Old Fettesian Newsletter 2024 - Issue 69

No.69, July 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992)

Welcome to the 2024 Newsletter! As OFA President, a current Fettes parent and an Edinburgh resident, I have the pleasure of popping into Fettes regularly and attending events. I am delighted to report back that Fettes and the OF community are flourishing.

I take great pride in meeting both current Fettesians and Old Fettesians and there is nothing better than seeing these communities combine – at Fettes gathered together in Chapel at Commem, or participating in one of the many Career Insight sessions and at outside events. The shared connections of time spent at Fettes are uplifting. It is of genuine pleasure to witness how these experiences bring joy across generations.

If you visit Fettes you will recognise familiar buildings, pitches and places from your time at school. You will however notice progressive change, new classrooms and facilities and much more homely boarding Houses. If you get the opportunity to eat on campus – take it! – the dining experience is first class, truly unrecognisable from my day. All visits must be pre-arranged, but this only requires emailing ofa@fettes.com or phoning +44 (0)131 311 6741.

OF activity across the regions continues to expand, with an ever-growing number of OFs in London, we are extremely grateful to the Fettes Development team supporting postCovid renewal in the region, from organising drinks parties to the resumption of business networking, along with the traditional London OFA Carol Service and something new with the start of Mixed Touch Rugby. Locally, we would like to thank particularly the efforts of Regional OF Representative for London, Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) and Rev David Simpson (Mo 2001–2006) who, after nine years, has chosen to hand over responsibility for the London OFA Carol Service to Alex Warren (Mo 2010–2015); we owe David thanks for his huge efforts in establishing a much loved highlight in the London OF calendar. More recently, Harriet Murray (CE 1994–1998) and her colleagues at Hunters Law LLP also deserve recognition for expertly hosting and resuming the Fettes Community Business Networking. And, in April we added OFA Mixed Touch Rugby in London to the sporting and social calendar, with huge thanks to the enthusiasm of Chris Aird (Gl 2008–2012) and Nick Aird (PS-Gl 2009–2015). The team are playing in the IN2TOUCH Rugby League in Regent’s Park and have over 30 OFs on their lists. If you would like to be added, email the OFA.

Our OF Community is also truly global and it is good to hear of the range of OF gatherings that our immensely supportive OF Regional Representatives have arranged across the world, from Festive gatherings in Hong Kong to a loyal annual dinner in British Columbia, alongside the rejuvenation of an OF group in Singapore. The familiarity and warmth of friendship of Fettesians past and present comes highly recommended. If you are travelling or on business, reach out and, if you receive an invitation to a gathering near you – get involved!

For those who like a digital connection, the Fettes Community Portal, fettescommunity.org, is the backbone, with a directory of over 2,400 OFs, access to the Fettes Career Partnership programme and the Digital Archive. This has already proved to be a wonderful resource of information and support for cross-community connection.

The OFA remains a voluntary organisation to represent and support generations of Old Fettesians. I am hugely grateful to the wider OFA Committee and to the OFA Exec. for their help in this regard, in particular Vice President Philip Church (JS-Gl 1985–1993), Secretary Cordelia Pilz (née Harrison) (Ar 1982–1984) and Treasurer Carla Bannatyne (Inv-CE 2005–2013). I must also add my sincere gratitude to the Development Team at Fettes, led by Director of Development Michael Stitt (Staff 2023–present) and I would also like to give personal thanks to Karen Jones (née Houston) (Ar 1989–1991) (Staff 2012–present) and also to the recent OF Coordinator, Vivienne Clark (Staff 2020–2024) for their huge efforts in bringing the OF Community together. Vivienne left in March. We welcomed Cameron Todd to the team at the start of June and I know he looks forward to meeting many of you.

Exciting times lie ahead as we review the recent survey that many of you participated in. I look forward to learning of the results and to working with the team to shape events and communications to bring even more of us together in future.

This is my final Newsletter as President – thank you all for your support of the OF Community. I have thoroughly enjoyed and found it immensely rewarding re-connecting and getting involved with the OFA. I am very excited for the future of Fettes and OFs and look forward to handing over to my successor Philip and his team. If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact the OFA!

Floreas Fettesia.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

I am delighted to have joined Fettes as the Director of Development. This is a unique role in the school and is all about engaging and working with our community. I have been here since October 2023 and I am enjoying getting to grips with the school and our community beyond.

Old Fettesians have been very welcoming, rich in anecdotes and generous with their time and support. For generations, Fettes has clearly been much more than a school for many. I have been fortunate enough to attend multiple events and meetings across the UK. This has ranged from the annual carol service in London to our careers day closer to home. I have met OFs in the United States and hope to see more in Europe, Asia and the Middle East this year. The common thread in those meetings has been an abiding interest in our school’s past, present and future.

As we finish compiling the OF Newsletter for 2024, we welcome our new Alumni Officer, Cameron Todd, to the team. Cameron looks forward to working with Karen Jones (née Houston) (Ar 1989–1991) (Staff 2012–present) and the OFA Committee to develop, deliver and support a range of events and communications to keep the OF community connected to each other. He looks forward to meeting and corresponding with many of you in the weeks and months ahead.

I have been fortunate to inherit an excellent team, supported by Karen Jones (née Houston) (Ar 1989–1991) (Staff 2012–present). Karen has been a great guide to the Fettes community for the last 12 years and has exciting plans in the months and years ahead to make our community more engaged and dynamic in an ever more challenging but connected world. My role is to help the team nurture and develop this unique community. We are planning more events, more opportunities through the Fettes Career Partnership programme and more global reach for the future.

Feedback is important to us. We therefore launched our first survey of the community in May. Thank you to the many of you who took the time to complete it. The survey is currently being analysed and I look forward to communicating the findings with you in the coming months and to working with the OFA to involve more of you in our events and activities in the future.

Vivienne Clark (Staff 2020–2024) our OF Coordinator left us for pastures new in March. I look forward to introducing her successor, Cameron Todd, soon. Please do continue to utilise the ofa@fettes.com email address for any of your correspondence.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the future.

By the time you read this, I will have left Fettes a few months ago but I wanted to take the opportunity to say farewell to the wonderful OF community. It’s never easy saying goodbye to a place, especially one you’ve grown to love in just a few years. I have been at Fettes for nearly four years but the care I have for this school and its community will now last a lifetime. When I started as Old Fettesian Coordinator, it was the middle of the Covid pandemic in 2020. Everything was locked down and we had to connect with our community digitally. Over the years, I’ve got to meet so many more of you in person and my highlights each year always include welcoming OFs back to Fettes for a visit and to see the school through their eyes. I also feel incredibly grateful to have been here to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Fettes, the 50th anniversary of girls joining the school and the 100th anniversary of the Old Fettesian Association. We fitted quite a lot of celebrations into three and a half years!

Best wishes Michael

Stitt

I leave Fettes with very mixed emotions. I will miss all the wonderful people I’ve met and the colleagues I’ve worked beside but I’m excited for the new challenges the next chapter will bring. Thank you to everyone who made my time at Fettes such a brilliant experience. I wish Fettes and everyone in its community all the best for the future.

Many thanks, Vivienne Clark

COMMEMORATION WEEKEND

A warm welcome for all who came to Commemoration Weekend 2023

We welcomed 350 Old Fettesians back to Fettes for special reunions over Commemoration Weekend. There were special reunions for the 5 year leavers of 2018 and for the decade leavers of 2013, 2003, 1993 and 1983. There were also Newmen of 1963 and 1953, twelve of whom were celebrating a friendship formed at Fettes 70 years ago! For such special reunions our community took great effort in coming back to Edinburgh not just from the UK but from the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, Portugal, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Switzerland, Cameroon, Italy, Sweden, Iceland, Serbia and France.

This year we chose to host a Friday drinks reception in central Edinburgh to kick off the celebrations. Old Fettesians from across the generations gathered in the ‘Bothy’ room at Brewhemia, conveniently located near

Waverley Station. It was an excellent chance for everyone to catch up and for local Edinburgh OFs to join us as well.

At lunchtime on Saturday the Lower Sixth joined Old Fettesians who had come back to Fettes from all over the world for a Career Insight Lunch. Many career paths were represented from International Development, to Medicine, Engineering, Law, Finance, Theatre, Sport, Music, Computer Science, Recruitment, Technology, Global Supply Chain Management, Veterinary Medicine, Civil Service, Education, Maths, Social Media, Ship Brokerage, Insurance, Sustainability, Design, Marketing, PR, ESG, Biodiversity, Real Estate, Journalism, Content and Global Business Strategy.

We are so grateful to the OFs from across the generations for answering many questions and for sharing

very valuable advice on all aspects, from Higher Education to living and working in other countries alongside industry specifics. This is so significant for the Lower Sixth at their very important career exploration stage.

During the afternoon, OFs were able to wander the grounds and visit their Houses. They were also able to support hockey matches and the hotly contested House Touch Rugby competition.

The evening began with a Chapel Service, led by OF Rev. Peter Sutton (SH 1979–1984) with a very thought-provoking address from former staff member Rev. Norman Drummond (Chaplain 1982–1984). The lesson was read by OFA Committee President, Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992) and the Chapel Choir treated us to the Choir Anthem

‘Be thou my vision’, by Bob Chilcott. The congregational singing was of a roof raising volume as all were evidently delighted to be gathered together in the College Chapel once again.

After Chapel a drinks reception and black-tie dinner took place in the Dining Hall. Guests were seated with OFs from their time at school. All enjoyed wonderful hospitality with short speeches from the President of the OFA and the Head, Mrs Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present). Four expert Pipers from the Pipe Band performed following a loyal toast. Much of the evening was spent on the all important reminiscence and catch ups, with some who had not been back at Fettes since their own school days.

CAMPUS UPDATES

We are delighted to have received planning permission for the construction of our new Wellbeing Centre. Work is expected to start later this year with the building complete in 2025. All of this has been made possible through a generous legacy from an Old Fettesian.

As part of our vision for Fettes, the new Wellbeing Centre will improve our health and wellbeing facilities and provide a place for innovative and pro-active learning about life skills. This new facility will take the traditional ‘Medical Centre’ or for some earlier generations, the ‘San’ out of the main building and bring the school’s medical and other pastoral care facilities together in this purposeful single story building.

Our Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present), is thrilled to be moving forward with what will be a centre of excellence for pastoral care. It will build on all the great practice that already takes place in this important aspect of school life. Happy students learn and happy students thrive, which is why we put wellbeing at the core of everything that happens at Fettes. This new development is one of many reasons why we believe this is an exciting time to be a part of the Fettes community.

Each year two of the School Prefects have special responsibility for student welfare. The Wellbeing Centre will provide a place for the welfare prefect initiatives. Our peer mentors who are trained in various aspects that affect teenagers such as our Mental Health Ambassadors will also be able to use the facilities. We do a lot to support each other with learning life skills and providing a listening ear and the new centre will give us opportunities to do that in even more creative ways.

Sue Bruce (Staff 2000–present) is now the Wellbeing Lead for Fettes College. Sue knows that the life of a student can involve many periods of change that can be challenging. We pride ourselves in supporting students through these transitions and in helping them to blossom. Having a dedicated space to act as a hub for our wellbeing lessons, activities, additional support services and our experienced medical team will allow us to fulfil the ambitions we have to be a world-leader in pastoral care.

The creation of the facility will go alongside a full review of landscaping at Fettes, to inform a wider landscape management programme of enhanced biodiversity and

rewilding including planting more trees within the existing 100-acre green city campus.

The project aims to set new sustainability standards for the College grounds, paving the way for lower carbon operations across the estate. The new building focuses on minimising heat loss and energy demands, with features including triple glazing, high levels of natural insulation, and low-carbon materials like glulam timber and sandstone. New heating and ventilation systems, including air source heat pumps and heat recovery units, will further reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

The School has worked with the Glasgow team from Page\Park Architects who previously designed the Spens

Building, the Salvesen Art School and the Culachy Music School, expertly remodelling and extending the previous North Building in to a state of the art teaching and learning facility for Fettes.

The Page\Park Architects seek to achieve a calm, nurturing and inclusive environment for our new Wellbeing Centre, rooted in its setting. They have been heavily influenced by traditional Chinese philosophy in the design through the timber and sandstone building materials, the zinc roof finish, and the large windows.

We look forward to updating you on the progress of the Wellbeing Centre in the year ahead.

Over many years, legacy gifts to the Fettes Foundation have enabled the College to achieve so much, including this new Wellbeing Centre and much of the recent Pavilion transformation. Future legacy gifts will help us to further 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 your loved ones, you will be helping the College to 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 +44 (0) 131 311 4758 or by email r.melrose@fettes.com

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present)

As Head, with my husband Rob and our two daughters Kate (PS-Ar 2009–2019) and Connie (PS-Ar 2010–2021), we know what a Fettes education means and the importance of the Old Fettesian community.

We know what matters here and what can be achieved with great effort and care from staff and students alike. I have spent twenty-eight years on the staff at Fettes and Rob thirtythree. Kate and Connie were both born here when we lived in Carrington and Rob was Housemaster.

As I lead Fettes forward in my fifth year as Head I am immensely proud of my staff team who encourage, nurture, know and care for each and every student. The Fettesians of today all leave us aiming high, with a dose of humility, ready to play their part in the world.

If you would like to come back to Fettes for a visit, please see page 12 on how to make the arrangements so that we can be ready to welcome you. We would love to show you the Fettes of today.

VISITING FETTES

Old Fettesians and their families are most welcome to visit Fettes. Whether you want to wander through the grounds, return to Chapel or visit your House we now need you to book in advance.

Access to the campus has changed in recent years and is now via the West Gate off Crewe Road South, this is a safer vehicular entrance and exit for everyone and has enabled the construction of our Gatehouse security hub.

Not only do the Fettes security staff keep our students safe, they also coordinate a multitude of deliveries to our campus. When you arrive, they will welcome you and check you in.

If you are planning on coming to visit Fettes, please email ofa@fettes.com or phone us +44 (0) 131 311 6741. We can then liaise on the finer detail and enter you into the visitor system. This means that when you arrive you will be welcomed appropriately for your visit.

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 Fettes, it is really just the beginning of the next step in their Fettes journey. We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome the Leavers of 2024 as they join the Old Fettesian Association and we look forward to seeing them at future OF events. The Leavers are warmly welcomed into our vibrant community of Old Fettesians all around the world.

Elise Abson (PS–CE 2017–2024)

Jayden Agyei (PS–Gl 2015–2024)

Harry Armstrong (Mo 2019–2024)

Alexander Bagrin (Mo 2022–2024)

Favour Balogun-Wilson (PS–CW 2017–2024)

Louis Bennet (PS–Mo 2012–2024)

Eva Biggart (Da 2020–2024)

James Bird (PS–Ca 2015–2024)

Emily Blanchfield (Da 2022–2024)

Torin Bremner (PS–Ca 2017–2024)

Clementine Brydon (PS–Ar 2016–2024)

Mhairi Buchanan (CE 2019–2024)

Iona Carnegie (PS–CE 2015–2024)

Alice Carrick-Buchanan (Ar 2019–2024)

Borui Chen (Ki 2019–2024)

Percy Cheng (PS–Ki 2017–2024)

Max Cheung (Gl 2020–2024)

Hugo Christian (PS–Gl 2017–2024)

Edward Chynoweth-Smith (Ki 2019–2024)

Alexander Clark (Mo 2019–2024)

Torcal Cowx (PS–Ca 2017–2024)

Georgie Davie (CW 2019–2024)

Harold De Beir (Ki 2020–2024)

Dorian de Chabot-Tramecourt (Ca 2022–2024)

Beatrice De Clerck (Da 2022–2024)

Max De Panafieu (Ca 2022–2024)

Ione Dobson (PS–Ar 2015–2024)

Louis Douglas Miller (Ca 2019–2024)

Susannah Dowey (PS–CE 2014–2024)

Sholto Duff (Ki 2022–2024)

Freddie Duncan (Ca 2019–2024)

Thomas Eddleston (Ki 2020–2024)

Skye Ferguson (PS–Ar 2015–2024)

Hector Fisher-Wingate (Ki 2020–2024)

Edo Fox (Ca 2019–2024)

Arianna Gambini (CE 2022–2024)

Amelie Gibson (CW 2019–2024)

Tara Gibson (Da 2021–2024)

Holly Graham (PS–CW 2016–2024)

Jess Grier (Da 2022–2024)

Imogen Hannay (Ar 2020–2024)

Sophie Heald (PS–Ar 2015–2024)

Oliver Henderson (PS–Gl 2017–2024)

This photograph has been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers

Imogen Hilleary (CW 2020–2024)

William Hodgson (Mo 2019–2024)

Tom Hovell (Mo 2020–2024)

Jack Humphrey (Ki 2019–2024)

Anna Hutchison (Da 2020–2024)

Liberty Irvine (Ar 2022–2024)

Georgia Jack (Da 2022–2024)

Lara Jeffrey (Ar 2019–2024)

Betty Jones (Ar 2022–2024)

Nicholas Karafotias (PS–Ki 2017–2024)

Dominick Kaspar (PS–Mo 2017–2024)

Mehar Kaur (PS–CE 2018–2024)

Pippa Kelly (PS–CE 2013–2024)

Owen Kennedy (Ca 2022–2024)

Robin Köhler (CW 2022–2024)

Jamie Kong (Ca 2020–2024)

Magnus Kuhn (Mo 2020–2024)

Ava Larkin (PS–Da 2017–2024)

Fletcher Leivesley (Gl 2022–2024)

Cade Lino (Da 2020–2024)

Arthur Lo (Gl 2019–2024)

Robert Lockhart (PS–Ca 2015–2024)

Zoe Lucas (CW 2022–2024)

Eliza Maclay (Da 2019–2024)

Charles Macleod (PS–Ki 2013–2024)

Ramsay MacLeod (Gl 2019–2024)

Edward Macquaker (Ca 2019–2024)

Flora Macquaker (Ar 2019–2024)

Maya Mahnke (PS–CW 2016–2024)

Lola Martin (PS–Da 2013–2024)

Rena Matsuoka (Da 2022–2024)

Luke McFarlane (Mo 2022–2024)

Kurush McLeod (Mo 2022–2024)

Melody McManus (CW 2022–2024)

Skye McNeill (Da 2022–2024)

Iona McNeish (Ar 2020–2024)

Vinjero Mhango (Ki 2019–2024)

James Milburn (PS–Gl 2014–2024)

Archie Morris (Gl 2019–2024)

Sandy Morton (Mo 2019–2024)

Brodie Murray (PS–Gl 2015–2024)

George Nicholson (Ki 2019–2024)

Kinvara Nimmo (PS–Da 2017–2024)

Siena Nourse (CE 2022–2024)

Angus O’Connor (PS–Mo 2018–2024)

Dara Omotowa (PS–Ca 2014–2024)

Annabelle Parbrook (PS–Ar 2018–2024)

Greta Petrache (CE 2019–2024)

Mollie Petrie-Irving (CW 2022–2024)

Magnus Pilz (PS–Ki 2017–2024)

Romy Potts (CE 2022–2024)

Lena Rafiqpoor (Da 2022–2024)

Nicolas Razmilovic (PS–Ki 2018–2024)

William Rennie (PS–Ca 2016–2024)

Henry Reynolds (Gl 2022–2024)

Sofia Robertson (CE 2019–2024)

