glencorse House Below Rugby XV in November 1963. Due to his enjoyment of classical subjects he was Secretary of the Symposium. After Fettes Bruce went on to become a solicitor and he enjoyed marathon running, opera and choral music.

Bruce was from a large family of Fettesians begun by his OF father Ian Rae (Gl 1929–1934) (Deceased) and uncles

Stanley Rae (Gl 1926–1931) (Deceased), Douglas Rae (Gl 1931–1937) (Deceased) and Bruce Rae (Gl 1935–1938) (Deceased). His cousins Ian Rae (Gl 1961–1965), Dougal Rae (Gl 1955–1959), Keith Rae (Gl 1978–1983), Alastair Rae (1984–1989) and Quentin Rae (Gl 1989–1994) also attended Fettes.

ANDREW M HUNTER (CA 1961–1964)

Andrew M Hunter passed away on 27th October 2022, aged 75.

Andrew was a relative of one of the very first pupils of the school, his great grandparent, Frank Hunter (SH 1870–1875) (Deceased). He had other OF relatives including his grandfather Evan Hunter (Ca 1900–1905) (Deceased), father Alan Hunter (Ca 1927–1932) (Deceased) and brother Evan Hunter (JS-Ca 1976–1979).

At Fettes he sang a solo in the school concert at St Giles’. He played cricket for the 3rd XI Cricket team and was a Rescue Party Leader in the CCF.

When Andrew was 15 there was a fire in Carrington; he raised the alarm enabling all 65 boys to evacuate unharmed.

ANGUS H WOOD

(CW 1961–1966)

Angus H Wood passed away on 8th October 2022, aged 74.

At Fettes Angus was in the Chess Club and the 3rd XI Cricket team. The Fettesian of 1965 notes the arduous nature of the Chess Club which had meetings on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, and on Sunday mornings along with competitions.

Angus followed his father Alexander Wood (SH 1918–1923) (Deceased) to Fettes. His brothers David Wood (CW 1951–1955) (Deceased) and Brian Wood (CW 1948–1952) are also Fettesians along with his nephew Andrew Wood (SH 1977–1982) and his nephew’s wife Rosie H Wood (née Law) (Ar 1982–1984)

The following was written by his brother, Brian: Angus left Fettes with no clear idea of what he intended as a career. He spent three months driving his friend and neighbour Gordon Brown to Livingston where they both worked as labourers on the construction of the M8 motorway. Angus applied successfully for a Civil Service post which he filled for two or three years arranging housing accommodation for military personnel and their families returning to UK as Britain withdrew from the Middle and Far East.

He then matriculated at Edinburgh University sponsored by the Civil Service to study politics and economics but after a few months changed course to study law with no sponsor. After completing his degree and an apprenticeship he qualified as a solicitor in 1974 and joined his father and two brothers in the family firm eventually becoming the senior partner.

Outwith the legal profession he had an interesting history. In 2008 he collapsed in Court and was fortunate to be taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. His aorta had bisected, and he was virtually kept on life support for nearly a year before receiving pioneering surgery by which much of his vascular system was reconstructed. He retired following a lengthy convalescence and two years back in his office before he set about becoming super-fit surprising and worrying family and friends by playing tennis and badminton regularly and golfing on every possible opportunity. He was highly competitive and usually successful playing competitively in Florida and Turkey and on every course for miles around. Angus also became a proficient and enthusiastic curler playing for a local club but also as Skip of the Fife Medics team with some success!

Angus is survived by his widow Rosemary, three children and five grandchildren, also by his brother Brian (me) and sister Lyndesay.

IAN (GRAHAM) G L MAITLAND (CA 1963–1968)

Ian (Graham) G L Maitland passed away on 5th July 2022, aged 72.

He went to the Police Training College straight after Fettes and had a distinguished career in the Police. He spent eight years in Special Branch before joining the CID Murder Squad where he received many commendations for his leadership, professionalism and detective ability in complex cases. Despite a recent illness he was delighted to be able to come back to Fettes for the Fettes Festival in May 2022 and join the London OF Drinks in London at the Reform Club in July 2022 as well.

