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

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.

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 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!).

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 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 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.

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).

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 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.