Amy Rodriguez Ndiaye (CW 2022–2024)

Alan Rouf (Ki 2021–2024)

Angus Russell (PS–Ki 2016–2024)

Lily Sandilands (CW 2022–2024)

Sirisha Saraswatibhatla (Da 2019–2024)

Gabor Scholler (Gl 2022–2024)

Alex Shahsavari (Ki 2021–2024)

Kai Soler Chapuisat (Ca 2022–2024)

Rosie Speedy (PS–CW 2013–2024)

Isabella Stanic (PS–Ar 2015–2024)

Connor Steele (Gl 2019–2024)

Honor Stevens (Da 2019–2024)

Calum Stewart (Gl 2022–2024)

Flora Stodart (Ar 2019–2024)

Benedict Strohofer (Gl 2022–2024)

Iona Strudwick (PS–Ar 2013–2024)

Patrick Tamimi (Gl 2019–2024)

Mitchell Teo (Gl 2022–2024)

Sofia Toub (Da 2022–2024)

Connie Tough (CW 2019–2024)

Mizuki Ueda (Ki 2022–2024)

Bart Urda (Ca 2022–2024)

Lilly Wallace (CE 2019–2024)

Lily Wearmouth (PS–CW 2015–2024)

Jasmine Wei (Da 2022–2024)

Will Weir (Mo 2022–2024)

Liza Whamond (PS–CE 2017–2024)

Leo Wheeler (Ki 2022–2024)

Lizzi Williamson (Da 2019–2024)

Vincenzo Wolff (Gl 2022–2024)

Ryan Wong (Mo 2020–2024)

Abbey Wood (CW 2019–2024)

Seamus Yanez (PS–Gl 2013–2024)

FETTESIAN SUCCESSION

Parents

Bill B B Gammell (Mo–Ar 1966–1970)

Graham H W Waddell (Ca 1977–1982) (Deceased)

Joanna M Prosser (Ar 1983–1983)

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

Peter R B Sutton (SH 1979–1984)

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

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

Felix V L Chen (Mo 1979–1984)

Chris D G Hodgson (SH-Gl 1981–1986)

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

Tom K Usher (JS-Gl 1979–1986)

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

Kate A Carrick-Buchanan (SH 1985–1987)

Jeremy D Kilpatrick (Mo 1986–1987)

Chris D Johnston (Ca 1983–1988)

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

Duncan B MacIntyre (Ca 1987–1989)

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

Gillem M Tulloch (Ca 1984–1989)

Roy M Leckie (Ca 1985–1990)

Jamie B Macpherson (Ca 1985–1990)

Mairi Mickel (CW 1986–1990)

Johnny D Weir (Mo 1987–1990)

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

Richard A N R Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992)

Omar Quaba (Ki 1987–1992)

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

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)

Becky L Ewart-White (née Larkin) (Ar 1993–1997)

Markos Symeonides (Inv-Ki 1993–1997)

Charlotte L Gore (Inv 1992–1994)

Andriy A Dudko (Inv-Ki 1993–2000)

Grandparents

Tom C McCreath (SH 1944–1947) (Deceased)

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

William T Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955)

Iain H Nicholson (Ca 1953–1957)

David G Johnston (Ca 1953–1958)

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

Ian G Stevenson (Mo 1955–1960) (Deceased)

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

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)

George C Stevenson (Ca 1922–1928) (Deceased)

Alastair MacIntyre (Ca 1927–1932) (Deceased)

Great Great Grandparents

Ian MacIntyre (Ca 1881–1887) (Deceased)

James K Watson (SH 1882–1888) (Deceased)

Charles Connell (Mo 1913–1918) (Deceased)

Fettesian succession families gathered at the Pavilion on Founder’s Day 2023.

A VIEW FROM THE COMMON ROOM

Henry McCowan Hill, President (Staff 2009–present)

This being my first View From the Common Room as President, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Neil Ward (Staff 2008–present) for his enormous efforts in keeping the ball rolling over the last few years. During COVID, he was instrumental in keeping morale up during what was a hugely tricky period for work and family. Our regular staff drinks, organised by Neil, on Zoom, with the ever entertaining “Linkee” game, will provide fond memories for many of us in what was otherwise a really tough time.

This has not been a year without its challenges, but what always impresses me about Fettes is the resilience of the staff and their willingness to work things out for the greater good. We are a passionate and committed group of people and I am proud to be part of this Common Room.

The year has flown by and with so much going on, it is hard to summarise the many achievements and successes here – you will have to read the superb Fettesian for that when it is published later in the year, or visit the regularly updated news section of the website, fettes.com or follow the social media.

Suffice to say, Fettesians have given their all in a huge variety of sports, voluntary posts, social events, service days and in-house activities.

There are always new initiatives being brought in, as we seek to constantly strive for excellence in all we do and move with the ever-changing times. Perhaps the two main introductions this year have been the Middle School Diploma and the introduction of EET (Engineering Enterprise and Technology) to the curriculum. The Diploma is an inhouse award that looks to develop the students’ breadth of understanding and experience of extra-curricular activities. Points awarded for anything from striking up a conversation with Rob Harrison (Staff 1991–present and our husband of the Head), taking part in a school debate, involvement in a play or participating in any number of societies. The award looks to push the students outside their comfort zones, trying new things and experiencing all that Fettes has to offer.

In September we welcomed Michael Alton (Staff 2023–present) to start our new EET course. It is something that has long been looked at by the Academic Leadership Team and something that increasing numbers of parents are looking for when thinking about schools. The purpose-built classroom is superbly equipped and I was very grateful for the production of a customised name sign for my lab in the Science Block. I know how much the students have enjoyed this new addition to the curriculum.

As ever, at the end of term we say goodbye to a number of friends and colleagues and this year we say farewell to Dr Claire Mathison (Staff 2012–2024), Barbara Conway (Staff 2008–2024), Mark Henry (Staff 2009–2024) and Ben Watson (Staff 2014–2024). When you have been here as long as I have, you get to know your colleagues as genuine friends. They have all served the school with distinction and will be missed by staff and students alike. They go with all our good wishes and we very much look forward to hearing about their new adventures – be they in retirement or in new positions elsewhere.

As I start my new role as President, I am also leaving my current role as Houseparent of Moredun, to return to Biology teaching full time. My family and I have lived in Moredun for nine years – my two boys don’t have any memories of a life elsewhere. We have loved our time here, but it is time to move on and let someone else have a go! It has been a great privilege to look after the boys in Moredun and they have provided a great deal of entertainment over the years! I would like to thank Tanya Wallace, Matron (Staff 2018–present) and Rory Bredin (Staff 2016–present) for their unwavering support throughout the years. Finally, thanks to Nic, my wife, for putting up with me for as long as she has!

I wish OF Jamie MacKenzie (Inv-Ca 1996–2003) all the very best when he joins the staff at Fettes in the summer to become Houseparent of Moredun. I hope he, his wife Nicki and their young family enjoy this very special place with special people.

Middle School Diploma

McCowan Hill family

Jamie MacKenzie (Inv-Ca 1996–2003)

CONSIDERING FETTES FOR YOUR CHILD OR GRANDCHILD?

Our Head of Admissions is proud to be part of a succession family herself.

We are always delighted to welcome new families to Fettes but are especially thrilled when Old Fettesians enquire about sending their children.

In July 2024, our Head of Admissions, Fiona Gordon (Staff 2023–present), will have completed her first very successful year at the helm. Fiona joined Fettes from Millfield School, Somerset where she headed up Prep School Admissions and was a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team. Prior to her move south, Fiona spent 17 happy years at Loretto and seven at George Heriot’s School. She has now clocked up a very impressive and commendable 30 years working in some of the UK’s top schools.

It was a dream come true for Fiona and her family to return to Scotland last summer and follow the family succession. Fiona has referred to having “pink” blood as both her late father Ian G Stevenson (Mo 1955–1960) and late grandfather George C Stevenson (Ca 1922–1928)

attended Fettes. Fiona and her husband Ian, decided to follow the family tradition and choose Fettes for their own children Georgiana (Georgie) (Ar 2023–present) and Ruari (PS 2023–present)

Georgie and Ruari started their education at Loretto but moved south to Millfield Prep School when they were eight and six years old. They excelled at Millfield and both were awarded Sports Scholarships – quite an accolade! Georgie played hockey and netball for Somerset and had hockey trials for England. They have thoroughly enjoyed their first year at Fettes contributing hugely both in and out of the classroom and carrying on their sporting success at Fettes and externally at various clubs in and around Edinburgh. Georgie has ambitions to play hockey for Scotland and Ruari is a keen rugby player and cricketer enjoying excellent sport at Fettes Prep and representing both Musselburgh and Grange respectively. They know they will have to work but with excellent teaching and academic rigour at Fettes, they are well placed to achieve academic success which will set them up for a very successful future beyond Fettes.

Considering Fettes for Your Child?

Fiona and her team would be delighted to speak with you, your family, friends or colleagues who might like to find out more about the benefits of a Fettes education. You are assured of a very warm welcome and expert advice.

As Old Fettesians, we hope you have wonderful memories and friendships from Fettes and that those experiences and connections continue to play an important role in your life.

Our Succession Families

If you are considering Fettes for your children or perhaps grandchildren, you will join a group of “succession” families who, over generations, have chosen Fettes. These families, as Fiona has alluded to, hold a very special place in Fettes’ history and their contribution to school life is immeasurable.

Having a number of current parents and grandparents, as well as prospective families with an existing Fettes connection is very special indeed.

Please Come and Visit

You are warmly invited to join the Head, Helen Harrison and the staff at our next Open Day which takes place on Saturday 12 October 2024, please register via this link –www.fettes.com/open-day–2024. If you are unable to visit

on 12th October, Fiona and her team will be delighted to arrange a bespoke visit at a mutually convenient time.

The Head will be delighted to talk to Old Fettesians about the Fettes of today and how the staff can provide the best education and opportunities for every student.

You will be offered the opportunity of meeting with a Houseparent and shown your former boarding house so you can recall stories with your child or grandchild. We look forward to showing you new buildings and telling you about the myriad of initiatives which have been introduced over recent years. With the building of the new Wellbeing Centre due to start later this year, we are at the forefront of looking after both the mental and physical wellbeing of all students. A vital ingredient in today’s pressurised world.

With an average of 70% boarding across the whole school and 85% boarding in Sixth Form, our students learn independence, compassion and tolerance. With students joining Fettes from over 35 different countries our students leave Fettes with a greater understanding of Global Citizenship – understanding the wider world and their place in it which is an important skill to possess as our young people move on to further education and the world of work. Our students are encouraged to be curious, creative, kind, aim high and give back!

If you would like to find out more about the Fettes of today, please do get in contact with us: admissions@fettes.com or +44 (0)131 311 6744

Fiona Gordon, Head of Admissions

Fettes College, 1926

Ian G Stevenson, Rugby XV Captain, 1960

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF GLENCORSE HOUSE

Generations of Glencorsians came together for a special Sunday lunch with the Head to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Glencorse House.

Guests were joined by the current top student team from Lower Sixth and from Upper Sixth along with current Houseparents Mr & Mrs James & Kate Pillinger (Staff 2008–present) and Assistant Houseparent Colin Dundas (Staff 2011–present). Previous Houseparents Mr & Mrs Peter & Pippa Jenkins (Staff 2006–present) were also able to be with us as they are still on the current staff.

After Lunch, Governor and previous Glencorsian, Hugh Bruce-Watt (Gl 1972–1976) made a toast to the House and

reflected on the strengths that a vertical boarding House brings. He was joined by Barbara Graham (Gl 1975–1977), also a Glencorsian, who reflected on her time in the House as one of the very first girls. Her conclusions were that coming to Fettes was transformational for her and that her talents were nurtured.

All enjoyed the archival displays and the tours of Glencorse with current students afterwards. It was a happy celebration. As the photos show, friendships forged in Glencorse were clearly recollected and reunited during the afternoon.

100 YEARS OF THE FETLOR YOUTH CLUB

In the time of great anguish after the First World War, Fettesians and Lorettonians came together to consider how best remember the 371 former pupils who lost their lives. The answer was a youth club that would support the children of the men from the poorer areas of Edinburgh who they had fought alongside.

It was with this in mind that the Headmasters of Loretto, A. R. (Sconnie) Smith, and Fettes, Dr. A. H. Ashcroft, proposed the formation of a Boys’ Club in Edinburgh, to be sponsored jointly by the two schools and their Old Boys. A hundred years ago, on 2nd January 1924, the Fettesian Lorettonian Boys’ Club opened, Scotland’s oldest youth club.

From the Fettesian of 1924 – A Visit to the Club, 1924

I learned from the College that the address was 2IA St. Giles Street. There seemed to be no such number in the street, but eventually I was directed to a flight of steps, hitherto unnoticed,and half-way down I found a door bearing the inscription, ‘Fettesian-Lorettonian Boys’ Club.’

My first impression on entering was ‘green paint.’ Unlike the great classical poets, I will not linger to describe the mural decorations; my attention, in fact,was soon diverted from them, for somebody at my elbow was regarding me inquiringly. He seemed a kindly man, so I addressed myself to him. After exchanging confidences to the extent of revealing our names and professions, we proceeded up to ‘the office.’ My new-found friend, I might here state, was Mr. Hewitson Brown, the club leader. In the office I signed the visitors’ book and then Mr. Brown offered to conduct me on a tour round the premises. First we visited the reading-room. A lovely fire was blazing, and round it were seated a group of boys, all reading various magazines and books. On the tables were arranged every conceivable boy’s paper and magazine, including The Scout, Boy’s Own, and The Captain. In one corner stood a piano at which W.Swan (O.F.) may be seen any night thumping forth the strains of ‘Yes, we have no bananas,’ and ‘Minnetonka,’ to the great delight of his audience, while the walls were decorated with a series of captivating little pictures in passe-partout frames. Next door is the library, which has already reached quite a formidable size. Round the shelves were some clamouring youths searching for suitable literature, the most popular type being adventure stories full of blood and thunder. One young ruffian informed me that ‘fighting yarns’ were far the best. We then proceeded downstairs. The first room we entered was the ‘games room.’ Here sundry gentlemen were engaged in pastimes such as ‘Ludo,’ ‘ Snakes and Ladders,’ or ‘Draughts,’ or waiting their turn for the billiard table. When we reached the billiard table we found a hotly contested game in progress. Though I am a novice at the game, even my inexperienced eye could detect the skill of the players. Unlike certain Fettesians whom I have seen playing at camp, they did not score by their opponents’ misses alone. A phrase, ‘pot the baker,’ puzzled me considerably, but, as great indignation was caused whenever any one perpetrated this mysterious feat, I presume it was contrary to the etiquette of the game.

Another twist or two and we found ourselves in the ‘bagatelle room,’ which, though not so popular, yet claimed its share of youthful enthusiasm.

Further on we came to Wimbledon, or, more properly, the ping-pong court. Accepting a challenge from the crack pingpong player of the club, I engaged in the most exciting of games.

Turning round I noticed a staircase from whence a chaos of sound came borne to our ears. Mr. Brown informed me that my staircase led to the basement, in which exuberant members of the club were permitted to work off their high spirits. I penetrated into these dark recesses. I had hardly reached the bottom when I found myself involved in a fierce four-a-side game of Soccer, in the course of which I amply demonstrated, by the difficulty I experienced in breaking through the defence, and the ease with which the defence broke through me, that Fettes did not teach one how to play Soccer. Bordering on our pitch was stretched a mat, on which many were contorting themselves into the most marvellous shapes by performing cartwheels, somersaults, and every other gymnastic exercise which involves real danger of breaking the neck or shattering the spinal column.

Near by a great boxing contest was in full swing. The size of the ring was only limited by the size of the basement, and so, every now and again, one or other of the warriors, desiring no doubt a change of scene, would beat a hasty retreat to some distant corner. The rest of the basement was set aside for ablutions. There were two sprays, a row of small basins, and three biggish tublike sinks raised off the ground. In the latter three small boys were curled up, splashing about and enjoying themselves hugely. The demand for this novel type of bath was so great, that a time limit of five minutes per person had to be imposed. On time being called the bather was forcibly ejected from his basin and relentlessly impelled in the direction of a cold spray, the popularity of which varied considerably.

In conclusion a few words might be said about the boys themselves. One and all are a thoroughly good lot. Frank, open, and friendly, they are ready to enter with zest and spirit into any small amusement devised for them.

Mr. Brown, the club leader, is a positive marvel. He is here, there and everywhere, enrolling new members, organising games and concerts, and inspiring all with his immense enthusiasm. We are indeed lucky to have secured his services as leader.

Membership grew to nearly 200 and with it the activities. There were organised Camps, either at week-ends or in the late summer. It was here that the Club really achieved its greatest successes, for it gave boys who had seldom been beyond the dark and dismal streets where they lived the opportunity to enjoy the freshness, and the rigours, of the country. Moreover, when the dates were suitable, boys from Fettes and Loretto would also take part in the Camps on an equal footing.

The Club continued and flourished in St. Giles Street and Riddles Court for nearly 30 years, but by the 1950s conditions had changed radically in the Royal Mile. There were no longer ragged little boys running around barefoot, and the inhabitants of the area were being moved into new housing schemes near the outskirts of the City. In 1956 the Club decided to move with them and opened an entirely new chapter in its history. It took over some derelict Army huts in the Pilton district near Crewe Toll, at the north-west corner of the Fettes playing fields. Here it started again from the beginning, in new surroundings; and within a year or two it was as popular as ever. Generous help was given to build a football field behind the huts and the gift of flood-lights meant that the Club was fully re-established.

But there was a difference – a social difference. No longer was the Club merely somewhere for poor boys to meet in friendly company before a warm fire with something to eat and a hot cup of tea or cocoa to drink. The friendly company was still there, but the poverty had mercifully gone. The benefits of the Welfare State had seen to that. However, new problems had replaced the old. Gang culture was on the rise, territories became no-go zones and petty crime and vandalism blighted the community.

The Local Authority soon realised the benefit of clubs like the FetLor Youth Club (as it is now called) in taking children off the streets and occupying their energies more constructively. It accepted a financial responsibility which, with the need to engage a full-time, fully trained Leader, has increased year by year.

By the 1960s the Army huts were no longer habitable and a specially designed Club House was built. The Centre itself realised it had to broaden its appeal. In the mid–1980s it opened its doors to girls.

More recently the Board of FetLor and the schools decided to further raise the ambition of the charity and the social impact it could make. Part of this ambition is reflected in the new dedicated youthwork hub completed at the end of 2016.

The Board is now in the process of building a team and youthwork programme that will deliver on its commitment to North Edinburgh. The challenges facing the charity now are as great as at any time in its history. A cocktail of public sector spending cuts and significant increase in demand for services and support have led FetLor to consider the way in which it works and how to fund it.

Adopting this new approach, based from a new hub, the ambition is to work with over 1,000 young people in North Edinburgh each year. All of them will benefit from the partnership of the Fettesian and the Lorettonian community one hundred years since creation.

A century on and FetLor have helped thousands of young people. They have offered club members a healthy meal, a listening ear and advice, when it has been sought, all in a safe place.

FetLor currently use outdoor adventure trips, games and sleepovers in the club to help build confidence. Group discussions, one-to-one support, inspirational speakers and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award all help to develop members’ outlook and underpin in them a confidence that they can achieve anything.