During his time at Fettes, Graham was a keen sportsman, competing in the Junior Colts XV and many House competitions for Carrington before advancing to the 2nd XV. He also competed in the Golf team alongside his brother, William (Ted) L Maitland (Ca 1965–1970), who joined Fettes after Graham. Graham was a House Prefect and supported the 1966 Carrington House Play, The Tinker, as an electrician. Also in 1966, he scored the best result in his form on the General Knowledge Paper.

He went on from Fettes to study Biochemistry and then to work in the food industry. Graham is survived by his wife

Elaine along with his children and grandchildren. He is sorely missed by all who knew him.

BRUS K WATTERS (CE 1964–69)

Brus K Watters passed away on 14th August 2022, aged 71. The following was written by his brother, Ruairidh Watters (CE-SH 1969–1973):

Whilst at school, Brus was an excellent shot. He was in the school team for several years and became Captain of the Shooting VIII. He was also in the Scottish Schools Shooting Team. He won his colours often enough to be eligible to wear the shooting jacket. He was a House Prefect in College East. Brus was also an excellent scholar in modern languages and earned a place at St John’s Oxford, where he rowed and read Law.

Born in South Africa, he returned there upon graduating from Oxford. He won a scholarship and earned a second degree in Law at the University of Cape Town. He was a Prosecutor for the Department of Justice in Cape Town until he felt it was time to return to Britain.

He started work at Sherborne Preparatory School in Dorset and was the Classics Teacher and Director of Studies there from 1978 until he retired in 2010. During this time, he taught a variety of other subjects and coached the pupils at rugby, cricket and athletics, as is the way in prep schools, but perhaps one of his greatest successes was that his pupils actually looked forward to their Latin classes with him!

He travelled extensively but particularly enjoyed the Far East and visited his brother Ruairidh Watters there every year for more than 20 years.

He lived an active life in Sherborne amongst his many good friends and acquaintances until his untimely and unexpected death in August 2022, slipping away in his sleep. A plaque was commissioned by his friends which was affixed above his Stammtisch in The George, Sherborne. It reads ‘Aut bibat aut abeat’, a sentiment he would approve of greatly.

He will be much missed by his many friends and his family.

ADRIAN PENNY (GL 1968–1971)

Adrian Penny passed away on 7th January 2022, aged 65.

Adrian came to Fettes from Summerfields in Oxford after excelling in the Foundation exams. At Fettes he was a member of the Choir and in the School Play and he was an active member of the House Estates Group. As an Old Fettesian Adrian occasionally attended OF events in London.

The following was written by his daughter, Alex:

Adrian had a successful career in finance, his last role before retiring was COO for a finance organisation specialising in oil and gas. His experience from living and working in Canada in his earlier years, in particular the Canadian financial markets, enabled him to assist Canadian companies open and begin operations in London, shaped his career.

He was a very hard working, loyal, caring and generous man. Family was of the utmost importance to Adrian; he had three children, Alex, Justin and Andrew, he welcomed his first grandchild Edward in April 2021, and thankfully was aware a granddaughter was on the way too! Emily was born on Adrian’s birthday in January 2022 sadly just after he passed away.

Adrian’s passions outside of work included gardening, sports (particularly listening to cricket on the radio and watching rugby) and music. He is greatly missed by his wider family, being one of seven siblings, and he is always in our thoughts.

GRAHAM J BLOCKEY (AR 1969–1973)

Graham J Blockey passed away on 6th November 2022, aged 66.

The following was written by Graham’s good friend Gavin Douglas (Ar 1972–1974):

Graham came to Fettes in 1969, joining his older brother, Ian (Ar 1967–1971) then followed by his sister Fay Blockey (Ca 1976–1978). Graham was the son of renowned orthopaedic surgeon Noel Blockey. Graham and my paths joined when we were four years old at Dean House Preparatory School in Glasgow followed by Kelvinside Academy from 1961, ’til he left to join his brother at Fettes in 1969.