If you would like to find out more about the work of FetLor or you would like to support the club, please visit – bit.ly/FetLor

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ELIZABETH MACNEAL (INV-CW 2000–2007)

Elizabeth Macneal is a bestselling Scottish author, a potter and mother to two very young children. Elizabeth spent eight years at Fettes proving herself to be highly academic and creative. She went on to study English Literature at Oxford, followed by a brief career as a Management Consultant.

The Doll Factory, Elizabeth’s debut novel, was a Sunday Times bestseller. It has been translated into twenty-nine languages, and was turned into a major television series on Paramount+. Her second novel, Circus of Wonders, was an immediate Sunday Times bestseller, hitting No. 4 after only a partial week of sales. By the time you read this her third novel, The Burial Plot, will have hit the bookshops too.

How do your novels begin in your mind, with characters, settings or story lines?

Usually I begin with a small fragment that blossoms into a novel. When an idea grips me, I find it really exciting – the story begins to knit together in my head so quickly. This starting point can be a scene, a character, a setting or even just a mood. For The Doll Factory, it was a taxidermy shop in Hackney. For Circus of Wonders, it was a sepia photograph of a circus performer. For The Burial Plot, it was Tower

Hamlets Cemetery, built in 1841 and now in disrepair. I was walking through it one morning and I began to wonder what it would have been like to see something this grand being built. The pulleys winching the stones of the chapel into place, the vaults and mausoleums being constructed. This became both my setting and plot: the cemetery and its income are the high stakes prize for two tricksters.

What experiences from your time at Fettes are you grateful for?

I look back on my school days with real fondness. I was lucky enough to have a series of fantastic English teachers. Mr McKee (Staff 1999–2003) put a real value on creativity, and his early encouragement about my short stories gave me the confidence to see myself as a writer. Mr Harrison (Staff 1991–present) occasionally read us short stories, and I can still remember entire lines from several of them. Miss Donald (Staff 1984–2006) stoked my love for poetry and literature and would spend entire lunchbreaks analysing and marvelling over a poem with me and my friend Mary. All of my English teachers cherished literature and language and that enthusiasm was hugely infectious.

During the launch week of The Burial Plot, Elizabeth visited Fettes for a conversation event. Four of her previous English teachers were able to join the audience. left to right: Paul Cheetham (Staff 1988–2008); Rob Harrison (Staff 1991–present); Betty Thomson (Staff 1987–2020); Tony Reeves (Staff 1983–2014)

When did you think you would try to become a writer?

Can you tell us a little about that journey?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment, but I first decided to write a novel just after leaving university. I used to wake up at 5am to write before work each morning. In five years, I wrote two books that were rejected by publishers, but I think of them a bit like my ceramics – I didn’t throw a perfect pot the first time. I needed to learn how to put a story together. When I had the second novel rejected, I decided to apply to UEA to do an MA in creative writing. The course was incredible. Towards the end of the year, I began writing The Doll Factory

As a writer you create and beautifully describe genuine characters. How involved were you in the TV adaptation of The Doll Factory?

Thank you! I wasn’t involved in much of the decisionmaking, which I found pretty liberating. I was happy just to eavesdrop on everything and let other people run with it. I watched the casting reels; I read the scripts; I went along to set. It was surreal to step into a room and see scenes which I’d imagined, made real and tangible. To see Iris’s brushes, still wet with paint, resting on an oyster shell; or to read the handwritten signs in Mrs Salter’s Doll Emporium. I even got

to have a cameo role and play at dressing up – my son and I appear in the first episode.

Which part of your novel creating process do you enjoy best?

My favourite part is the beginning and end of the process. I love researching and planning, when my novel exists in my mind as this pristine thing, and I can see the shape of it. It’s very exciting. However, this vision soon crumbles when I sit down to write a messy first draft, which I see as something to endure rather than enjoy. I tend to delete my entire first draft and start again from scratch. Then I’ll do at least another five thorough re-drafts. With each version, I enjoy it more and more as the novel edges closer to my original hopes and ambitions for it. The characters begin to work. I untangle the themes. The sentences start to sing.

What’s next for you?

I have a vague idea that I might take a few months off! I’ve had two children in the two years it took me to write and edit The Burial Plot, and I’d like to spend a bit more time with them. But I’m sure it won’t be long until I come across a fragment of a story and feel the pull of another novel…

INTERVIEW WITH FILM COMPOSER LORNE BALFE (JS-GL 1987–1995)

Originally from Inverness, Scotland, Lorne’s love of music and writing was evident from an early age.

His childhood home had a residential recording studio where the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Inner Circle would record – the latter of which he serendipitously worked with for his score to Bad Boys for Life.

As early as eight years-old, Lorne began writing and selling his composed “jingles” for advertisements, and at the age of thirteen, whilst at Fettes, he auditioned to be a percussionist with the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, becoming their youngest member. He travelled around Scotland with them professionally. It became clear to Lorne that he wanted to become a film composer and in his late teens he started writing letters to other composers in the hope of an opportunity. Soon after finishing his studies at Fettes he decided to move to the U.S., and soon after that, his exceptional career took off.

Consistently receiving accolades for his musical compositions, he received critical acclaim for his score in the most successful film of the Mission Impossible franchise, Writer/Director Christopher McQuarrie’s Mission Impossible: Fallout (Paramount Pictures). Lorne has also scored Mission: Impossible 7, released in July 2023.

Balfe worked on the critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount), which garnered 1.488 Billion in the global box office. Lorne served as Score Producer and contributed to the score alongside Hans Zimmer, Harold Faltermeyer, and Lady Gaga.

He recently composed the music for the highly praised Luther: Fallen Sun (Netflix), the continuation to the beloved BBC series, and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Paramount) based on the much beloved and celebrated tabletop game.

Other notable credits include Black Widow (Disney/ Marvel), Ambulance (Universal), Jungleland (Paramount), The Lego Batman Movie (Warner Bros), and the Oscar nominated film The Florida Project (A24). Lorne’s work can now be heard in Argylle directed by Matthew Vaughn (released on 1st February 2024), including his adaptation of the Beatles track ‘Now and Then’.

In addition to his work with Christopher McQuarrie, Lorne has worked with many of the most prestigious directors in the industry including Christopher Nolan, Ron Howard, Michael Bay, Cate Shortland, Ang Lee, Christophe Waltz, Jerry Bruckheimer, Sean Baker, and Chris McKay.

What has been the most rewarding piece of music to have composed?

Each endeavour is rewarding, as every piece unfolds like its own puzzle. When composing for film, the objective is to maintain a constant connection between the audience and the characters’ journeys. Each project generates unique memories in the process of composing. However, hearing your initial music piece in a film or on television is a particularly memorable and fulfilling experience.

Who has been your music inspiration?

The music of Vaughan Williams has always been a significant inspiration for me. I vividly recall the performance of his work ‘Dona nobis pacem’ at St. Mary’s Cathedral with the full school choir and orchestra, creating a truly majestic sound. His compositions possess a haunting beauty that captivates the listener. Vaughan Williams’ music has served as a reference point for many of my own compositions.

What experiences from your time at Fettes are you grateful for?

I attended Fettes from the age of eight until 18. Apart from my parents, it fundamentally moulded me into who I have become. Friendships from my first day in the Prep School still endure. The teachers who believed in and encouraged us, even when we weren’t the most conventional students, paved the way for our success. The happiness from every Founder’s Day will always be remembered, as the celebration of everyone’s achievements on that day remains memorable.

Your compositions provide intense emotion due to their association with imagery. Could you explain the creative process to us very briefly.

Every project presents unique challenges. As a composer, my role is to interpret the director’s vision and enhance the storytelling process. Typically, this begins with reading the script and delving into the characters’ backgrounds. I strive to compose themes that reflect their experiences as if I were in their shoes. The next step involves scoring to picture, crafting music that complements and enriches the narrative. This process mirrors my experience in school when we performed Steven Berkoff’s ‘Oedipus Rex,’ directed by Brenden Butler (Staff 1990–2005), who not only encouraged me to write music for the play but also to perform it live.

You are a hugely experienced musician. With innovations in technology do you think there are new sounds and musical genres to come?

The emergence of AI represents the most significant evolution in music history. As composers, we will transcend previous limitations in creating music. I believe this evolution holds immense positive and creative potential, eliminating boundaries and expanding our compositional capabilities. As someone with dyslexia, computers have enabled me to translate my musical ideas onto paper for musicians to perform. With AI, we will further push the boundaries of what musical instruments can achieve.

With music streaming services and your social media channels such as Instagram do you consider yourself to be an artist with your own fan following, beyond the movie fans?

I suppose I do, but first and foremost, I am a film composer. I enjoy crafting music to complement and intertwine with the narrative of a story. At the moment, I don’t envision myself composing standalone pieces, but I never say never. I thrive on being part of a collaborative team in the creative process, which is why filmmaking excites me more than composing for the concert hall.

What’s next for you?

Writing the Founder’s Day 2024 Speech.

INTERVIEW WITH ADVENTURER MARK AGNEW (GL 2005–2009)

Mark is an adventurer. He achieved two world firsts by kayaking the Northwest Passage – he and his teammates, called the Arctic Cowboys, paddled almost 2,000 nautical miles in 103 days, from 1st July – 12th October 2023, starting from Bylot Island in Baffin Bay to the Beaufort Sea. He confronted fierce winds, extreme sub zero temperatures, towering waves, icebergs and encounters with whales and polar bears. In recognition of this achievement he was awarded European Adventurer of the Year 2023 and has been awarded a fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).

Mark has not always achieved success. He tried and failed to row the Atlantic twice. The second failure sent him into a mental health spiral which after deep consideration, spurred him to reevaluate why he loves adventures. Mark is a professional speaker on adventure, leadership and mental health, he is represented by Speaker Buzz. He has recently signed a book deal with Icon Books, to be published in 2025, to tell his tale of the highs and lows of this epic 103 day expedition.

At Fettes Mark was energetic, he was in the 1st XV and Head of House. He was a Colour Sergeant in the CCF and was the lead role in school drama productions. He now lives in London with his wife and two young children.

Can you share some of the highs and lows of your recent world first achievement of kayaking the NorthWest Passage? It sounds gruelling. That is complicated because the lows were the highs. When things got really tough, that’s when we enjoyed it the most. One of my core goals was camaraderie. And when we pushed ourselves to our max, those are the days when friendship became camaraderie.

One of the toughest days was when we crossed Prince Regent Inlet. It was a 50 mile wide crossing. After 11 hours, we were nearly at shore, then ice flowed in from somewhere else and turned the flat sea into a melee of colliding ice. We dodged and weaved and were almost crushed to death –after 18 hours we made it to shore. We had been just half a mile from shore for hours, and turned 50 miles into 63 miles.

We all look back on that as one of the most memorable and enjoyable days. The days I found hardest were when we were stuck on shore. We were aware we were running out of time as winter approached. The ambiguity was worse than any gruelling day kayaking.

How did you choose this adventure?

Initially, when I first began to think about it as early as 2016, I was interested in the European history, the explorers

I admired and the fame of two world firsts. But as I grew up, and after my Atlantic failures, I realised I’d lost sight of why I love adventure.

Intrinsic goals were far more powerful. So now, I always pick an adventure for immersion in nature and camaraderie. To be the first to kayak the Northwest Passage and to be the first to do it under human power in a single season – that was the goal and it facilitated the intrinsic motivations.

It’s the theme of my talks – extrinsic motivations will only get you so far. Having something you really care about will give you lasting contentment.

I always say now, adventure is not about where you start or finish, it’s about everything in between.

What personal physical and mental preparations did you have to do, to be fit and ready to achieve this journey?

Physical preparation is mental preparation. You cannot learn mental tools at home. You have to do the physical preparation to practise the mental tools.

My particular focus was on sitting with discomfort. I’d go kayaking, find myself in hairy situations and say “this is scary, it’s normal to be scared. Sit with the fear and focus on the situation”. If you can’t sit with the fear, you end up spending your energy fighting fear rather than dealing with the situation.

What previous experiences were you most grateful for during the expedition?

The encouragement from my parents. They gave me the confidence to dream big and always told me to go for it. And failing to row the Atlantic. While I’d rather have completed it, it was useful in making me realise the power of intrinsic motivations.

Has adventure always been your ‘dream job’ or did you have other career plans?

Aged 17 I probably would have said “playing rugby for Scotland”, along with thousands of other kids. I don’t consider myself a professional adventurer – I am a professional speaker, author and journalist. The career aspect of what I do is not the adventure itself but storytelling – that’s always been the dream.

What experiences from your time at Fettes do you think have helped you on your journey of adventure?

I enjoyed rugby so much at school. I enjoyed it because of the camaraderie, not because we won this or that. Reminding myself where joy came from helped me focus on the camaraderie in the Arctic and not the outcome.

What’s next?

Stayventures – I want to do a big expedition in the UK. I feel there is a misconception that adventure is micro and at home, or big and abroad. Why can’t it be big and at home?

IAN MACLEOD AWARD: CHASING FORGOTTEN TROUT RIVERS ON MOUNT KENYA

Sandy Morton (Mo 2019–2024)

In August last year I set out on an adventure into the afromontane rainforest of Mount Kenya for the Ian Macleod Award. My mission was to explore and fish multiple forgotten rivers on the southern slopes located in central Kenya. The mountain’s peak is at 5199m and has a belt of indigenous rainforest and bamboo at 1600-3100m. The initial plan was vague as research into the areas I set out to explore was difficult. I set off on the 2nd of August from my home in Nairobi to the starting point of the five-day excursion, at Castle Forest Station (FS). It was here that I met an old man called Justus who I had got in touch with beforehand to help me along the way, equipped with local knowledge. He was a great character with limited English-speaking skills however we made it work with my partial knowledge of Swahili. I was welcomed and given a place to pitch my hammock for the night.

The first river was the Thiba river, next to the forest station. I had only the evening to fish it but I was pleased to find there were plenty of fairly wee rainbow trout. The rivers running off the mountain are fed by daily convectional and relief rainfall produced by the forests along with ice and snowmelt. This meant that when I fell in at the second pool, it ended up being a very chilly evening but successful nevertheless.

I was up early the next morning awoken my mist and rain along with the sound of ravaging waterfalls nearby. After a quick breakfast and all my kit packed, I hopped on a boda boda (motorbike taxi) with Justus on another, for an hourlong drive winding us through backroads, up and down steep valleys through tea and coffee fields, occasionally seeing the forest line in the distance. The destination was Kathandeini FS where the mighty Nyaminidi river resides, almost solely fed by glaciers. Here I camped in the forest station with the noise of elephants crashing through the forest, luckily on the other side of an electric fence setup by conservation organisations to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This worked well as it was the perfect case study for my EPQ on human-elephant conflict. We then trekked into the dense forest with armed rangers to fish. Although the water was fairly high, trout were caught. The rangers and Justus were alarmed when I released small fish which sparked a conversation about which fish should be kept for the pot. I debated ‘would you eat a baby chicken?’ This would end up being a frequently conversed topic.

That night was cold and rainy with Justus’s tent unable to withstand the rain, we would later stop in a village to get blankets for him in preparation for a night within the forest. The plan was to get to the next river and pay for the park

fees at Kathandeini FS, however there was a problem. The next river was in a different forest segment and travelling to Irangi FS was too far for us to go on motorbikes. After much bureaucracy and location issues, we were able to get on our way to Rutune ranger’s outpost at the Rupingazi river. We were welcomed by rangers Dan and Francis in the middle of a giant tea plantation. These two guys would end up being good friends and great company along with a local fisherman called Kathanga who was a man of few words but knew everything there was to know about the forest. The villagers were very curious of my pursuits but welcoming, nonetheless. Tourists had rarely ventured to where I was, only the odd rainforest alliance worker and conservationist. After some successful fishing and stunning scenery, we had fish ‘choma’ (barbeque) ready for the true adventure that followed.

After another chilly night in the hammock, the team and I took a quick photo and set off. We cut through thick undergrowth in the stunning cloud forest where it was always raining, water dripping off the leaves from the towering canopy above. The trek was intense, following elephant and buffalo trails about 10km into the forest. It started to open up as we got to higher altitudes, so we set up camp just off the path. After a quick lunch, a massive fire was made, Kathanga disappeared for about ten minutes and returned with logs of bone-dry wood, I still have no idea how, because everything in the forest was soaked through. They also made a shelter as I set up my hammock with my kilos

and kilos of kit. Justus stayed to guard the camp while we went fishing as there were signs of people coming through the area that morning, although we never encountered anyone. That night, after a great afternoon of fishing in some seriously hairy spots, we ate ugali (local maize meal dish) along with delicious trout. Eerie sounds of colobus monkeys, antelopes, hyenas and tree hyrax filled the thin, cold, misty air which many would find frightening, but it was surprisingly peaceful.

The next day we hiked higher to more fishing spots and then back down to the outpost where I was met by my father in the Land Rover. It was great to have a warm shower in sight but sad to leave such a mind-blowing place.

This was the end of my Ian Macleod trip but not of the adventure. We drove back to Castle Forest where Justus was dropped off. We stayed in a lodge next to another river for a final night. After towing some Dutch tourists out of the mud, I had a warm shower, a nice hot meal and of course caught a few more fish in the rain.

This adventure was truly amazing. The sun did not show itself until day 5 and on the sixth day I fished the Karuti river before returning to Nairobi for a rest and to write my EPQ. I must thank everybody who helped me along the way, especially the KFS rangers. It is amazing how many people I met after setting off with not very much of a plan, everyone was so welcoming. Most of all, thank you to the Iain Macleod Memorial Trust for allowing me to do this trip and funding it.

FETTES COMMUNITY PORTAL

Have you visited the Fettes Community Portal? It is a fantastic digital resource for our Fettes community.

The Fettes Community Portal – fettescommunity.org

It is simple to sign up if you haven’t done so already. If you have signed up but haven’t visited for a while, we recommend you login. There’s lots of new functionality and content.

The Digital Archive

A fully searchable catalogue of:

All editions of the Fettesian magazine dating back to 1878.

All OF Newsletters from 1971 onwards.

Over 1,300 scanned photographs including Team and House photographs. And, if you have a House or Team photo that we don’t – please let us know. We would love to get a copy from you.

Upcoming Events

See our up to date events listing, find out more and click to sign up and book tickets.

News Feed

Share your news or read news from the Fettes Community.

Groups

See our regional and interest groups and directories. Hear about relevant events and news or share your own messages to a group. Groups range from Mixed Touch Rugby or OFs in London or the Fettes Community in the Middle East, or the US or Choir (so you can sing at the London OF Carol Service) and many more.

Access the Fettes Shop

Click through to shop.fettes.com where you can buy Fettes merchandise and memorabilia. Ties, scarves, books, mugs and many more items are all available.

Directory

Search almost 2,500 members of the Fettes Community who have signed up to the Fettes Community Portal.

Find your OF friends.

Many members have given permission, you can message them and reconnect.

You can search the directory by leaving year and by location to see who from Fettes may live near you.

Access the Fettes Career Partnership Programme

When OFs sign up to the Fettes Community Portal they are asked whether they are willing to support the Fettes Career Partnership Programme. We are a generous community and 40% of us have offered support.

Utilise the Directory on the portal to find or access career support.

Find connections to grow your network.

Contact those who may be able to help you.

The Sixth Form students at Fettes have limited access to the portal as well. They use the portal to explore careers and to find out about life at different universities. They too really welcome access to the Fettes Career Partnership Programme.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF THE

FOUNDATION

Over the last twenty-five years the donations and legacies from the Fettes community have been truly instrumental in supporting the ambitions of Fettes.

Fettes is a special place and many choose to contribute in recognition of what a Fettes education means. This generosity has been embedded across the generations, from Old Fettesians who attended Fettes decades ago, to students today who are taught to be kind and give back as part of the key values.

Thank you to every Foundation donor who has supported Fettes over the last 25 years, we are truly grateful for your contributions. Here are just some of projects that have been supported by donations.

The Fettes Foundation greatly depends on the generosity of its supporters, if you would like to make a contribution visit bit.ly/fettesdonate or phone the office on +44 (0)131 241 1003.

THE WATT MEMORIAL TRUST

The Watt Memorial Trust was set up in 1983 in memory of Rob Watt (SH 1911–1916) and his wife Barbara 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.

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, attending numerous functions, first with his devoted Barbara, later, sadly, alone. Rob was welcome in any company, among all generations.

Could the Watt Trust help you advance your education or professional training?

Are you limited in your educational pursuit by a financial barrier?

An application to the Watt Trust could support you with funding to the value of around £1,000.

The deadlines for applications to the Trust are 1st September and 1st February.

All enquiries should be made to the Secretary: Sophie Mills The WS Society The Signet Library Parliament Square EDINBURGH EH1 1RF Email – smills@wssociety.co.uk

OF GOLFING SOCIETY

Reporting from the Centenary of the Halford Hewitt

The Fettes and the Loretto teams took the opportunity for a photograph at the 100th anniversary to celebrate the joint anniversary of the foundation of FetLor.

The team of Jamie Burnet (Mo 2016–2021), Rory Carnegie (PS-Ca 2015–2022), Charlie Spilsbury (PS-Gl 2010–2017), Gordon MacLeod (Ar-Mo 1978–1983), Andrew Soulsby (JS-Ar 1973–1980), Richard Philip (Mo 1976–1981), Chris Mather (SH 1973–1978), Ramsay Wilson (Captain) (Gl 2001–2002), Douglas Philip (Inv-Mo 1999–2005), Scott Perry (Ki 2008–2010) played in the 100th anniversary of the Halford Hewitt competition at Deal.

This year was the 100th anniversary of the first playing of the Halford Hewitt, and Fettes started their campaign against Wellingborough. The team welcomed three new caps (Jamie Burnet, Rory Carnegie and Charlie Spilsbury) into the team, in keeping with Captain Ramsay Wilson’s youth policy. With matches 1, 2 and 5 winning comfortably, the other two matches were declared as halved, with Fettes leading by one hole in both. We then played Trent in an altogether tighter affair. The top pair of Soulsby and Perry lost on the 19th hole, and, with the third pair of Richard Philip and Spilsbury winning comfortably, the match stood at 1-1 as matches drew to a close. Two Fettes pairs prevailed on the 18th hole to win their matches, and so new caps Burnet and Carnegie didn’t have to go up the 21st hole in their match, thus securing another ½ point. It has been a while since Fettes competed on the Saturday morning, and the team were first out against a strong Brighton side. Again, it proved to be a tight match, with Mather and Douglas Philip succumbing on the 18th hole in the crucial match. In the other matches, Soulsby/ Perry lost 5&4, Richard Philip/Spilsbury won 5&4 and Burnet and Carnegie lost 2&1. Macleod and Wilson won their 17th hole to go 1 up with one to play, but their match was declared a half as the overall team result had been decided. It was great to introduce some younger golfers to the team, and we hope to continue that trend in the coming years.

If you enjoy golf and would like to play competitively or for pleasure The OF Golf Society can be contacted via email on OFGolfSociety@fettes.com or by contacting the OF Golf Society Secretary Andrew Soulsby on +44 (0)7984 789761

EVENTS 2023–2024

15th July – Hong Kong Summer Party

OFs in HK got together for a Summer Party in July, with huge thanks to event host Jerome Barty-Taylor (Inv-Ki 2000–2005) and Regional OF Representative for Hong Kong, Joseph Ng (Ki 1983–1986)

18th September – OF Nicki Lange Sixth Form Talk – Don’t Cheat (yourself)

Nicki Lange (Ca 2008–2010) is 32, an ultra-runner, an investment banker and has an enviable Instagram account @nickilange. Nicki came to speak to the Sixth Form to share an inspirational heartfelt experience and one message ‘don’t cheat yourself’. If you set goals in life and train, anything is possible.

The talk incorporated a premiere of Nicki’s adventure film: The Speed Project featuring his gruelling and inspirational 500km run over five days from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in March 2023. The race starts at the Santa Monica Pier and finishes at the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign in the Mojave desert. There are no rules and no spectators.

The film is beautifully produced, and features Nicki accompanied on the run at times by friends (some OFs) and by his sister. Sound bites are heard from Nicki on how he is feeling and the effort required to navigate and complete the run. He is almost beaten at the end by the final 15km, when he thought there were only 8km to go. He

couldn’t see the sign until just 200m of the race remained. He talks openly about how surreal it is to realise that you have made it 500km across the desert. The film ends poignantly at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, where ‘normal life resumes’ and random strangers are there just asking Nicki to take a photo at the sign, in their own worlds with no idea or knowledge of what he has just done. A point that he used to communicate clearly to the Sixth Form – you live your own life every day, don’t be influenced or fearful of the opinions and acts of others.

Nicki created a positive acronym to accompany his ‘Don’t CHEAT (yourself)’ message: Commitment, Honesty, Effort, Agility, Time.

The students were grateful to Nicki for returning to Fettes and everyone is so proud of his achievements. Keep a firm eye on his Instagram account to see what the next challenges are!

UNKNOWNLAND – The Speed Project – Nicki Lange, the trailer with links to each episode is available to watch on Youtube –bit.ly/Nicki_LangeOF

Update: At the end of November 2023, he was off again! Supporting UK solo runner James Poole on The Speed Project in South America – starting in Iquique, Chile running 600 miles and upwards of 3,500m elevation across The Atacama, the driest desert on the planet to San Pedro. What will come next?

30th September – OFs return for Commemoration Weekend

the five year leavers of 2018 and for the decade leavers of 2013, 2003, 1993 and 1983. There were also Newmen of 1963 and 1953, twelve of whom were celebrating a friendship formed at Fettes 70 years ago!

For such special reunions our community took great effort in coming back to Edinburgh not just from the UK but from the US, Canada, Hong Kong, Thailand, Portugal, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Switzerland, Cameroon, Italy, Sweden, Iceland, Serbia and France.

Old Fettesians were able to join many different events from Friday drinks, to a careers lunch with the Sixth Form as well as House visiting, supporting sports matches or wandering around the grounds, Chapel and the black-tie Commemoration Dinner.

1st October – Celebrating 150 years of Glencorse House

Generations of Glencorsians came together for a special Sunday lunch with the Head to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Glencorse House. All enjoyed the archival displays, some short speeches and the tours of Glencorse with current students afterwards. It was a happy celebration. Made all the better for guests, hearing that Glencorse had won the House Touch Rugby the day prior.

10th October – Law Society with OF Barrister, Zara McGlone (Inv-CW 2000–2007)

The Fettes College Law Society were joined on 10th October on screen from London by Barrister and Old Fettesian, Zara McGlone (Inv-CW 2000–2007). Zara gave a really thoughtful presentation on her career journey from school. She helpfully

Over 350 Old Fettesians came back to Fettes for the Old Fettesian Association Commemoration Weekend 2023. This was a special reunion for

answered questions from the Fifth and Sixth Form students present and gave them such helpful insights into her profession as a Barrister. Zara is currently a barrister at 4 Stone Buildings chamber and was recently awarded the accolade of being ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ in Insolvency, Company and the Middle East by The English Bar.

2nd November – London OFA Drinks

Around 70 Old Fettesians from across the generations gathered to catch up for drinks, some Scottish canapés and a dram of whisky at the Caledonian Club on 2nd November. This was an enjoyable occasion. London Regional Representative, Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) must be thanked for his organisation. New Development Director Michael Stitt (Staff 2023–present) was also able to attend.

7th November – An insightful focus on Climate for the Sixth Form

In October Fettes launched an insightful global Sixth Form programme – This Will Be Your World providing students with crucial global perspectives. It began with a focus on Climate with sessions to follow on Inequality & Justice, Global Resources, Geopolitical Transformation and Population.

We are extremely grateful for the input and insight from OF and UN Climate Change expert, Martin Lees (CE 1955–1960) who has helped us to shape this programme.

Our students attended an insightful panel session with OF

Hamish Goldie-Scot (Ar 1967–1972), Independent Consultant focussing on sustainable economic outcomes for public infrastructure investments in transition & developing countries, Hamish is also a guest lecturer on the MPhil Engineering for Sustainable Development course at the University of Cambridge. Fellow panelist was Wai-Shin Chan (Gl 1993–1998), Head of Climate Change Centre for Excellence and Global Head of ESG Research. Both Hamish and Wai-Shin are hugely experienced and have experience of many international forums to drive global change. The panel was chaired by Mrs Hannah Cockburn (Staff 2013–present), Teacher of Geography. Questions were led by Sixth Form student representative, Sofia Toub (Da 2022–2024)

The vision for our This Will Be Your World series is to be thought provoking and to encourage students to think more widely about key global issues. Each and every one of them will take a different path in life beyond Fettes. The climate issue will be a backdrop that they will all need to navigate, in many different guises.

The session had a real impact and clearly communicated some key issues and challenges, providing students with areas for further consideration.

Hamish Goldie-Scot provided insight and shared his experiences of engineering challenges in developing countries alongside the inefficiencies, corruption, and the availability of finance to make adaptive change.

Wai-Shin, provided insight into the role of finance in the ‘climate transition’. A company’s desire and need to be greener and appear greener affects the whole supply chain, creating opportunities for decarbonisation and positive change for the planet. Questions were answered around ‘green evaluation’, looking beyond the marketing, looking at the sustainability, culture and the motivations as well as the corporate policies and the evidence.

12th November –Remembrance Sunday

The Senior School alongside 80 OFs and guests, gathered for the Remembrance Day Service. Mr Rowlands (Staff 2014–present) gave a very moving address to the school as he spoke eloquently about

the sacrifices of past Fettesians, and the Chapel Choir performed ‘Lacrymosa: Do not stand at my grave and weep’. Immediately after, the Senior School, Prep School boarders, Old Fettesians and guests gathered around the War Memorial for the laying of wreaths and the two minute’s silence. The Pipe Band played as guests filed in for lunch. It is always a very poignant occasion in the Fettes calendar.

30th November – Drinks in Singapore OF Regional Representative for South East Asia, Oliver Draper (Mo 1989–1991) invited members of the Fettes community and their guests to gather for drinks on Thursday 30th November 2023. A small group enjoyed a convivial evening at Sugarhall. All knew of other OFs in the region and agreed to work on ‘recruitment’ to grow the OF list in Singapore. If you live in Singapore or South East Asia, please do let us know so that we can check our records are up to date. We would like to have another social event in the region soon.

6th December – Old Fettesians Festive Drinks in Edinburgh

Local Old Fettesians from across the generations gathered at Tigerlily on Wednesday evening to enjoy drinks and conversation with friends old & new. The Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present) and her husband Rob Harrison (Staff 1991–present) joined us along with the OFA President Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992) and members of the OFA Committee. It was a very enjoyable evening and Tigerlily was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

14th December – Enjoyment at the London OFA Carol Service

The London OFA Carol Service was very well attended. Many generations were represented from the recent 19-year-old leavers of 2023 through to one of our oldest OFs, Donald Shaw (Mo 1935–1940) who is a remarkable 102 years old. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the service and coming together to sing carols at Christmas time. The OF choir sang beautifully, expertly directed once again by former Director of Music Richard Brett (Staff 1988–1993) Lessons were read by the Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present) and by OFA Committee President, Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992) along with Fenella James (PS-Ar 2008–2015) and Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008). The service was led by Revd Jonathan Simpson (Ca 2001–2006) and the speaker was Adrienne Ferguson (Staff 2004–2014). We are exceedingly grateful to David Simpson (Mo 2001–2006) and to Alex Warren (Mo 2010–2015) for their immense support in organising the service and arranging mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. The connection and friendship of Fettes remains strong in London and across the world at Christmas time.

19th January – OFs Dinner in Newcastle

Old Fettesians from the North East of England enjoyed getting together for their annual dinner on Friday 19th January. The event was held at the traditional Northumberland Golf Club where guests enjoyed a welcome drink and a three course formal dinner together, before retiring to the bar. President of the Old Fettesian Association, Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992) was in attendance,

giving a short speech before the main course. Richard acknowledged the strength of OF friendships in the North East and the number of previous OFA Committee Presidents joining us for the Dinner from the region: Iain Nicholson (Ca 1953–1957), President 2000–2002; Chris Faux (Gl 1953–1958), President 2004–2006; Alastair Ross (JS-Gl 1981–1990), President 2013–2015 and Henry Cave (SH 1980–1984), President 2020–2022. Richard also took the opportunity to thank local Regional Representative, Alastair Ross who stood down from the role. After dinner, Governor and North East local, Professor Mike Griffin (Mo 1968–1972) reflected on the welcome, support and enjoyment he and his local peers had received from OFs in the region for almost 50 years. All agreed that it would be good to see younger OFs at local events in the North East in future.

23rd January – Careers Insight Finance & Economics

The Career Insight into Finance and Economics event was held on Tuesday 23rd January and was immensely well supported by members of the Fettes community. Current students from Fifth and Sixth Form really benefitted from the opportunity to explore this broad career area and to ask their own questions. We were delighted that Richard Lewellyn (Mo 1987–1992), Amanda Forsyth (Ar 1982–1984), Allan Lockhart (JS-Gl 1976–1983), Alison Freshwater (CW 1993–1998) and Mungo Strachan (Ki 2003–2008) were able to be with us from the OF contingency, along with several current parents.

29th January – Middle School Diploma and OF support

Six Old Fettesians spoke to the Third Formers at the launch event for the Fettes College Middle School Diploma. The OFs shared stories about how their experiences at Fettes had impacted and helped them in their lives when they left school. The OFs included,

Angus Thomson (Inv-Ki 1993–2000), David Biddulph (Inv-Mo 2005–2016), Kai Harper (Da 2018–2020), Liv Aird (PS-Ar 2009–2020) and Morag McEwan (Inv-CW 2004–2014) plus a video message from Harry Paterson (PS-Gl 2001–2019), who was training with the Scotland Squad in Spain ahead of the start of the Six Nations.

The Fettes College Middle School Diploma promotes the key characteristics of a Fettesian –knowing themselves, looking out for others, thinking critically and being ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world. It allows achievements to be recognised.

The Diploma consists of four components (Community; Creativity and Curiosity; Wellbeing; and Communication) plus the unique Fettes Passport helping every student to make the most of the wide range of opportunities at Fettes and to unlock their potential, while cultivating soft skills to instil emotional intelligence to thrive in the modern world.

9th February – Higher Education & Careers Expo

Students from Edinburgh High Schools joined our Lower Sixth students and their parents to explore and consider Higher Education options.

The Head, Helen Harrison (Staff 1996–present) provided a warm welcome to all, before introducing

the opening panelists, young entrepreneurs Mark Bushby (Mo 2013–2018) and Nicole Stark (Da 2018–2020)

The panel session was chaired by Head of Sixth Form, Victoria Chandler (Staff 2014–present), who asked questions on how they chose their University courses. Where their careers have gone so far, and the key drivers. Any failures that turned into opportunities. And questions on digital profile.

Mark talked of his passion for Geography and interest in learning something new at University. He chose Innovation as he thought he would enjoy it. Whilst at Bristol University he was able to create a sports club management platform that went on to reach the top 100 sports apps in the UK, scaling to 35 universities. Mark created opportunities to develop and share ideas and learnt how to seek financial support. He gained critical business and commercial acumen and is now the BizOps lead for The Modern Milkman, one of Europe’s leading grocery delivery ‘scale-ups’.

Nicole began her business whilst at Fettes, selling vintage clothes online from Dalmeny House. She chose to study English Literature with History of Art, so that she could spend time studying something she really enjoyed at school (English) along with a new subject, History of Art, that she wanted to explore in more depth. She also wanted to have time to develop her business alongside her studies. Nicole uses social media and digital platforms to run her vintage clothes business, Glownic. She is in her final year at the University of Edinburgh and has managed her time wisely along with her studies. She has brought her brand to Oxford Street in London and her digital content has caught the attention of the media including CNN.

Jack O’Toole, Student Recruitment Manager from the University of Newcastle gave a very useful talk on ‘Choosing your Course in Higher Education’. He covered the many things that our audience need to think about when considering Higher Education: location; course; teaching style; accommodation; lifestyle and finance. This was an excellent launch session before students went into the Higher Education & Careers Fair. Students had the opportunity to speak to representatives from 24

UK universities, five international universities, seven gap year organisations and two employers who offer apprenticeships. Attendees were also joined by 40 industry experts from the supportive OF and parent community. Experts represented a huge range of career areas from technology to medicine and international development to product design.

Before the closing session by Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions & Participation at the University of Cambridge, students had the option to join specialists talks on ‘Considering an International University?’ and ‘Considering Oxbridge’.

Mike Nicholson, expertly lead the closing session, setting the scene on ‘How to make your application to university competitive’. He emphasised the need for relevance, accuracy and authenticity. The need to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for your chosen course and to use relevant life experience to evidence your application. As an expert in University Admissions, Mike used case studies to explain the competitive landscape of the UCAS form. In many cases a UCAS application will be one of 22,000 arriving into a University Admissions team. Being ready to submit an application before the deadline will help it to be seen by admissions teams. If you make a quality application, it is possible to get early offers to support the final year of study at school.

Extreme gratitude went to everyone who supported the day with their insights.

22nd February – The Law Society

Tom Usher (JS-Gl 1979–1986) shared a captivating hour with students in the Old Library. He talked about his career journey and enlightened all present about competition law. He clearly explained the need for market competition and talked from his vast case experience. Tom showcased competition law as one for the curious mind, demonstrating the in depth

knowledge required into a client’s business sector, whether that be animal feed acquisitions or telecoms mergers. Tom is currently advising the PGA European Tour in relation to a number of issues arising from the emergence of LIV golf. Discussions around some of the issues were really fascinating for all who attended.

26th February – Careers Insight into Studying in the US

The number of Leavers from Fettes going on to study in the US is increasing. On Monday 26th February, young OFs joined prospective Sixth Form applicants and their parents for an online session on studying in the US. It is so helpful for young OFs to provide this first-hand input so soon after leaving Fettes. We were joined by: Kai Lewis (Gl 2018–2023) at Harvard; Olly Paterson (PS-Ki 2015–2021) at Northwestern; Leo Thomson (Ki 2018–2023) at Columbia; William Kuchenbuch (Gl 2020–2022) at University of Michigan and Rosie Davidson (CW 2019–2021) at the University of California.

27th February – Careers Insight into Creativity, Media & Publishing

Fifth and Sixth Form students had the opportunity to speak to professionals who work in the creative industries on Tuesday 27th February. We were very grateful to OFs and parents who were able to join us from TV, Design, Publishing, Podcasting, Drama, Music & Theatre and Fashion & Textiles. Thank you to current parents and Old Fettesians Hannah Howie (Inv-CW 2000–2009) and Graham Scott (Gl 1976–1981). Students who joined us found the session very helpful.