Graham was always eager for adventure and was naturally gifted intellectually. His father encouraged the outdoor pursuits of hill walking, canoeing, skiing and any other opportunity for exploration. Whilst Graham’s father was in Kenya in the 60’s, Graham spent a term with me when we managed to achieve mischief together like brothers forming a lifelong friendship.

When he left to go to Fettes in 1969, it surprised no one that the former dux at Kelvinside would skip a year. Once at Fettes, he continued to excel in acting as a Pseud, Sailing, Paramaecium, Science Society, Canoeing, was a Lance Corporal, House Prefect and achieved the Governors’ Prize for Science.

Once he left Fettes, to go to Newcastle University to study medicine, Graham’s sense of adventure persuaded me to join him in his mother’s Triumph Vitesse convertible on the North Coast 500, before it was a thing, camping at the side of the road on the way round with the understanding that if it rained, we should just drive faster rather than use the roof.

Before he left to start his new life in Newcastle, he was drawn back to Edinburgh to play his part in the Festival Fringe with a role in John McGrath’s Events While Guarding the Bofors Gun. At Newcastle Graham met his soul mate Christine, and by year three at Newcastle, Graham, Chris and I went out to dinner when he told me he was torn between acting and medicine but by the end of the evening he had agreed to finish his degree before he made up his mind. This was probably my greatest achievement with Graham, as it set him up for roles in casualty departments before a role in Casualty itself and many other smaller parts before landing the role in The Archers on Radio 4 providing the voice of Robert Snell in the BBC Radio 4 soap opera which would continue for 36 years. Actually, back in 1986 they wanted a new doctor, and some producer said, ‘Oh, I know an actor who is a doctor – let’s audition him.’ Graham auditioned for that and they said, ‘No, no, no, your voice doesn’t sound like a doctor. But we’ve got this other part for you.’ Remarkably, however, it wasn’t until 2017, that the star revealed to his GP surgery details of his ‘secret’ radio career. In retirement Graham was always looking for the more unusual things to do. He took Chris to India, and trekked in Nepal, he was very much the sort of person who was a motivating factor in their relationship. He was so well known

in Dorking, you couldn’t walk through the town without patients coming up to him and he returned out of retirement to assist in his surgery during the Covid epidemic.

As well as husband to Christine, Graham was a muchloved father of two children Olivia, 38, and Jamie, 35.

ROBIN W FELL (MO 1970–1975)

Robin W Fell passed away on 9th October 2022, aged 65. Robin followed his brother David Fell (Mo 1966–1970) to Fettes. Robin was a School Prefect, he was in the 2nd XI Cricket team, the Athletics team and Cross Country team. He was in the 5th XV, the Natural History Society and was awarded the Begg Exhibition on Founder’s Day in 1975. He went on to become a chartered surveyor and to have a successful career in property, living and working in London. He founded Cheval Properties which subsequently became Helix Property. He leaves behind his three sons Hamish, Angus and Hugo.

FRANCIS W C C HUTCHINSON (MO 1977–1982)

Francis W C C Hutchinson passed away in October 2022, aged 58.

The following was written by Robin Shepherd (Mo 1978–1982) who shared a study with ‘Hutch’ in Moredun:

Francis W C C Hutchinson, arrived as a new man into the Third Form of Moredun in the winter 1977 from Moulsford Prep School in Oxfordshire.

Like many of the intake Francis had Moredunian relatives, his father Ian (Mo 1952–1956) (Deceased), his grandfather Charles (Mo 1908–1911) (Deceased) and great grandfather also Francis (Gl 1972–1875).

Hutch was a natural sportsman. He had a slim athletic physique powered by a seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy. Socially he fitted effortlessly into House with his cheery demeanour and relaxed manner. His generous and gregarious nature made him instantly popular in the Prep Room which echoed with his trademark crack of a laugh.