1st March – North West of England Dinner

A Scottish evening was enjoyed at the North West of England OF Dinner on Friday March 1st. A convivial group of 18 gathered once again at The Swan with Two Nicks, owned by Richard Robson (CW 1957–1962) in Altrincham. The group were greeted with free drinks on arrival, followed by starters, haggis and main course. The haggis was properly addressed by Alan Patterson (SH 1975–1979) and by all accounts was really tasty. Many Fettes reminiscences and much general banter ensued. OF Regional Representative Norman Rowbotham (Ca 1963–1968) provided an update on Fettes to bring everyone up to date. The lack of the younger end of the OFs was noted and all hope they will attend in future particularly those at Uni in Manchester or Liverpool. The geriatrics behaved beautifully! Many thanks to Norman Rowbotham and the Robson family who had three generations present. Do join us next year!

4th March – Ella Robertson 3rd Form Keynote visit

The Third Form spent the first week of March in a project week with all of their lessons focussing on the topic ‘How do we make society fairer?’. Ella Robertson McKay (CW 2006–2010) was welcomed back to Fettes as their keynote speaker. Ella was very generous to Fettes with her time in addition, running a tutorial with the 4th Form scholars, delivering a session for the Historical Society and talking to the L6th Oxbridge cohort.

Ella is the Managing Director of One Young World and the co-author of How To Make A Difference – the

authoritative handbook to activism. Ella read English Literature at Balliol College Oxford and was on the Scottish International Debating Team. She was recently named as one of the UK’s top “35 women under 35”. Everyone was very grateful to her for returning to Fettes.

5th March – Sixth Form consider Inequality with This Will Be Your World panel session

The second of the thought provoking This Will Be Your World sessions took place on 5th March. This session explored Inequality. There were two excellent perspectives from OF experts with immense knowledge and insight: Nicholas Burnett (CE-Ar 1963–1968), Education consultant and Former Assistant Director General for Education at UNESCO, and Hamish McRae (CW 1957–1962) economic journalist and author, foremost speaker on global future trends. The session was expertly chaired by Head of Economics, Miss Solenn Gueganton (Staff 2019–present) and by student Chair, Caitlin L (Ar 2020–present). The Sixth Form had lots of questions including:

Which is the greater issue for education in our world today –inequality of outcome or inequality of opportunity?

As a student of IB Economics, we’ve recently been discussing concepts such as GDP. Is it more important for a government to focus on economic growth or inequality?

The This Will Be Your World series was conceptualised for Fettes in partnership with UN Climate expert Martin Lees (CE 1955–1960) to provide first hand perspectives into key global issues. This helps students to deeply consider these important factors for their life beyond Fettes.

There is no doubt that after this session students were more aware of the causes of inequality, they also have a greater insight into some of the challenges and solutions to address the balance, along with further reading to help shape their own thoughts.

15th March – Fettes Community gathering in Dubai

Previous Fettes Parents, the Srivastavas generously hosted a wonderful get together for 35 of the Fettes Community of Old Fettesians and current and past parents at their home in Dubai. The group were joined by Fiona Gordon (Staff 2023–present), Head of Admissions at Fettes and Sam Shelley (Staff 2016–present), Houseparent of Carrington, both were in town for several days on an Admissions visit.

4th April – British Columbia

Old Fettesians of British Columbia held an annual dinner on April 4, 2024 at Chez Michel’s restaurant in West Vancouver – eight were in attendance: Nigel Grant (Ca 1949–1952); Sandy Aird (Ki 1955–1959); Jonathan Maillie (CE 1956–1960); Mike Weddle (Ki 1956–1959); Denis Morris (CE 1967–1972); Derik Morris (CE 1966–1971); Mike Robertson (Ca 1967–1972); David Tait (JS-Gl 1975–1984). It was a French meal throughout, well lubricated by Côtes du Rhône white and red house wine. Many thanks to Nigel Grant the OF Regional Representative for Canada for organising this regular get together which is hugely appreciated.

18th April – Old Fettesians

Drinks Party in Edinburgh

Old Fettesians in Edinburgh enjoyed getting together for drinks and good conversation on 18th April in Tigerlily on George Street. This increasingly regular meeting place provided a good opportunity for OFs to connect and re-connect. On this occasion we were particularly delighted to welcome several OFs recently returned to Scotland from London and from the

Middle East. The group were joined by President of the Old Fettesian Association, Richard Llewellyn (Mo 1987–1992), who commented on the very warm atmosphere of Fettes friendship throughout the evening.

April events in the USA

Two well-attended US gatherings were hosted in April, with drinks in Washington DC and New York. Director of Development, Michael Stitt (Staff 2023–present) was delighted to attend these events and to be joined by OFs, former staff, current and past parents, and even current students during the school holiday period. All who attended were able to connect, reminisce and even enjoy some bagpipe playing by one of our OFs – a skill learned at Fettes. Another OF met his former teacher after a 60-year gap.

25th April OFA Mixed Touch Rugby begins in London

With huge thanks to the enthusiasm of Chris Aird (Gl 2008–2012) and Nick Aird (PS-Gl 2009–2015) mixed OF Touch Rugby has begun in London. The first tournament is the Thursday IN2TOUCH Rugby League in Regent’s Park playing from 25th April to 13th June. There are 40 OFs signed up in a WhatsApp Group, if you want to join the team please email ofa@fettes.com with your phone number so that you can be added to the OF Touch Rugby group to hear about further matches and opportunities to play. In addition the OFA have provided team shirts so that chocolate and magenta can once again be worn with pride!

1st May – Business Networking in London

OF Harriet Murray (CE 1994–1998) and her colleagues at Hunters Law LLP hosted the Fettes Community Business Networking breakfast event at their historic offices in beautiful

Lincoln’s Inn. Old Fettesians and parents came together from a huge variety of careers to start the day with a delicious breakfast and friendly conversation through their shared connection. Lawyers, barristers, technologists, financiers, recruiters, artists and entrepreneurs as well as academics and some of our young undergraduates who were at nearby UCL, Kings and LSE enjoyed getting together.

25th May – OFs gather in Bath for the annual South West Lunch

On Saturday 25th May 2024 a group of twenty one Old Fettesians and partners held their annual lunch in Bath at the Bathwick Boatman. For the third year running there was beautiful weather, allowing all to enjoy pre lunch drinks (and exaggerated school anecdotes!) on the balcony watching rowing boats glide through the river. The three-course lunch, with a selection of dishes was beautifully served. This was an excellent day and a wonderful way for all to enjoy the beautiful city of Bath and catch up with Fettes friends old and new. Huge thanks to the OF Regional Representative, Nigel Shepherd (Mo 1975–1979) for hosting and organising this much enjoyed event. We aim to hold this event each May and everyone will be made most welcome.

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

AFRICA (KENYA)

Richard Raczkowski (Ki 2012–2016) r.raczkowski@hotmail.co.uk +254 11 393 4998

BRAZIL

Colin Pritchard (CW 1954–1958) colinpri.alp@terra.com.br +55–11-9-9901-5844

EAST AFRICA

Alexis Sarikas (Mo 1978–1982) flexnbi@hotmail.com +254 722 380290

ENGLAND (SOUTH WEST)

Nigel Shepherd (Mo 1975–1979) shepherd947@btinternet.com +44(0)7581 008128

HONG KONG

Alice Stevenson (Ar 2006–2011)

alice.stevenson@hkland.com

+852 9337 2339

ARGENTINA

Sean Cameron (Mo 1978–1982) seandcameron112@gmail.com +54 9 2262 40 9044

CANADA (WESTERN)

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

+60 4 922 0059

ENGLAND (LONDON)

Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) u.teodorovich@gmail.com +44(0)7985 178823

FRANCE

Neil Robertson (JS-Mo 1973–1980) neil.robertson@orange.fr +33 6 80 03 83 03

INDIA

Duncan Watkinson (Ca 1961–1965) dpwatkinson@gmail.com +91 81055 22555

AUSTRALIA (TASMANIA)

David Graham (Ki 1946–1950) davidkategraham@netspace.net.au +61 036 228 5261

CHANNEL ISLANDS

Jeffrey Giovannoni (Ki 1989–1994)

jeffreygiovannoni@voisinlaw.com

+44(0)1534 500300

ENGLAND (LONDON OFA CAROLS) Alex Warren (Mo 2010–2015) alexfwarren9@gmail.com +44 (0) 7580 945895

GERMANY

Berthold Nicklas Lange (Ca 2008–2010) bnl@langefo.com +49 170 4002140

NORTHERN IRELAND

Jason Johnston (Gl 1988–1993) jason.johnston496@gmail.com +44(0)7971 206972

AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA)

David Davidson (Inv-Ki 1961–1965) ddavidson1@optusnet.com.au +61 417 552 757

CHILE

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

+56 9 9325 6438

ENGLAND (NORTH WEST)

Norman Rowbotham (Ca 1963–1968) normanrowbotham@aol.com +44(0)7747 141666

HONG KONG

Joseph Ng (Ki 1983–1986) joe.cf.ng@gmail.com +852 6731 4638

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

SCOTLAND (EDINBURGH)

David Hay (Ca 1991–1996) david@melvillecastle.com +44(0)7932 042456

SWITZERLAND

Norval Gough (Ar 1976–1980) norval@perso.ch +41 76 522 2625

USA

Elena Jacque (née Poleganova) (Inv-CW 1994–2002) epoleganova@gmail.com +1 267-304-9449

JAPAN

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

+81 90 1849 2110

SCOTLAND (ORKNEY)

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

+44(0)7710 404892

SWITZERLAND

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

+41 77 513 56 68

MEXICO

Alasdair Baverstock (Gl 2004–2006) alibaverstock@gmail.com +52 55 2963 3746

SOUTH AFRICA

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

+27 83 253 3766

TAIWAN

Bernard Fong (Ki 1984–1989) bfong@ieee.org +886 (0)900 500 210

MIDDLE EAST

Luke Daly (Ca 2001–2006) luke@moosa-daly.com +971 506132681

SOUTH EAST ASIA

Oliver Draper (Mo 1989–1991) oliver.draper@consultgroup.net + 65 9176 8708

If there is a region you would like to volunteer for, please email ofa@fettes.com.

UAE

Chris Gibson (Ki 1985–1988) chris.gibson29@btinternet.com +971 5 28 41 9779

OF NEWS

1930s

On Armistice Day at Murrayfield, OF, Dr Ewan CK Douglas (Gl 1936–1940) (Deceased) received a retrospective Scottish Rugby Cap for wartime services to Scottish Rugby. Ewan was a talented sportsman who was in the 1st teams for rugby, hockey, cricket and athletics at Fettes. He studied Medicine at Edinburgh University and captained both the rugby and athletics teams. He made a winning Scotland rugby team debut aged 19 against England in 1942 at Inverleith. A further three matches followed against England at Wembley, Inverleith and Leicester.

Athletics began to take precedence as a third place in the hammer in the AAA’s – the British Championships – in 1948 earned Douglas a place in the London Olympics. He went on to represent Britain in 18 internationals, including two European Championships and Olympic Games and Scotland in the Empire / Commonwealth Games at Vancouver in 1954 where he won a bronze medal and at Cardiff in 1958. In addition he set multiple British and Scottish records and won several Scottish Championships and one AAA’s title.

1950s

Having retired from public life in Moray, Grenville Johnston (Mo 1958–1963) continues on as a farmer. But he has joined the Board of Moray College and also Moray Growth Deal Culture Board. The latter has a specific interest in restoring a well know Moray landmark, Grant Lodge in Elgin.

His Honour Anthony Cleary OBE (CW 1959–1964) wrote: In the photograph bottom right, somewhere in Silesia in April 2024, I am driving the middle ambulance of three on our way to delivering these and two 4x4s to Ukraine (my fourth convoy). We have now delivered 22. And hope to deliver another 15 by 2025.

It is enormously expensive to first buy these vehicles, then service them and arrange to drive across Europe, insuring and fuelling, accommodating two drivers for each, and filling each to the roof with medical supplies. Getting everyone back home is the least of it.

I am anxious to find a further source of decommissioned ambulances. If any OF has a contact in the NHS or St John’s Ambulance. Please contact the OF Office and ask for my details. Email ofa@fettes.com or phone +44 (0) 131 332 6741

Euan Temple (Gl 1959–1964) told us: I started playing hockey at Fettes 64 years ago and have had a lifetime enjoying the sport. I stopped being a playing member at 65 and since then have carried on with “putting something back” by umpiring and coaching. I have recently stepped down as coach and manager of the local ladies team and of helping bring on junior players. I have been thrilled to read of the current hockey success at Fettes this year. I am thankful for my early years in Fettes hockey!

1960s

Neil Jackson (Gl 1965–1969). For the last few years I have been giving the David Bryce Architecture Award to students of Architecture on a RIBA accredited course. This is a competitive award given to the OF student who I judge has done the best work in the First Year of their course of study. The David Bryce Architecture Award for 2023 was given to Benedetta Pasquarelli (Da 2018–2022), a student at Central St Martins, University of the Arts London. An image of the David Bryce Monogram is on the certificate.

John Lang (Ca 1962-67), a past Governor and Hugh Bruce Watt (Gl 1971-76), a current Governor, walked along the Scotland/England border, from Berwick upon Tweed to Gretna, covering 108 miles, with more than 3,500ft of elevation gain and loss, in late June and early July last year. Accompanied by three other, non OF, friends, they had to

Dr Ewan CK Douglas (Gl 1936–1940) (Deceased) received a retrospective Scottish Rugby Cap for wartime services to Scottish Rugby.

Anthony Cleary OBE (CW 1959–1964) driving the middle ambulance to Ukraine.

map read their way over the hills and dales and through the huge Kielder forest, given that there are no recognised trails for more than half the distance.

While the border was established in 1237 in the Treaty of York, that did not include the notorious Debatable Land in the Canonbie area (where John grew up). In 1552, after more than 300 years of lawlessness, the 3.5 mile Scots’ Dyke, from the border Esk river to the Sark was established, completing the border. Hugh’s birthday fell on the final, rather tiring, day, of the walk, which was celebrated in fine style in Smiths hotel at Gretna Green.”

Colin Liddell (Ar 1967–1972) lately Charity Lawyer, Pitlochry. Was awarded an MBE for services to Theatre and the Arts in Scotland. (Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross) in the New Year’s Honours List 2024.

1970s

In February 2024, five of the Scottish School Boys XV had a reunion in Edinburgh. Peter Chalmers (Mo 1970–1974) was Captain of the School Boys with four other OFs in the team. Three of them returned to Fettes, pictured top right: Martin

Woll (Mo 1969–1974), Peter Mackinnon (Mo 1969–1974) and Peter Chalmers (Mo 1970–1974)

In September 2023, to mark 50 years of their Fettes friendship, Alistair Shepherd (Mo 1973–1978), Marcus Kneen (Mo 1972–1977) and Colin Carmichael (Mo 1972–1977) met up for dinner.

Nicky Forsythe (Gl 1976–1977) wrote, “Having won the 2022 UK Mental Health and Wellbeing Award for Long Term Impact, and jointly won in the same awards as ‘Professional of the Year’, I’m proud to announce that my peer counselling intervention Talk for Health – delivered by my Social Enterprise of the same name – is now the subject of an international study by Durham University on Taking the Therapist out of Therapy. The study plans to compare Talk for Health with two comparable interventions – one in Nepal and one in India. It started with a workshop in Nepal in December 2023 (see photo above – I am on the right).

I will be speaking about initial findings at an International Conference in Versailles in July. Very sadly, Talk for Health, having been commissioned by the NHS for 10 years, may imminently lose its funding and have to close down. We were privileged to run an awareness and fundraising event

Martin Woll (Mo 1969–1974), Peter Mackinnon (Mo 1969–1974) and Peter Chalmers (Mo 1970–1974).

Nicky Forsythe (Gl 1976–1977) on the right, at a workshop in Nepal.

Alistair Shepherd (Mo 1973–1978), Marcus Kneen (Mo 1972–1977) and Colin Carmichael (Mo 1972–1977).

John Lang (Ca 1962–67) and Hugh Bruce Watt (Gl 1971–76) walking along the Scotland/England border.

Image of the David Bryce Monogram on the David Bryce Architecture Award.

to try to help at the House of Lords in April sponsored by Lord Leigh of Hurley. I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Macquaker, mother of twins now at Fettes! She has been enormously helpful in thinking about how to move forward and one idea was to introduce the Talk for Health curriculum, which I would love to do! Anyone who wants to know more or to support – do get in touch with me on my LinkedIn page.”

1980s

Four OF members of the Cameron family had a reunion in Buenos Aires in September 2023. Allan Cameron (Mo 1977–1981), Sean Cameron (Mo 1978–1982), Roderick Cameron (Mo 1980–1984) and Gordon Cameron (Mo 1985–1989). Henrietta Robertshaw (née Ballantyne) (Ca 1979–1981) Project manager, interior designer in South West France for last 22 years. Shared is the view from her current project (below right).

Angus Sanderson (JS-MO 1979–1986) has written to say that although never that keen on the cross-country runs at Fettes, in later life he has caught the Trail and Ultra running bug, culminating this April with the successful completion of the Northern Traverse Ultra Race from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay – a real non-stop “cross-country” race of 195 miles from coast to coast!

Allan Cameron (Mo 1977–1981), Sean Cameron (Mo 1978–1982), Roderick Cameron (Mo 1980–1984) and Gordon Cameron (Mo 1985–1989).

1990s

Eileen Duncan (née Bruce) (Ar 1990–1992) relocated to Dubai in April to take up a new post as, Head of Real Estate, Middle East for Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Since Fettes and University of Edinburgh, Pensee Wu (CW 1993–1996) has been an Obstetrician in the NHS and has recently become Professor of Obstetrics for her research in women’s health at Keele University.

2000s

On the 29th July 2023, Ross D F Gamble (Ki 1995–2000) married Alyson Paul at Bolton Parish Church in East Lothian. In attendance were a large number of Old Fettesians and, from the group photograph below, you can see (from left to right) Andriy Dudko (Inv-Ki 1993–2000), Maria O’Rourke (Inv-CE 1993–1999), Alastair Readman (Gl 1981–1986), Grant Clouston (Inv-Ca 1993–2000), Rob Bradley (Ki 1983–1987), Iain Gardner (Gl 1965–1969), Haldane Lindsay (Ki 1994–1999), Victoria Keenan, Frank Gamble (CW 1966–1970), Ross Gamble (the groom) (Ki 1995–2000), Angus Thomson (Inv-Ki 1993–2000), Julie Hodge (née Gray) (CW 2000–2002), Catriona Gamble (CW 1998–2003), Scott Gamble (Ki 1993–1998), Charlie Hodge (Inv-Mo 1991–1998), Archie MacGibbon (Inv-Ki 1999–2005) and Andrew Meehan (Inv-Ca 1992–1999).

Ross D F Gamble (Ki 1995–2000) married Alyson Paul – they are pictured together left. There were many OF family and friends at the wedding (all listed in the announcement above).

The view in SW France from interior designer, Henrietta Robertshaw’s latest project (née Ballantyne) (Ca 1979–1981).

Chris Thompson (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) attempting to run 32 ultramarathons in 32 days in 32 Scottish councils.