It wasn’t long before his athleticism came to the fore, proving his abilities on the old cinder track by beating the College under 15½ 1500m record on Sports Day. Hutch was also a key component of the Moredun victory in the interhouse relay competition the following year. In 1979, cheered on by the House, he swept through the Jordan pond and into Westwoods on the Ian Sutcliffe designed course to finish 1st in the Class 3 Steeplechase event.

It is no coincidence that Hutch’s arrival in Moredun heralded an unprecedented run of Steeplechase success for the House. During his five year tenure Moredun were winners of the Steeplechase Cup in every year, from 1978 through to 1982, winning all three classes of competition in 1979 and were placed first, second and third for the Class 2 event in 1980 with Hutch atop the podium. This was also the year he broke the Class 2 800m record and led the U16½ cross-country team to victory over Merchiston.

With a talented Millfield schooled tennis playing brother, a Swedish mother and regular holidays to his

parents Florida ranch home it was little surprise that Hutch became a talent on court with something of a Björn Borg obsession. Bedecked in Fila clothing he appeared to spend every available minute of the summer term playing tennis, becoming one of the early Fettesian proponents of the double-handed backhand whilst helping Moredun win backto-back inter-house tennis cups in 1980 and 1981.

Despite his aversion to training and a questionable conditioning regime, Hutch continued to notch up some impressive results. Hutch attained a very credible 3rd place at the Scottish National’s leading Fettes to their first ever podium finish. Back on home turf he was part of the 1982 Moredun team that won the inter-house 1-mile relays breaking the college record in the process.

Hutch had a similarly laissez-faire attitude towards his future. On leaving Fettes he worked for a photography studio in Oxfordshire before moving to the States and, rather belatedly, enrolled with the University of Central Florida in Orlando to study Radio & TV Journalism in the early 1990s. Upon graduating he joined a local NBC affiliate news station as an editor and later a producer. However horses were the love and focus of his life. He barrel raced quarter horses to a very high standard and with great success whilst also caring for ageing racehorses including a Kentucky Derby winner. When he left Florida and returned to the UK in the early 2000’s he transferred these skills back to the hunting field. For the last 20 or so years of his life Hutch settled down on the edge of Dartmoor where he had memories in a landscape he loved, enabling him to ride out with the South Devon Hunt as frequently as possible. At the time of his death he was looking forward to the prospect of becoming Joint Master of Foxhounds.

His last Fettesian foray was to Commem in 2022, a joyous and happy affair, where he was reunited with class mates many of whom he hadn’t seen since leaving in 1982. Unbeknown to all but a few close friends Hutch had been dealing with Type 1 diabetes for a number of years which only a few weeks later led to the circumstances from which he sadly didn’t recover.

FIONA G SMITH (NÉE WHITE) (CA 1980–1982)

Fiona G Smith (née White) passed away on 14th January 2023, aged 58.

Fiona came to Fettes in 1980 and was a real all-rounder, participating in Fettes life to the full. She was a much-valued sports player and was in the Girls Hockey XI for the two seasons she was at Fettes from 1980–1982, she was also a very valuable tennis player and in the team in both summer 1981 and 1982 and in the Lacrosse XII in 1982. She achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, was in the School Play and participated in Outside Service.

After Fettes, Fiona graduated with a History degree from Dundee University before working for Scottish and Newcastle for many years, becoming a Pensions and Investment Manager; and then more recently a Resources Manager at Mary Erskine. Fiona was very happily married to Rodney since 1990 and had a daughter Jessica. As a family they lived in Texas for several years in the late 90s and early 2000s before returning to Edinburgh. Fiona continued to travel around the world and the UK, enjoyed hillwalking normally with a Labrador in tow, was a great foodie, and an ardent Edinburgh Festival attender and supporter of the arts in general. We are

sad to report that she had a battle with cancer in recent years, unfortunately passing in January 2023.