Dominique Yewdall (née McNeil) (InvAr 2005–2011) and Robert announce the birth of their son, Archie.

In addition, Iain Gardner (Gl 1965–1969), is also the uncle of Ross’s wife Alyson Paul, so it was a family affair on both sides.

Ross was wearing for the first time ever his brand new tartan, The Ross Gamble Tartan, newly registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans. Loosely based on a Black Watch base, it also contained thin stripes of chocolate and magenta to echo his association with Fettes.

Ralph Sellar (Inv-Ca 1995–2002) Living in Hong Kong with wife Jessamy and children Aurelia (3) and Rupert (1). Partner of Slaughter and May, specialising in disputes and investigations. Occasional holidays in Wiltshire. Contactable via rersellar@hotmail.com if anyone wants to get in touch.

Dr Henry Skeoch (Mo 1999–2004) successfully completed his PhD at UCL in CyberSecurity Economics earlier this year.

Captain Andrew Collister (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) was given a commendation by the Chief of the General Staff in the 2024 New Years Honours list.

Christopher Murphy (Mo 2002–2006) from The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) was

awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Years Honours list.

It was brilliant to have OF Katherine Douglas (PSCW 1999–2007) at Fettes for the Scottish Schools Indoor Rowing Championship. Katherine represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympic Games in the Women’s 8. She also joined in with the highly contested staff race at the end of the day!

As we go to press Chris Thompson (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) is attempting to be the first person ever to run 1,700km or 32 Ultramarathons (33 miles) in 32 Days in all 32 Scottish Councils. He started his enormous journey on 5th June 2024, aiming to raise £100,000 for seven amazing mental and physical health charities you can follow his adventure and find out more here www.tourdethomo.com

2010s

Dominique Yewdall (née McNeil) (Inv-Ar 2005–2011) and her husband, Robert, are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Archie. Born the evening of the 24th August 2023, weighing 7lb 13oz.

Grace Low (Ar 2010–2012) and Josch Kamloth (Ca 2010–2012) finally got married!

Katherine Douglas (PSCW 1999–2007) at Fettes for the Scottish Schools Indoor Rowing Championship.

Grace Low (Ar 2010–2012) and Josch Kamloth (Ca 2010–2012) finally got married on March 2nd 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. We were joined by our families and friends, among them many OFs. Grace and I had been a couple ever since leaving school in 2012 – in fact, our first kiss was at Leavers‘ Ball – so Fettes will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Alexandra McCarroll (CE 2009–2014) is launching First Class Learning Tuition Centres in Central Edinburgh. First Class Learning offers focused tuition in Maths, English, and Science for children aged 5–15. Centres will be located in the Meadows, Stockbridge, and the West End. To find out more visit the website at www.firstclasslearning.co.uk/edinburghmeadows or give Alex a call at +44 (0)7585 248687.

Stefanie Tucker (Ce 2016–2018) competed for Scotland in the 3000m at the Loughborough International in May. She came seventh overall and ran an impressive PB of 9:32:25. This follows her performance at the Scottish 5km road championships where she finished as 3rd female with a 5k PB.

Harry Paterson (PS-Gl 2011–2019) made his international rugby debut for Scotland at full-back against France in the Six Nations tournament on Saturday 10th February.

2020s

Magnus Burnet (Mo 2015–2019) has been awarded a Bobby Jones scholarship for 2024 from the University of St Andrews. He will be off to the US next academic year. Magnus told us: I’m so excited to have been offered this incredible opportunity. Studying at Emory will give me the chance to expand on the elements of my Geography degree that I found most interesting, alongside the opportunity to take up some visual arts courses not available at St. Andrews. It also offers a unique opportunity to travel to the US, which I hope to make the most of!”

Eliza Dean (PS-Da 2013–2020) represented Christ Church Oxford on University Challenge. The team made it as

Eliza Dean (PS-Da 2013–2020) on University Challenge.

Stefanie Tucker (Ce 2016–2018) competed for Scotland in the 3000m.

Harry Paterson (PS-Gl 2011–2019) played for Scotland in the Six Nations.

Magnus Burnet (Mo 2015–2019) has been awarded a Bobby Jones scholarship for 2024 from the University of St Andrews.

Kai Harper (Da 2018–2020) became the first Scottish woman lacrosse player to be awarded a place on the all-European Team.

far as the quarter finals against very tough competition.

In July 2023, Kai Harper (Da 2018–2020) captained the Scotland U21 Lacrosse team. Competing in the European Championships. Not only was she the overall top point scorer in the competition, she was awarded a place on the all-European Team. Kai is the first and only Scottish member to have ever gained a place on the world and European platform.

Adrian Lo (Gl 2016–2020) came in to the Psychology Department to talk about Psychology and University in Canada and America. He is currently studying Psychology at McGill and about to do a post grad in LA.

Matthew Hughson (PS-Gl 2012–2021) remains in the GB Men’s Elite Development Programme for Hockey.

Fergus Bolton (PS-Gl 2011–2022) returned to Fettes to talk about life at a US university as well as performing a vocal concert in Chapel with ten other students who are part of his a cappella group called the Bear Necessities at Brown University.

Sam Allen (Ki 2017–2022) and David Low (Ca 2018–2022) are climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco for Breast Cancer Now. If you would like to find out more or offer support their link is www.justgiving.com/page/toubkal Immi Cochran (Ar 2021–2023) and Lulu MacLeod (PS-CE 2016–2022) represented lacrosse Scotland U20 at the Lacrosse Home Internationals in Cardiff alongside current student Anna H. OFs Kai Harper (Da 2018–2020) and Caroline Getley (Ar-Da 2011–2016) also represented Scotland Senior Women at the tournament.

In October thirty current students attended an Economics conference at LSE. They were fortunate to be shown round the campus by the OF LSE students Somei Miyashita (Gl 2019–2021), David Dada (PS-Ki 2014–2021), Kira Kotova (Da 2017–2022), David Low (Ca 2018–2022), Andy Wang (Ca 2018–2022), Mia Currie (CE 2021–2023), Nick Colman (Ki 2020–2023)

Adrian Lo (Gl 2016–2020) visited the Psychology Department.

Sam Allen (Ki 2017–2022) and David Low (Ca 2018–2022) climbing Mount Toubkal for charity.

Fergus Bolton (PS-Gl 2011–2022) and the a capella singers from Brown University performed in Chapel.

Immi Cochran (Ar 2021–2023) and Lulu MacLeod (PS-CE 2016–2022) and Anna H playing lacrosse Scotland U20.

WE WANT YOUR NEWS

We love to hear news from all Old Fettesians. Please do get in touch with anything that you want to let us know about and let us know whether you are happy for us to share the news with other OFs in the Newsletter next year.

We would love to know of recent degrees and graduations.

Are you having a clear out? If you find items from your time or a relatives time at Fettes that you would like to tell our archivist or other OFs about, let us know and we can put you in touch.

Weddings are very special occasions, and we know that many of you invite close friends from Fettes, if you are happy to send us a picture – we would be delighted to receive it.

Sporting achievements. Fettesians spend hours on the sports fields at school and very many continue to enjoy a healthy lifestyle in the years beyond. Whether you go on to participate in sport at a national, local or personal level do keep us posted.

Tell us about job changes and or significant promotions and achievements.

Remember to keep your contact details up to date so that we can keep in touch, particularly by email and post.

We know that OFs have a spirit of adventure, we would love to hear of travels, especially if more than one OF is involved.

Send us your reunion and OF get together pictures – we love news of OFs meeting up in the years (often many years) beyond Fettes.

Music too is a popular pastime, do you sing in a choir or perform on stage? Let us know what you are up to.

If we have your email address and your regions of interest we will email you to let you know about events that we think you may be interested in. Up and coming events are also all listed on the Fettes Community Portal fettescommunity.org.

If you have moved to a new country or frequently work or travel overseas – we can put you in touch with the OF Regional Representative or make sure that you hear of local OF events in that location.

At Fettes there has been a culture of giving back. If you volunteer, why not share the great work that you are doing?

We are always contactable via email on ofa@fettes.com or by phoning +44 (0) 131 332 6741. We look forward to hearing from you.

Commemoration

4th and 5th October 2024 London OFA Carol Service 18th December at 7pm – St Michael’s Church, London

11th – 13th April 2025 – a cultural weekend for OFs (partners welcome too) in Europe. The next trip is to Albi in South West France.

For all events including the above, please visit the Fettes Community Portal (fettescommunity.org), email ofa@fettes.com or phone us +44 (0)131 332 6741 if you would like to find out more information or you would like to book your ticket(s)

SADLY DEPARTED

We would like to than 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 the end of May 2024. If you know of any omissions, please do let us know by emailing ofa@fettes.com or calling +44 (0)131 311 6741.

FORMER STAFF & FRIENDS OF FETTES

ROBERT (BOB) J ROBERTS (STAFF 1955–1975)

Robert (Bob) J Roberts (Staff 1955–1975) passed away on 9th January 2024, aged 92.

Bob Roberts was on the staff at Fettes for twenty years – he taught English. The Fettesian reports in his valete of 1975 – Generations of Fettesians have been inspired by his quiet methodical approach in class and his insistence on high standards, whether they have been Oxbridge Scholars or in 3B making an ordered start to their time at Fettes under his Form mastership. As Head of the English department, he introduced non-specialist English throughout the Sixth Form, among other improvements to the timetable. Out of school his contribution has been enormous; long service with the C.C.F., coach of rugger, hockey and cricket; producer of seven school and three House plays – the climax being his imaginative and faultless ‘Romeo and Juliet’ last year; Paramecium; Shakespeare Society; chairman of the ‘Vive la’ committee – so the list goes on. Perhaps his greatest task was the planning and complete recataloguing of the School Library when it was modernised for the Centenary – a task now taken for granted by those who use it. Apprenticed for fifteen years as Moredun House Tutor to H Freddie Macdonald (Staff 1925–1962) (Deceased) and then Charles Whittle (Staff 1948–1972) (Deceased), Bob was well versed in the mechanics of running a House when he and Patricia moved to Arniston, where Bob was Housemaster from 1970–1975. Bob left Fettes to become Head of Worksop College, where he stayed for the next 11 years before retiring with Patricia to Devon.

His valete below from Workshop College talks of a man of uncompromising dedication who, for ten years had given himself without reserve to the service of the College.

He came here in 1975 after spending 21 years at Fettes where he seems to have performed most of the possible variations on the theme of school mastering. He brought with him a reputation as a workaholic with daunting standards of personal efficiency and once established here he proceeded to give ample proof that he had earned his reputation.

His experiences at Fettes helped, I think, to shape his concept of his position as Headmaster. This office requires its holder to wear a variety of different hats at different times: those of diplomat, public relations officer, father figure, salesman, politician, buck-stopper, personnel

manager, scapegoat, peacemaker and hanging judge, to name some of them. Bob readily fitted on each of these as the need arose but above all he regarded himself fundamentally as what he had been all his professional life –a schoolmaster.

He maintained close personal contact with the academic shop-floor, carting his battered old Fettes briefcase into IV Form English or Remove Divinity. High on the list of priorities of any public school nowadays is the classroom and what happens in it. He certainly thought so and the school’s intellectual temperature was a primary concern. He derived much satisfaction from the steadily rising curves on the graphs of exam results.

He seemed too to be a very private person, retiring and self-contained. Yet at the same time he was a magnificent public speaker. He never forgot a face and he met a lot of faces.

The austere side of the Scottish character and his own schooldays in wartime England account for that side of Bob which seemed to find much satisfaction in sheer physical endurance.

And Patricia, most gracious of hostesses, certainly ensured that any lingering puritan strain stayed in the study and did not venture into the dining-room. No-one however is free from all fault and his Achilles’ heel lay, it is said, in his lack of sympathy with mechanical tilings. He disliked gadgets. He despised television.

Bob and Patricia retired to Devon where he enjoyed writing poetry and had moderate success with some published works.

Bob’s greatest sadness in his life was the tragic death of his son Timothy Roberts (Ki 1973–1978) (Deceased) who died in a climbing accident with the Army in Peru in 1986.

Bob is survived by his daughter Kate Garcia (née Roberts) who is married and lives near Madrid.

COLIN J TIPPLE

(STAFF 1965–1992)

Colin J Tipple passed away in May 2024, aged 81. Robert Philp (Staff 1959–1996) and Andrew Simmons (Ca 1979–1984) have provided this tribute.

Colin, a faithful servant of Fettes for 27 years, was brought up in Ilford, where as a teenager he was Church organist. He went on to the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied piano and organ. He taught for a short while at the Royal Academy before moving to Fettes in 1965.

Colin’s musicianship was of a very high order. Serving under Michael Lester-Cribb (Staff 1949–1988) (Deceased), he helped with many aspects of Fettes music, directing the Chapel Choir, teaching academic music and serving as music director of school productions of The Boyfriend and Guys and Dolls. He was also House tutor in Moredun. On Michael’s retirement he served as Director of Academic Music.

When he retired from the school he remained active and in several ways had a new lease of life. He did a great deal of examining for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. He particularly enjoyed examining in Hong Kong, where he went often and made good friends, but also examined in India and America. He was organist and choirmaster at St Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh for 18 years, conducted the Scottish Chamber Choir for many years, and had two stints as President of the Edinburgh Society of Organists. Within the city he was widely respected as a hugely talented musician with impeccable standards and fine judgement, and was active musically until very recently, playing at various Edinburgh churches, most often at Canonmills Baptist Church, where an eclectic congregation included in its time worshippers like David McMurray (Staff 1964–1976) (Deceased) and Toni McMurray (Deceased) and Margaret Buchanan-Smith (Deceased)

His musical tastes were strikingly wide. Although his working life centred round the organ, he was also a fine pianist and was very fond of the late romantic composers, in particular Bruckner and Wagner. The nurses at his bedside at the end listened to Tchaikovsky with him!

Colin will be remembered by many friends, colleagues and former pupils with much affection and gratitude.

DAVID R ORCHARD (STAFF 1971–1995)

David R Orchard (Staff 1971–1995) (HM Ar 1975-81) (HM Ki 1981–1985) passed away in April 2023.

David’s colleague in the History department, Mark Peel (Staff 1983–2007) has provided this tribute.

After a gilded education at Solihull School both in and out of the classroom, David Orchard read History at Magdalene College, Cambridge. On completion of his National Service, he began his teaching career at Truro Cathedral School – playing full back for the Truro rugby team in his spare time – before moving to Rossall in 1964 where, in addition to coaching all games, he commanded the CCF.

In 1970 he was appointed to Fettes as Head of History, teaching Tony Blair (Ki 1966–1971) in his first year. A man of high standards, he expected the same from his pupils and was dismissive of those who failed to apply themselves, but to the many who responded positively he rewarded them with the breadth of his erudition, most notably his remarkable grasp of 19th century British history, and his willingness to challenge orthodox thinking.

In 1975 David became Housemaster of Arniston, proving a wise and conscientious mentor to his charges and when the house became a girls’ house in 1981, he succeeded George Preston (SH-CW 1944–1950) (Staff 1955–1991) in Kimmerghame. After four years he was ready to give way to Bill Marshall (Staff 1975–1990)

Returning to the ranks, David continued to give his all to the school, helping with the cricket, overseeing the REME section, presiding over the renaissance of croquet and introducing Modern Studies to the Higher curriculum, achieving some excellent results in the process.

On leaving Fettes in 1995, David and his wife Diane, a dedicated teacher of History in the Prep School, retired to Truro. He died in April 2023. David was a shy, retiring man, but on closer acquaintance he was a warm and supportive colleague and a model schoolmaster who gave 25 years of devoted service to Fettes. We owe him much.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER JOHN A WEIGHT (STAFF 1977–1981)

Lieutenant Commander John A Weight passed away in March 2024, aged 87.

John was Assistant Bursar at Fettes.

HAZEL

THOMLINSON (STAFF 1981–1996)

Hazel Thomlinson, Sister in the School Sanatorium passed away on 12th April 2024.

Mark Peel (Staff 1983–2007) has provided this tribute. Following her nursing training at the Middlesex Hospital, Hazel Thomlinson practised midwifery at the Simpson in Edinburgh and was Head of A and E and the Outpatients’ Clinic at the Western General before joining Fettes in 1981 to take charge of the San. At a time when the medical facilities were rather basic, Hazel compensated with her calm and sympathetic demeanour. Nothing was too much trouble for her.

She was a highly popular member of the College community and graced many a social occasion with her accomplished Scottish dancing. She was also a talented sportswoman, especially tennis, hockey and skiing, and she capped her Fettes career by accompanying the school trip to the Altai Mountains in Siberia in 1993, dispensing medical help with her customary charm.

After leaving Fettes she divided her time between her home in Cumberland, where she looked after her mother, who lived to be 101, and Edinburgh. From 2017 she revived her friendship with Peter Sutton (SH 1979–1984), Head of School in 1984 and the Minister of St Cuthbert’s, to help with his church’s Outreach programme to the homeless and organising visits to the lands of the Border Reivers.

When she was diagnosed with terminal cancer less than three weeks before she died in March, it was Peter who gave her a final blessing before her funeral at her family church, St Michael’s and All Angels, Arthuret, Longtown, where her many friends were able to give thanks to a life of sterling Christian discipleship.

SHIONA

M GILL (NÉE AIRLIE) (STAFF 1982–1984)

Shiona Gill passed away on 8th November 2023.

Shiona taught Art at Fettes from 1982–1984. After Fettes, Shiona worked in curation, art and artist promotion and she published several books.

DIANE M STEWART (STAFF 2000–2018)

Diane M Stewart passed away in June 2023.

The Fettes community, and especially those with links to Moredun House, were so saddened to learn at the end of last Summer Term of the passing of Diane Stewart, whose 18 years as Matron in Moredun had come to an end in 2018. Diane – or ‘Princess’ as she had come to be known to her boys, had an extraordinary capacity for expecting and upholding rigorous standards, while earning the boys’ respect and fondness in equal measure. Her efforts kept Moredun ‘spick and span’ and was the making of so many, who arrived as boys and left as Moredun Men.

The regard in which she was held was made clear in her leavers’ celebrations, where a jar was filled with memories and notes of gratitude the boys shared with her, and the

efforts of OFs from across the globe who got together to sing ‘Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah’ in an extremely moving, international video clip.

Our loss at the time was Merchiston’s gain, as she reprised her role as Matron there, before finally heading back home to Elgin. Even then, she couldn’t face actual retirement, and was working until her untimely passing at a local funeral home, who loved and appreciated her just as much as we had.

The way the news was shared by one of her boys sums up precisely the regard they had for her:

On behalf of all the Moredun boys, we are so very sad to hear this news. Diane, our ‘Princess’ as we fittingly called her, brought so much love, care and happiness to all of the Moredun Men’s days. She was central to so many of our happy memories in Moredun, and the values she instilled in all of us, keeping our rooms ‘spick and span’ and avoiding ‘tomfoolery’, will stick with us for life. We are so grateful for everything she has done for us. Our thoughts are with all of your family. Rest in peace, Princess.

She would have been particularly delighted to have seen a carload of OFs – her final Lower Sixth who left Moredun at the same time as her – make the drive up to Elgin for her funeral, to represent all those to whom she had meant so much. In a final act of respect, Hamish McMillan (PS-Mo 2012–2019) was asked to be a cord bearer at the interment, along with her third Housemaster Charlie du Vivier (Staff 2004–present), and as her final Matron’s Prefect, it was his honour to do so.