DAVID G ALLARDICE (MO 1978–1984)

David G Allardice passed away in Hong Kong on 11th November 2022, aged 57.

The following was written by his friend, James Barbour-Smith (JS-Ca 1976–1984):

David always said that Fettes taught him to open his eyes to the outside world and not to take everything at face value. David and I shared the Govenors’ Prize for Economics and it was in that last year at school that we really became friends.

In 1986 we decided to spend the summer travelling from London to Hong Kong by train and then explore a bit of South East Asia. Why London to Hong Kong by train? Because at that time it was the longest train journey in the world and we didn’t know anyone that had done it before! This was before the Iron Curtain had come down so it gave us a fascinating insight into Communist Russia and China. The altercation with the Soviet military police in Ulan Bator in Mongolia was the most extreme of several adventures. This trip was ultimately a defining period for David. While he went back to Reading University and then went into banking and fund management he quickly returned to work in Asia with his home becoming Hong Kong, though he worked all over the region.

Eventually he tired of the finance world and realised what he really wanted to do was to travel and to organise extraordinary travel experiences for others. He set up Eastern Journeys with the opening lines of his marketing pitch being that original 1986 trip.

He returned to Fettes for the 30 year reunion dinner and that was when we plotted the sequel to London to Hong Kong, thus in 2016, 30 years after the original expedition, we met in Beijing to travel on to North Korea.

Travel was his passion. Sadly by 2016 he was already ill and then was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) which transitioned into terminal Acute Myeloid Leukemia. As the MDS developed he returned to Scotland a few times and discovered the delights of sitting in Findhorn on the Moray coast just watching the world go by while away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

DR KIA SOONG TAN (CA 1979–1984)

Dr Kia Soong Tan passed away on 5th July 2022, age 56. At Fettes, Soong was a School Prefect, in the 4th XV and in the Swimming team. He was also in the Badminton team and the Royal Engineers Sub Aqua Section. He was awarded several academic prizes including Fourth Form Prizes in December and July 1981, a Fifth Form Prize in July 1982, the McGregor Science Prize also in 1982 and two Governors’ Prizes in 1984 in Physics and Chemistry. Soong attended Fettes alongside his cousins Kia Joo Tan (Ca 1980–1983) and Kia Pheng Tan (Ca 1979–1984)

The following was written by James Barbour-Smith (JS-Ca 1976–1984):

Soong was born in Taiping, Malaysia and came to Fettes

with his two cousins Kia Pheng and Kia Joo. Quite a shock from the heat and jungles of Malaysia to cold winters in Edinburgh. I well remember the first time he saw snow; the delight did not last that long.

It was at Fettes he began his lifelong love of Scotland. He went on to study medicine at Glasgow University. Later he focused on respiratory medicine. His work on asthma and female hormones resulted in him being awarded his MD thesis and his group published important papers in the Lancet, the British Medical Journal and several respiratory journals. Soong was interviewed for radio on the subject as well as having a top spot in Cosmopolitan magazine!

After marrying Linda, who had been at medical school with him, the two of them went to work in Dunedin, New Zealand. On returning to Glasgow, Soong became a consultant in respiratory medicine at University Hospital Wishaw.

In early 2021 Soong became unwell with prostate cancer. It appeared that the treatment had been successful but sadly the cancer had spread, and he passed away in July 2022. He will be a sad loss both to the medical community and his many friends. Few will forget his boundless enthusiasm and almost permanent smile. He leaves behind Linda and their two sons Andrew and Jonathan.

MAX RASMUSEN (MO 2011–2013)

Max Rasmusen passed away on 13th July 2022, aged 27. At Fettes, Max played in the 1st XI Football team and gained a bronze award in the UK Senior Mathematical Challenge.

Max attended Fettes alongside his brother Lewis (Mo 2009–2014), with their younger brother Stewart (Mo 2014–2019) following shortly afterwards.