OLD FETTESIANS

GEORGE GRAINGER WESTON (GL 1937–1937)

George (Grainger) Weston passed away on 7th October 2023, aged 99.

Grainger Weston, died a month before his 100th birthday. His obituary in The Telegraph leads with the opening lines that he was the heir to an Anglo-Canadian bakery empire but chose a different life as a Texas rancher, entrepreneur and philanthropist in his own right.

WILLIAM HAY (SH 1940–1945)

William (Bill) Hay passed away at Elie on 19th December 2023, aged 97.

At Fettes Bill was a House Prefect he was in the Cricket XI and the Fives X. He chose Fettes for his children Jessica M McCraw (née Hay) (Ca 1973–1973) and William D Hay (SH 1970–1975). We are grateful to them both for the following tribute.

Bill arrived at Fettes on a scholarship and subsequently gained a scholarship to St John’s Cambridge to read classics. He joined the Colonial Service and spent 10 happy years in Tanganyika, rising to the level of District Commissioner. After independence he returned to the UK and enjoyed a successful career in personnel with Laporte Industries in the north-west of England. His real interests lay in the great outdoors, particularly bird-watching, botanising and salmon fishing. He was a tenant on the river Naver for half a century. Latterly he spent a happy retirement in Cupar.

JOHN (JACK) J R OBERLANDER (GL 1942–1945)

John (Jack) J R Oberlander passed away on 5th February 2024, aged 96.

The below is taken from the website of the architectural practice, Oberlanders, that he founded.

Jack was born, with his twin sister Joan, in 1927, in Maymyo, Burma; where his American father was working as a lead smelting engineer. Jack returned to Scotland at the age of three fluent in Burmese. He was brought up with his sister by their mother, a district nurse in and around the town of Forres, in Moray. His first experience of Edinburgh was as a boarder at Fettes College, where he completed his secondary school education.

As with many of his generation, he was called up for National Service in the army at the end of World War II. Following national service, Jack began his architectural training at Edinburgh College of Art. It was here that he first met a fellow architecture student, Hilary Davidson, who was later to become his wife.

His class was fortunate to receive life drawing lessons, as part of their course, from the renowned Scottish artist William G. Gillies, who later became the Principal of the College. This experience influenced the rest of his life, and it is celebrated in the many sketches and watercolours that he made during Mediterranean holidays.

During his architectural career, Jack was involved in many projects for both the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. This included being on the design team of the Appleton Tower for the University of Edinburgh which was regarded as a seminal building at that time.

Outside of work he had many sporting interests, including playing rugby for Edinburgh Wanderers and windsurfing. He was a keen walker and was generous with his time to charitable causes.

Jack and Hilary were the proud parents of three sons: Alan, Eric and Jon during the years of their marriage. Later they became grandparents with seven grandchildren. Sadly, Hilary pre-deceased Jack in August 2022, and their son Jon died in 2017.

JOHN C SIMPSON (CA 1943–1946)

John C Simpson passed away on 9th July 2021, aged 92. At Fettes John was a House Prefect and was in the 1st XV and the Shooting Team. He was followed to Fettes by his younger brother Charles B Simpson (Ca 1946–1949) (Deceased).

DONALD S BLAIR (CA 1943–1948)

Donald S Blair passed away on 8th July 2023, aged 93. Whilst at Fettes Donald was Head of House. He played in the 1st XV, was in the Shooting Team and the Fives Team, and was a record breaker in the half-mile. After Fettes he was 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery before studying at Clare College, Cambridge, where in addition to his studies he excelled at golf, achieving a Blue and captaining the team.

JAMES T Y GILLIES (CA 1943–1947)

James T Y Gillies passed away on 21st December 2023, aged 94.

Many thanks to James’ son Andrew for contributing to this tribute.

James followed his older brother, David R Gillies (Ca 1942–1945) (Deceased) to Fettes. James was in the Fives Team and played regularly in the rugby teams, receiving his 3rd XV cap in his final year. Outside of sport, James was awarded with the R.L.S.S. (Royal Life Saving Society) Bronze Medallion in 1945 and was Head of the Gargoyle Press. He was also a member of the Art Club, Science Society, School Orchestra and was a Corporal in the CCF.

After National Service, he studied Medicine at the University of Glasgow where he retained his love of rugby, nurtured at Fettes. He gained a Rugby Blue and was President of Glasgow University Sports Association.

James practiced as a GP in Burton, Rothesay, North America (Tioga ND and Calais MA), Whittlesey, Wansford and Broadford on the Isle of Skye. He retired in 1994, living on the Isle of Arran and latterly Newark Nottinghamshire. He leaves behind his loving wife Fiona and three children Andrew, Robert, and Heather.

THEODORE

(TED) P S S ANDREW (CE 1944–1949)

Theodore (Ted) Andrew passed away on 12th September 2023, aged 92.

Whilst at Fettes he was Head of House, Company Seargeant Major and Captain of Shooting. The following excerpt was taken from dignitymemorial.com.

Ted was born in Dundee, Scotland the second son to Reverend Theodore and Isabella Andrew. He grew up in Aberdeenshire and attended Fettes College in Edinburgh.

He had an adventurous spirit. In his early 20’s after his military service and working in London; he travelled to the Middle East and worked for Spinney’s grocery suppliers in Baghdad, Beirut and Egypt eventually settling in Cyprus where he met his first wife Lisa. Ted worked as a travel agent and then in the early 1960s studied for his accounting certification while working in Nicosia. Ted worked as an accountant and then Chief Financial Officer in Cyprus and later in Vancouver for the Cyprus Mines Corporation group of companies.

The family relocated to Vancouver, Canada after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in the mid–1970s. After Lisa’s passing, Ted married Jean, a long-time family friend and they lived in White Rock for their retirement. Ted enjoyed travelling, playing golf, spending time with family and volunteering at St John’s Presbyterian. He attended Toastmasters for many years and could always be called on to speak thoughtfully and with eloquence at family gettogethers and celebrations of Scottish traditions.

Ted passed away peacefully at home in South Surrey. He is survived by his wife Jean, his son Eric S Z Andrew (SH 1971–1975), daughter Kathryn and his younger brother Allan. He also leaves his grandchildren and a great grandchild along with step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

WILLIAM (BILL) M CLARK (GL1944–1948)

William (Bill) M Clark passed away on 2nd January 2024, aged 93.

Bill joined his brother, Allan M Clark (Gl 1942–1947) (Deceased) at Fettes in 1944. Bill went on to become a School Prefect and Pipe Major, he was in the 1st XV and Captain of Shooting. After National Service he went on to Amherst College in the USA to study Economics. He was a Corporal in the US Army from 1953–1955 and then achieved an MBA from the University of Columbia. He went on to work in advertising, marketing and management consultancy.

In addition to his wife Judith, Bill is survived by his son Douglas Clark of Cromwell.

THOMAS (TOM) C MCCREATH (SH 1944–1947)

Thomas (Tom) C McCreath passed away on 31st October 2023, aged 94.

Tom was followed to Fettes by his daughter C Ann McCreath (Ki 1977–1979) and her daughter Iona McCreath (CW 2012–2014) and by the four children of his son, Finn McCreath: Archie McCreath (Ki 2012–2017); Harry McCreath (Mo 2014–2019); Kitty McCreath (Ar 2016–2021) and Louis McCreath (Mo 2022–present)

At Fettes Tom was a House Prefect. After National Service he became a farmer. The following was published by The Scottish Farmer.

The farming community of south-west Scotland has lost one of its elder statesmen. Tom was born in 1929 at Broughton Mains farm where his grandfather and father had recently purchased the farm as the incumbent tenants. He studied at the Douglas Ewart High School and Fettes College during the war years and joined the Seaforth Highlanders in 1946. After officer training, he was stationed at Fort George and then Trieste in northern Italy as part of a peacekeeping force. On returning home, Tom worked with his father at Broughton Mains and then bought the Home Farm of Galloway House in 1956. In the same year, Tom was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship to study modern methods of agriculture in Australia and New Zealand. Having made his first silage with a horse and cart, on his return he became one of the early adopters of modern silage-making in clamps, with loose housing for dairy cows in cubicles and herringbone milking parlours. As well as running the two dairies at Broughton Mains and Galloway House, where he was a noted breeder of Ayrshire cattle, Tom was an active committee member and local chairman of many local organisations. He was chair of the Scottish Milk Records Association and Grassland Society, an independent county and district councillor, a Justice of the Peace, a tax commissioner, and a deputy Lord Lieutenant for Wigtownshire.

In his later years, Tom became an authority on the agricultural history of southwest Scotland. His publications record the way in which Wigtownshire, with the highest proportion of tenancies in 1900, had become the area with the highest proportion of owner-occupied farms by 2000.

He was married to Elaine Johnson for 57 years. They had four children – Ann, who runs Kikoromeo fashion house in Kenya, Rob, who farms in Australia, Alan (Deceased), and Finn who farms at Garlieston.

Tom is survived by three children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

KENNETH MCLEAN (CW 1945–1950)

Kenneth McLean passed away on 2nd November 2023, aged 91.

Kenneth followed his older brother Colin McLean (SH 1944–1949) (Deceased) on a scholarship to Fettes. Whilst at Fettes Kenneth was a School Prefect and a sportsman. He was in the 1st XV, the 1st Cricket Team, the 1st Hockey Team and the Fives Team. We are very grateful to Kenneth’s son Alan for the following tribute.

Kenneth studied Medicine at Aberdeen where he met his future wife, Nancy, in Freshers’ Week. His university career was distinguished by his captaincy of the rugby team. After graduating he spent his National Service years in the RAMC where there was very little medical work but a glorious opportunity to play near-unlimited rugby at the taxpayer’s expense. Three games a week was common, most training was done in the bar afterwards. He played for the Army, Midlands and London Scottish amongst others. He trialled for Scotland as fly half but was unfortunate to be competing against the brilliant Gordon Waddell (Ca 1950–1956) (Deceased) and did not make the national side.

After a brief spell as a GP in Nottingham Ken took up a GP partnership in Dalkeith, Midlothian in 1960. He was one of the first young GPs to take up General Practice as a speciality in its own right and after appointment he sat and passed the new college post-graduate exams to prove to himself and colleagues that he was fit for the job.

Dalkeith and its surrounding villages were mining communities with high health demands. Ken and his partners looked after their own patients, and he spent over thirty years on call for patients in need. He and Nancy had a large garden, so they fitted an industrial external telephone bell, allowing them to hear the patients ringing from the end of the garden. Children were encouraged to answer the phone to filter out the more deserving patients. He continued to play rugby for Musselburgh as a young GP as well as squash. At the age of forty he turned to golf, playing off a single figure handicap at Longniddry for many years.

On his retiral in 1992 he and Nancy were honoured by the town officials as the guests of honour at the annual town Gala Day celebrations.

He and Nancy travelled extensively during retirement. He remained a rugby enthusiast and a supporter of his beloved Scotland. He leaves his wife Nancy, two sons Alan and Alasdair, and four grandchildren. His daughter, Catriona, predeceased him.

JACK SHARP (KI 1946–1950)

Jack Sharp passed away on 27th November 2023, aged 91.

At Fettes Jack was in the Athletics Team. He completed his National Service in the RAF. He went on to become a Certified Colourist and was heavily involved in the Society of Dyers and Colourists. He became a lecturer and spent most of working life in Derbyshire and Leicestershire.

THOMAS A B HESLOP (GL 1946–1950)

Thomas (Dick) A B Heslop passed away on 8th December 2022, aged 90.

After Fettes Thomas gained his Certificate of Education from King Alfred’s, Winchester. He went on to teach, latterly at Lathallan near Montrose from 1963–1999.

Alastair Shepherd (OL 1968–1973) (OF, Mo 1973–1977), one of his Lathallan students, also an OF, provided a tribute which we have taken some excerpts from.

Thomas Alexander Buxton Heslop, always known as Dick, was born in Gateshead on 12th February 1932.

On the outbreak of war in 1939, Dick’s school, Albyn in Aberdeen, was evacuated to Tillypronie on Deeside. This is where after only a few days Dick caught polio.

Polio affected his mobility for the rest of his life although he avoided using firstly a walking stick, later two sticks, then a zimmer frame, and finally a wheelchair for as long as humanly possible. However, his disability never defined him.

Dick Heslop’s teaching style was relaxed and laid back. He had natural authority, and seldom needed to impose discipline. He was always very proud of his pupils who had artistic talent, but sadly for him this tended to be a small percentage of the boys under his charge.

Dick himself was an excellent artist, and often exhibited. Dick taught carpentry, maths, geography, pottery and latterly CDT. Sport, whilst important, was not a priority for Dick. Later he championed the zipwire, and other woodland activities, as well as archery, and understood that not every Lathallian enjoyed the set rota of Hockey, Cricket, Rugby.

However, a “Heslop walk” was always richly anticipated, Dick would have us crashing through the undergrowth, trying to reach Benholm in a novel way, ploughing through all obstacles in our path. Dick was well aware of the mindnumbing routine of prep school life, and to be allowed to explore and appreciate new perspectives was welcomed like a blast of fresh air.

Dick Heslop’s service at Lathallan was unequalled in terms of longevity; when he retired in 1999, he had worked at Lathallan for 34 years. After retiring, the Heslops were always welcome and excellent company at any reunion or other school occasion. Increasingly frail, Dick died on 8th December 2022. He will be fondly remembered by all he taught as not only an inspirational teacher, but also as a warm and friendly human being who was seldom seen without a grin on his face, and a twinkle in his eye.

RICHARD H JACQUES

(GL 1947–1951)

Richard H Jacques passed away on 15th December 2023. Richard followed his brother Peter H Jacques (Gl 1944–1948) (Deceased) to Fettes. He then went on to the Edinburgh College of Art and studied Architecture. The Scotsman listing includes: Jaques, Richard (Edinburgh). Architect, artist, writer and dearly loved loving husband of Avril, devoted father of Seonaidh and Tracy, proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

ALFRED W K (KEN) METZNER (CW 1947–1952)

Alfred W K (Ken) Metzner passed away on 4th November 2020, aged 86.

At Fettes Ken was a School Prefect, Captain of Basketball and was in the Music Club. His younger brother Robin Laurie (CW 1951–1956) joined Fettes when Ken was in his final year, before Ken went on to Oxford to study Mathematics and then headed on to Cornell for a Master of Science. He gained a Ph.D. in Physics followed by a period as Assistant Professor at the University of San Diego. He held editing and publishing roles for the American Physics

Society and the Institute of Physics as well as the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.

COLIN

D WILSON (GL 1947–1952)

Colin D Wilson passed away on 7th March 2024, aged 89.

Colin had several Fettesian relatives, his brother John A Wilson (Ki-Gl 1940–1944) (Deceased), and his cousins: Michael L M Moir (Gl 1947–1951) (Deceased); Douglas J Cook (Gl 1956–1961) (Deceased) and J Malcolm M Cook (Gl 1953–1956).

At Fettes Colin was Head of House and a School Prefect. He was in the 1st XV and the 1st Hockey XI. After studying Mechanical Engineering, he went on to have a career in engineering.

ALEXANDER G L PAINE (MO 1948–1953)

Alexander G L Paine passed away on 14th October 2022, aged 87.

Alexander was the middle of three brothers to attend Fettes, Christopher M Paine (Mo 1947–1950) and Tim F Paine (Mo 1954–1959). Whilst at Fettes Alexander was a House Prefect and he was in the Chamber Orchestra. He left Fettes for Trinity College Cambridge. This tribute has been provided by one of his daughters, Lizzie Taylor.

Born in Onich, near Fort William, he came to Fettes from Cargilfield and stayed till he left to go on to Trinity College Cambridge. After Cambridge he emigrated to Australia, to work as a geologist for the Australian government. He enjoyed the work hugely, starting off with geological mapping of Queensland and the Northern Territory. He loved Australia, his adopted country, and eventually settled in Canberra, where he edited geological journals and enjoyed the cultural life of a capital city. A principled, passionate and tough man, he is much missed. His ashes are sprinkled in Canberra and Loch Linnhe. He is survived by his wife Margaret, son Richard, daughter Lizzie and six grandchildren.

ALEXANDER (SANDY) H LAIRD

(GL 1948–1952)

Alexander (Sandy) H Laird passed away on 20th November 2023, aged 89.

At Fettes Sandy was a School Prefect, he was in the Hockey XI and he won the Essay Prize. His younger brother, Campbell Laird (Gl 1950–1954) joined him at Fettes in 1950. After National Service in the Royal Artillery Sandy went on to Christ’s College, Cambridge to study Mechanical Science before becoming a Mechanical Engineer.

REVEREND

DAVID E C WRIGHT (GL 1948–1953)

Reverend David E C Wright passed away on 22nd August 2022, aged 87.

Whilst at Fettes David was in the Choir and he was an Officer in the Cadets. He went on to King’s College London and later became a Priest. The Church Times lists his appointments as: Assistant Curate of St James’s, Benwell, Newcastle (1969-70); Bushey (1970-74); Vicar of High Wych (1974-77); Rector of High Wych with Gilston and Eastwick (1977-80); Vicar of St Mary’s, Marshalswick (1980-89); Priest-in-Charge of Sandridge (1987-89); Rector of Lenham

with Boughton Malherbe (1989–2000); Priest-in-Charge of St Andrew’s, Fuengirola (2001-06).

CHRISTOPHER P B NORMAND (GL

Christopher P B Normand died on 13th June 2023, seven weeks before his 87th birthday.

1950–1954)

The following was written by his friend, William Carnegie (Ca 1950–1955). Christopher was a member of by far the most numerous Fettesian family; between 1875 and 1997, eighteen Normands covering four generations were at Fettes. He followed his father, Wilfrid Normand (GI 1922–1927), and his grandfather, Patrick Normand (GI 1890-1893), and was in turn followed by his own son: Patrick H Normand (GI 1978–1983). Christopher was a Prefect, in the 2nd XV and a Petty Officer in the Naval Section of the Corps. He then did his National Service as a subaltern in the Royal Signals serving in Cyprus where his parents lived during the EOKA emergency there. In 1956 he went up to Oriel College, Oxford achieving a good degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He was also a member of the College XV, rowed in its Second Boat and presided over its Reel Club. After Oxford he pursued a varied business career with ICI, Production-Engineering, British Steel and LMI, a conglomerate. Before retiring he set up a partnership with an American colleague to bring about company mergers. His main occupation thereafter was researching the genealogies of both the Normands and his mother’s family, the Goughs. In doing so he used his considerable intellect to good effect producing five weighty and scholarly volumes, a fitting memorial to his life and ability. He also got considerable enjoyment and satisfaction from dry-fly fishing on the River Dever, a classic English chalk stream in Wiltshire. Not for him a leisurely approach; after driving a considerable distance he was on the water by 10am and did not quit until he had landed his permitted bag of four trout, which he usually did.

Christopher Normand was a formidable figure – well-read and informed, opiniated, determined and competitive. He did not suffer fools gladly, but in his latter years he mellowed and became more tolerant of the shortcomings, as he saw them, of his fellow men. However, he was also sociable and had many friends, of whom I count myself lucky to have been one for 73 years. Despite having lived in the London area and then in Surrey and West Sussex, he never lost his affection for Scotland and remained loyal to Fettes and Oriel. This tribute comes with love and sympathy to Heather, his wife for over 60 years, his children, Patrick and Tania, his grandsons, Rory and Corin, and his sister, Rosemary Ellvers.