CAMERON D REID (PS-MO 2014–2020)

Cameron D Reid passed away on 16th November 2022, aged 20.

The following was written by his former Housemaster, Henry McCowan Hill (Staff 2009–present):

Cameron dealt with more adversity in his short life than most will ever deal with and yet he did so through courage and determination that was truly humbling. His smile was ever present and, even when times were tough, he always managed a wry grin. He was a much-loved member of Moredun and the wider Fettes community and had an instant impact on everyone he met. His teachers loved having him in their classrooms and, reading through his old reports, comments like “he has always behaved in an impeccable manner and is a model student” and talk of Cameron’s “conscientious approach” are everywhere to be seen. “He has tackled each and every piece of work with focus and tenacity” seems a particularly fitting sentiment.

Cameron loved cricket and was a devoted follower of the game. The strategies required; patience, resilience and grit went with his own experience of life. In the end

the attack was too much, but what an inspirational and courageous innings. We could all do with taking a lesson from Cameron’s book.

Former Staff and Friends of Fettes

ROBIN L CROLE (STAFF 1957–1967)

Robin L Crole died on 22nd November 2022, aged 95. Robin was the middle of three brothers educated by Kurt Hahn at Gordonstoun. He joined the Staff in 1957 and rapidly made his mark, running the Navy Section and coaching games. He was appointed Housemaster of Glencorse in 1964. He left Fettes in 1967 to teach at Geelong Grammar School in New South Wales, Australia. He later returned to the UK and was a lecturer at Salisbury College before retiring to the Borders where he lived happily. He died after a short illness, aged 95 years, beloved husband of Patricia, dearly loved father of Hugh, Kitty, Christopher and Claire and loving grandfather.

ROGER ELLIS (GOVERNOR 1983–1994)

Roger Ellis passed away on 14th February 2023, aged 93. Born in 1929 Roger Ellis was educated at Winchester College where he won a scholarship to Trinity College, Oxford to read History. Afterwards he began a teaching career at Harrow. He soon rose through the ranks to Housemaster. He spent a total of 15 years at Harrow before becoming Headmaster of Rossall in Lancashire. In 1972 he moved on again to become master of Marlborough. At Marlborough he made changes, introducing a summer school and increasing the number of girls at the school.

In the book The New Meritocracy by Mark Peel (Staff 1983–2007) Ellis was described as an old-fashioned Headmaster who adapted successfully to the modern era. His real legacy was the positive effect that extra girls had on Marlborough.

He became chairman of the Headmasters’ Conference and, upon leaving Marlborough, decided to live in London. He became a head of recruitment for Barclays Bank and chairman of the Governors of St Edward’s School, Oxford, as well as Governor of Harrow and of Fettes College.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret and their children: Katherine, Hattie and Alex.

KATE EVELING (STAFF 1971–1996)

Kate Eveling passed away on 3rd September 2022, aged 86. The following was written by Robert Philp (Staff 1959–1996):

In the drive towards full co-education at Fettes after 1970, Kate Eveling was a key figure. The first woman to join the Common Room, she was the first female Head of Department, and for the next 15 years remained the only one. She then became a Housemistress when Schoolhouse –not for the first time – divided into College East and College West. As girl numbers moved steadily upwards in the 1970s, the importance of having their gender strongly represented on the staff was ever more important. Kate rose to this challenge.

Her opinions, strongly held and trenchantly expressed, compelled attention. Her radical social and political views

were part of this, held in common with her remarkable husband Stanley, philosopher, critic, poet and playwright. It was an especially close relationship, marked by tempestuous flare-ups but deeply rooted and lasting. After Stanley’s death she became the devoted guardian of his legacy.

Kate threw herself into the life of the school from the start, and came to love it dearly, but she sometimes seemed bemused, given her egalitarian views, to find herself in such a privileged institution. This surfaced, to general amazement, in her retirement speech, which revealed a kind of remorse that she’d managed to spend more or less all her working life in such ‘posh’ surroundings.

Kate arrived in 1971 to teach Spanish and French. Her enthusiasm for the literatures of both languages inspired many generations. ‘I can still remember’, wrote one pupil, ‘the passion and emotion of reading Baudelaire’s love poems.’ Her teaching was matched by a strong pastoral instinct, and her concern for the welfare of those she taught was plain. ‘She acted like a mother to us’, wrote one. This instinct was important when she became Housemistress of College East in 1990, but so was her strength of character. One member of the House recalled: ‘She was a formidable lady, also very kind, very empathetic, and an incredible moral compass. I have tried to emulate her every step of the way. She was strong, intellectual yet compassionate, a touch of the bohemian with a tremendous sense of style.’

She was great company, and the natural focus of every group she was part of. Her conversation fizzed and sparkled. She was fascinated with language and took delight in conjuring up the mot juste. A natural competitor, she loved playing tennis, and golf at Gullane and Craigmillar Park.

After she ‘retired’ in 1996, it was by no means the end of her Fettes career. With all her talents, and two (or, when needed, three) languages to offer, she was soon being asked back to provide maternity cover. So, it went on, and when a Housemistress had to take leave, Kate was happy to take on a House as well. By the end, her period of service to the school covered overall nearly 40 years, a remarkable record.

All Kate’s children, Poppy, Ben, Sophie and Tom, were Fettesians, and to them we extend our warm condolences.

DR PETER F COSHAN (STAFF 1972–2005)

Dr Peter F Coshan passed away in August 2022, aged 75. Deep shock and sadness was felt by the Fettes community following the tragic end to the life of Dr Peter Coshan around the 11th August 2022. Peter was so much more than a tremendous teacher of biology: he was a supporter, a nurturer and a wonderful colleague. He introduced many to the hills through his enthusiasm for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which he ran for 33 years. Many tributes have been received which have been referenced and excerpts used to build this accolade to ‘Doc Cosh’ who was held in the highest regard by so many.

A service was held for Peter in Chapel immediately after his funeral on 26th October 2022. The Service was led by Rev. Peter Sutton (SH 1979–1984) and The Most Reverend Leo Cushley, Archbishop and Metropolitan of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Over 200 attended with very moving addresses from Tony Reeves (Staff 1983–2014) and from Ross Cook (Ca 1973–1978).

Nick Ridley (Staff 1972–1994) who was unable to attend the service wrote: ‘Peter was a real scholar, gentle, quietly spoken, totally unsporting. That is why, of course, in the prevailing Fettes ethos where all staff but the infirm were expected to be out on the playing fields coaching teams, Peter had the Duke of Edinburgh scheme bestowed upon him. He made a towering success of it, even if the idea of expeditioning, of boots and mud and sleeping under canvas and camp cooking was quite alien to him. We always enjoyed his return from supervising (possibly a generous term) a gold or silver expedition when he would regale us with a review of his chosen hotel and detail the many courses of cordon bleu cuisine that had so delighted him.

‘Peter was a born teacher: very able, very astute, very committed, quietly commanding, ever demanding of high standards, and with a wonderful sense of fun and humour. He could always see the funny side of pupils’ misdemeanours, of colleagues’ idiosyncracies, of headmagisterial folly. His sardonic style was most finely honed when, as President of Common Room, he bade farewell to departing colleagues. His incisive scrutiny of their style and performance was always, ultimately, generous, even if the route to this conclusion wandered down some of their errant by-ways, and was couched in terms of benevolent irony that had the Common Room in fits of laughter.

‘Peter was a schoolmaster beyond compare. His death was beyond understanding. Countless pupils, with many of whom he kept in touch after they had left, countless

colleagues, countless friends will mourn his brutal and untimely passing.’

Peter is fondly remembered by his students: ‘Doc Cosh as we affectionately referred to him, was an inspiration especially with regard to Biology. His ability to transfer his knowledge, in combination with his humour, made the lessons something to look forward to.’ One stated: ‘Many of us at Fettes in the early years (1971–74) of Pete’s tenure valued the significant contribution and refreshing approach to our Biology studies with equally significant results’

For many Peter was remembered for his mentorship and encouragement beyond the classroom through Duke of Edinburgh or through extra-curricular societies and clubs. ‘He was very supportive and compassionate to me in a time when mental health wasn’t “a thing”. I recall his support and encouragement during my Duke of Edinburgh award and other activities.’

One former student explains clearly the effect of his compelling personality on the student community: ‘My memories of ‘Doc Cosh’ are of a well-liked and respected figure with a dry sense of humour and a quiet and understated authority in his ability to handle unruly teenagers. When you grow up in a boarding school, teachers have a particular presence in daily life, even if you never share a classroom. You hear about them through stories recounted by other kids with whom you share dormitories and sports pitches. As I recall, the stories about Doc Cosh were often relayed with laughter and a sense of camaraderie by those he taught.’

To end, a message from one former student that reflects the feeling of the Fettes community at large. ‘Peter remains in my memory as a wonderful man of compassion, mischief and warmth. He is greatly missed’.

THE FETTESIAN TRUST ACCOUNTS

The Fettesian Trust was founded in 1958 and administers an investment portfolio comprising historic gifts from Old Fettesians. It is governed by a group of Trustees, all of whom are OFs, and is Chaired by the President of the OFA. The Trustees are listed on the following page and an extract of their accounts are shown below with the full, audited accounts available to view at bit.ly/FettesianTrustAccounts22

The Fettesian Trust

Summarised Accounts (extracted from the full Report & Accounts as at 5th April 2022)

OFA OFFICE BEARERS THE FETTESIAN TRUST

President

Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992)

Vice-President

Philip Church (JS-Gl 1985–1993)

OF Governor

Roy Leckie (Ca 1985–1990)

Hon Secretary

Cordelia Pilz (née Harrison) (Ar 1982–1984)

Hon Treasurer

Carla Bannatyne (Inv-CE 2005–2013)

Auditors

Messrs Chiene and Tait, CA

Committee

Abigail Gliksten (Ar 2009–2011)

David Hay (Ca 1991–1996)

Rona MacVicar (Staff 1984–2019)

Nigel Shepherd (Mo 1975–1979)

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOR THE OLD FETTESIAN ASSOCIATION

This year’s AGM will take place online to allow as many Old Fettesians to join us as possible.

Date: Friday 6th October 2023 Time: 12noon (BST)

To sign up to join us, please visit bit.ly/OFAAGM2023. The agenda and joining instructions will be distributed closer to the meeting date to those who have signed up.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE OLD FETTESIAN ASSOCIATION

By connecting with the Old Fettesian Association, you will stay up to date with news and upcoming events. Letting us know your preferred postal details helps us to ensure that this newsletter will reach you every year. The law relating to data protection changed in May 2018; we have worked diligently to ensure full compliance with these new regulations. We will continue to contact you in the ways in which we have previously, understanding that you have control over your communication preferences at any time. You can view our privacy statement here: www.fettes.com/familyforlife/ development/privacy-statement

Email: ofa@fettes.com

Phone: +44 131 311 6741

Fettes Community portal: fettescommunity.org

Trustees

Richard Llewellyn, President OFA (Mo 1987–1992)*

Philip Church, Vice-President OFA (JS-Gl 1985–1993)*

Roy Leckie, OF Governor (Ca 1985–1990)*

William Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955)

Ian Gardiner (Mo 1963–1968)

Amanda Forsyth (née Baker), Treasurer (Ar 1982–1984)

Nichola Lyons, Secretary (JS-CE 1984–1990)

*Ex-officio Trustees (OFA)

Compiled and edited by Vivienne Clark, OF Coordinator and Karen Jones, Fettes Community Engagement Manager

Designed by Kenneth Gray kennethgray.design

Printed by Lavenham Press

For information about life at Fettes College, please visit fettes.com

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