DOUGLAS R MILLER (GL 1950–1955)

Douglas R Miller passed away on the 18th September 2023, aged 86.

Whilst at Fettes Douglas was a House Prefect and he was in the Cricket XI. He went on to both Keble College, Oxford and LSE where he studied Economics.

Douglas sent his three children to Fettes, Keith J Miller

(Gl 1976–1981), Iain D Miller (Gl 1978–1983) and Karen M Miller (Ar 1982–1984)

The tribute below has been provided by his family.

Dad loved Fettes, he always remembered it as a thoroughly enjoyable period of his life, where he made some of his greatest, life-long friends, some of whom we, as children, grew up with as family friends.

He was born in 1937 in Singapore to Scottish parents, and evacuated to Australia during the War just before the Japanese overtook the Island. There, in Sydney he first learned to play cricket, in which he maintained a keen interest throughout his life, initially as a player at Larchfield Prep School, later for the Fettes 1st XI and at university; and then afterwards as a spectator. Latterly, during his travels, he always managed to include a test match or two along the way, somewhere in the world.

The family returned to Singapore after the War and lived there throughout his time at Fettes and university. He spoke fondly of the foundation in life that Fettes gave him, and this undoubtedly played a part in our parents’ decision to send us as children to the school after him. From time to time, he used to tell us stories about his time at school, including one about climbing the College spire with a friend and hanging a laundry bag as a flag at the top – much to the consternation of the Headmaster of the day!

He settled in the south of England and for many years ran his own engineering businesses successfully before retiring to Scotland to live on the banks of Loch Tay. He was lucky in love, having met and married Clare, our mother, with whom he shared 38 years until her untimely death, and he was subsequently married to Jo, our step-mother for the last 25 years of his life.

He died in September 2023 aboard ship in the North Atlantic, aged 86, with Jo by his side. At his funeral we paid tribute to his warmth and generosity of spirit, to his memory, and to a life well lived. His coffin was piped into the chapel, which was filled with friends and family, and after the ceremony he was piped out on his final journey. He was proud to be a Scot, a Fettesian and a family man.

PROFESSOR IAIN M L DONALDSON (KI 1951–1955)

Professor Iain M L Donaldson passed away on the 19th April 2023, aged 85.

Excerpts from his obituary from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh are noted below.

At school in Fettes he discovered a love of mathematics, but it was during a year spent in Switzerland whilst being treated for tuberculosis that he decided to read medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

Having completed an Honours BSc, Iain graduated MB second in his year in 1962. After House Officer posts at the City and Western General Hospitals, he obtained an MRC postgraduate fellowship that led to a post as an Honorary Lecturer in Neurology. During this period, he obtained the membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of London and Edinburgh. In 1969 he spent a year in Paris at the Sorbonne before obtaining, in 1970, another MRC fellowship in neurophysiology at The University of Oxford. He became a Lecturer and Fellow of St Edmund Hall in 1974, their first medical Fellow, teaching and researching vision. In 1979 he was appointed Professor of Zoology at the University of Hull and in 1987, he returned to The University of Edinburgh as

Professor of Neurophysiology. His many publications over this period give accounts of experimental studies into the physiological control of vision and the extraocular muscles, across a range of animals from pigeons to trout.

Retirement with an Emeritus Chair in 2000 led to Iain’s appointment as the 51st Honorary Librarian of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, a post he held until 2017. It proved the perfect match of person and position. Iain had an expert’s knowledge of bibliography and the production of books and, thanks to his considerable IT skills, he knew how to present and provide access to this material in the emerging digital world.

Iain had met and married the love of his life, Jean Patricia Maule, whilst an undergraduate. Pat worked alongside him in the laboratory throughout his career as a neurophysiologist. Pat died in 2014. They are survived by their son David.

ANDREW G NICOL (KI 1952–1957)

Andrew G Nicol passed away on 13th June 2023, aged 84.

At Fettes Andrew was in the Swimming Team and he was a House Prefect. Andrew’s family have provided the below tribute.

It is with great sadness that the Family of Andrew Gilmour Nicol announce his death at the age of 84. He was a great storyteller and many of his stories feature his years spent at Fettes and also his previous school years at Dalhousie Prep School. He was a member of the Rugby, Cricket, Swimming and Boxing Teams for Kimmerghame House.

After leaving Fettes he pursued a career with The Bank of Scotland for over 30 years, his last posting being the manager of Kinross Branch. He retired in Kinross and was an active member of 41 Club and Probus. He frequently attended many Old Fettesian events until his mobility became an issue and he could no longer attend. After a sixmonth stay in hospital he passed on 13th June 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara, daughter Lesley, son-in-law Stephen and dearly loved grandchildren.

MICHAEL G MEARNS (CE 1953–1956)

Michael G Mearns passed away on 9th April 2024, aged 84. Michael’s family lived in Guyana, he came to Prep School in Aberdeenshire aged eight and joined his brother, David J W Mearns (CE 1951–1956), at Fettes at 13. He was resilient, having been born with a shortened arm and undergone major plastic surgery at a very young age. He was determined that his condition would not define him. After Fettes, Michael trained as accountant whilst nurturing a passion for sport, travel and a joy of socialising. He had a life of resilience, love and boundless adventure with a passion for sport. He is survived by his wife Emelda and his older brother David.

NORMAN (NORM) E CAMERON (CE 1955–1960)

Noman (Norm) Cameron passed away on 3rd April 2024, aged 81.

His wife, Beverly, provided us with the tribute below. Dr. Norman Edward Cameron passed away in Tucson, AZ

of an apparent heart attack while riding his bicycle. He spent his early years in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. When he was nine years old, he won a scholarship to attend two schools in Edinburgh, Scotland (Cargilfield and then Fettes College). While Norm stayed with the local Scottish families on school holidays, he came home to Canada in the summers. His Scottish accent caused his siblings to call him “Little Lord Fauntleroy”, so he quickly adopted a Canadian accent which caused him to be called “Hank the Yank” when he returned to Scotland. It was in Scotland that Norm learned to play the bagpipes. Norm returned to Canada for university going first to Queen’s University in Ontario, then to the University of Western Ontario, and finally to the University of Michigan for his doctoral work. It was at the U of M that he met Bev on a blind date arranged by their respective roommates. Bev and Norm were engaged within six weeks, married in six months, and on a doctoral exchange together at the Moscow State University within the year. They were partners in life for the remaining 56 years of his life. Upon returning to Canada Norm became a Professor in the Economics Department at the University of Manitoba. Fresh from Moscow, Bev was wary of Winnipeg (“Winterpeg”), so she only agreed to stay for three years. Thirty-five years, and several teaching awards later, Bev and Norm retired to Tucson, AZ and Lake Cecebe near Magnetawan, Ontario. As retirees, they built two cottages and started a cottage rental business. Norm and Bev have two children, a son Ewen in Oakville, Ontario and a daughter, Faye in Boulder, Colorado. They have three grandsons. They also have a daughter of choice, Carole, in Winnipeg. Norm was full of life. He had a magnetic personality and a great sense of humor. He was well known for playing the bagpipes, especially if teenagers were sleeping. Norm was an avid athlete. He formed and kept up with a swim/cycle/cross-country ski group from Winnipeg. He went on five-day canoe trips in Algonquin Park, a crossCanada bike trip, 400 mile bicycle races in Michigan, 52km cross-country ski races in Wisconsin, and so much more. He was part of Team Canada for triathlons in his 60s! Norm was the energizer bunny who kept going after everyone else was tired. He was a true legend on Lake Cecebe…. Volunteering in the lake association rescuing docks, rescuing people, winning races, hosting gatherings and bringing people together. He also spent many hours volunteering for the Magnetawan Lions, especially with dock building and bottle return projects. He could often be heard on Lake Cecebe playing Amazing Grace and other tunes on the bagpipes for all to hear. These evening concerts became a symbol of summer at the lake. He was extraordinarily proud of his children and grandchildren and loved Bev immensely.

PROFESSOR ROBIN M HOGARTH

(CA 1956–1960)

Professor Robin Hogarth passed away on 21st April 2024, aged 81.

At Fettes Robin was a House Prefect and was in the Rugby XV. The below information was sourced online. Robin did not attend university as an undergraduate but trained to become a Chartered Accountant (1965) by serving an apprenticeship. He subsequently earned an MBA at INSEAD (1968) in Fontainebleau, France and, sponsored by a Harkness Fellowship, went on to gain a PhD at the University of Chicago (1972).

Robin was a faculty member at INSEAD, the Booth

School at the University of Chicago, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona. At Chicago Booth, he was Director of the Center for Decision Research (1983–1993), and Deputy Dean (1993–1998).

Robin’s work centres on the psychology of judgment and decision making. He published several key papers that helped establish the standing of a new area within psychology. Among other contributions were analyses of the role of rationality in decision making, the use of simple models, learning (and not learning) from experience, effects of ambiguity in decision making, and the probabilistic nature of causal judgments.

In 2001, Robin published Educating Intuition (University of Chicago Press), a book that reviewed the psychological literature on intuitive judgment and offered suggestions on how this could be improved or “educated.”

ANDREW N W WILSON (CA

1956–1961)

Andrew N W Wilson passed away on the 28th April 2023, aged 79.

Andrew followed his OF grandfather Louis W O Wilson (SH 1889-1894) and father Michael L W Wilson (SH 1928–1932) to Fettes. Andrew was a very strong swimmer, winning the Bannatyne Swimming Cup, he was also a House Prefect. He went on to study Science and later became a teacher in the north east of England.

JAMES (DUGALD) M BARR (MO 1956–1961)

James (Dugald) M Barr passed away on 3rd September 2023, aged 80.

Dugald was the son of A L Barr (Mo 1932–1935) (the nonplaying captain of the winning Fettes Halford Hewitt Cup team in 1964).

At Fettes, Dugald was a Senior House Prefect, won the Governors’ Prizes for Latin Prose and Greek Prose in 1960, the Sir Walter Scott Essay Prize in 1961 and was awarded a Major Open Scholarship in Classics to Christ Church, Oxford University.

At Oxford, Dugald made a lifelong friend of a fellow Scot, Hamish Aird. The following is based on the Tribute given by Hamish at the Thanksgiving Service for Dugald’s life at St. James’s Church, Piccadilly, London W1 on 19th October 2023.

Hamish and Dugald met daily in the latter’s rooms at Christ Church. Hamish noticed that Dugald had an eye for beauty because his rooms were adorned with 18th century prints and cherished special objets d’art. They found that they were PG Wodehouse enthusiasts and both became office holders in the Oxford PGW Society. It soon became apparent that Dugald had many other interests including sailing, small cars, travel, books, photography and painting as well as a love for the sea, the countryside and mountains. He became Master of Beagles and rowed as the stroke of the Christ Church Second Eight. Hamish described him at the Thanksgiving Service as a man of high intelligence and a true Renaissance man.

After a short time teaching at Bradfield College, Dugald worked for the stockbrokers, Vickers da Costa for five years before pursuing a very successful career with James Capel where he and his wife, Haruko, became joint heads of the Japanese Department.

After his retirement from James Capel, Dugald had over 20 years to pursue his many interests. By the time of his retirement, he had become an accomplished yachtsman with a master’s qualification and his interests had also been extended to the co-ownership of a Tiger Moth airplane. Above all, he followed his passions for travel, photography and painting in oils, in particular landscapes. He had a gift for what would make a good painting and, in Hamish’s words, “his oils are full of colour, optimism and sensitivity.”

An exhibition of just over 100 of Dugald’s paintings was held at the Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London SW1 between 12th-16th September 2023, Dugald explained in the introduction to the catalogue that the paintings evolved from the following areas of interest: “First, Kintyre in Argyll and other West Highland places; second the products of motoring tours of France; third Constable Country in Suffolk and Essex overlooked by my wife, Haruko’s ancient house; also sundry others, mostly India and the Far East.” The range and quality of the paintings are astonishing.

Dugald sadly died nine days before the exhibition opened.

PETER T L WHITE (CA 1956–1960)

Peter T L White passed away on 29th September 2020, aged 77.

At Fettes Peter was a House Prefect.

Peter’s daughter told us “Fettes was hugely important to Peter, he had such a happy time there – playing Rugby, I think, mostly – although he did seem to have a working knowledge of Maths and Geography! Peter, for a bet, put the Fettes “foot long “woollen scarf on his school bill – I imagine that such an item is no longer on your equipment list!”

ARTHUR N SANDERSON (GL 1957–1962)

Arthur N Sanderson passed away 12th December 2023, aged 80.

He was a School Prefect and was in the Chamber Orchestra. He went on to study Classics with an Exhibition at Christ Church College, Oxford, followed by a BA in Mods and PPE. He was a tutor and taught maths in Ghana via VSO, before returning to Edinburgh to teach at Daniel Stewart’s. He then worked for the British Council in the UK and internationally.

Arthur was the son of The Very Rev Dr W R Sanderson (GL 1921–1926), older brother to Cecil R Sanderson (Gl 1959–1964) and Ron E Sanderson (Gl 1962–1967) and father to Angus W Sanderson (JS-Mo 1979–1986) and Emma K Rochard (SH 1986–1988) (née Sanderson). Angus provided the following reflections on Arthur’s life. After Fettes and Oxford, Arthur started his newly married life with Issy teaching as VSOs in Ghana. (Mum and Dad had met working as student volunteers in a UN workcamp in Austria.) A short spell in teaching at Daniel Stewart’s (now Stewart’s Melville College) was followed by a career with The British Council, and finally The Crown Agents, and saw him living and working in Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, India, The Baltic States and Mozambique, with brief stints in the UK in between. He was awarded an MBE in 1986 by the late Queen for his humanitarian work and services to The British Council.

Dad recorded a number of recollections of his time at Fettes. Notable academic memories included being taught Latin by Freddie MacDonald (Staff 1925–1962) (Deceased), German by Dick Cole-Hamilton (Staff 1938–1991) (Deceased), Maths by Sydney Brewer (Staff 1949–1992) (Deceased) and tutored in Classics by a young Robert Philp (Staff 1959–1996), who went on to become a lifelong friend. Although mostly in Glencorse (Housemaster Tom GoldieScot (Staff 1959–1996)), he spent a term as a House Prefect in Inverleith House where Housemaster “Ronnie Guild (Staff 1950–1981) (Deceased) famously staged a fire practice by filling a metal container with paper and rubber waste and setting light to it in the hall of no.98. Black smoke soared up quickly penetrating the bedrooms, and to our satisfaction it wasn’t long before the first boy burst forth shouting Fire! Fire! Mission accomplished.”

Other fond memories included: playing the violin and becoming leader of the School Orchestra; singing in the Chapel Choir; and, with John King (CW 1958–1962) (Deceased), beating a team from Hutcheson’s Academy to win the Scottish final of the English-Speaking Union’s debating competition. Less successfully, Dad recalled failing to gain control of the Glencorse CCF Platoon as Corporal in charge with the eventual result that most of them failed their “Part 1” test! On the bright side, “three cadet camps led by the RAF mountain rescue team from Kinloss, learning to abseil, carry stretchers, use an ice-axe and above all, how to navigate and pace oneself in rough country and bad weather” gave him mountaineering skills that he was able to put to good use for the rest of his life.

The last few years of Dad’s life were an increasingly difficult struggle against the advances of Parkinson’s disease, however he retained his lifelong love of Classics that had developed while at Fettes and he was still leading U3A classes on Horace and his Odes right until the last year of his life.

THOMAS (CRAIG) F MATTHEW (MO 1958–1962)

Thomas (Craig) F Matthew passed away on 20th October 2023 aged 79.

Craig followed his two older brothers to Fettes, T Murdo Matthew (Mo 1953–1958) (Deceased) and Grant W Matthew (Mo 1955–1960). Whilst at Fettes Thomas was a House Prefect.

MELVILLE DOUGLAS (DOUGIE) KING (MO 1958–1962)

Melville Douglas (Dougie) King (known as Dougie) passed away on 29th December 2023, aged 79.

After Fettes Dougie went to the University of Aberdeen to study Geography. He became a Schoolmaster in Edinburgh.

JOHN DUART MACRAE OF KERGORD (CW 1958–1963)

John Duart MacRae of Kergord passed away on 7th April 2024, aged 79.

The Shetland Times noted that John died peacefully at home. He is survived by his daughters Jenny and Helen and his son Alexander with six grandchildren between them.

At Fettes John was a School Prefect and in the Athletics Team. An excerpt from his eulogy –

On leaving school John embarked on a fascinating

working life and career. He joined Shell Mex and BP Scotland Ltd in Glasgow in 1963, as a Management Trainee. He was an administrator, initially in the financial aspects of the oil industry, then computers and personnel.

He moved from one place to another finding himself in, Hertfordshire, Derbyshire, London, Abu Dhabi, Shetland and Cairo. In 1974 he married Josephine, known as Josie, who, as a very supportive wife, made the best of the constant changing of homes and locations. A favourite of these had been the historic Kergord House, a forested estate in Shetland with a rich history. Josie, John and the local community restored the house and gardens to their former glory. After six years of research, he applied to the Court of the Lord Lyon and was granted a matriculation of arms in 1972 and Gazetted by the Lyon Court in 1982 as MacRae of Kergord.

His final position was as Manager Administration with BP Egypt in Cairo, from which he resigned in 1986 to take his chances back in Shetland where a better education would be given to the children.

Sadly, Josie became ill and died a year later at the age of just thirty nine. John cared for his children and turned the Westings Hotel on Shetland into a successful Inn. Once John’s family had grown up and scattered, he retired to Luxor in Upper Egypt enjoying playing backgammon and dominoes in the local cafés. He also became known for Mr John’s Jaunts. Walking visitors beside sugar cane fields to archaeological sites off the tourist’s routes.

In 2010 John returned to Scotland where he lived in Hamilton and latterly to Benderloch amongst the Highlands and Islands.

BRUCE S THOMPSON (MO 1959–1962)

Bruce S Thompson passed away on 5th August 2021, aged 76.

The below information was sourced online.

Latterly Bruce lived in Stockbridge and was Chair of ‘Save Stockbridge’. He spearheaded a campaign against the Accies Development with spirit, energy and determination. Regardless of what side of the debate you were on, you could not fail to be impressed by his determination to fight what he believed to be wrong. He is survived by his partner Eddie.

JOHN (CHARLES) E BROWN (CA 1959–1964)

John (Charles) E Brown passed away on 22nd February 2022, aged 75.

At Fettes Charles was a House Prefect and he was in the Cricket XI. The following was written by Barrie Lloyd (Ki 1953–1958) with the considerable help of Francis Clark (Gl 1966–1969):

Charles was a fine cricketer at Fettes and played in the 1st XI in 1963 and 1964. He featured in a number of match winning innings as an opening batsman “hitting the ball in the middle of the bat better than most from the start.”

After he left Fettes, he immediately devoted himself to becoming a Ski Instructor (both snow and water): he became the Irish Water Ski champion in 1967 and represented Scotland in both Water and Snow Skiing in 1968.

He had an effortless charm and made friends easily. At some stage, he became the Racing Manager to a leading Arab horse racing owner and developed a love for horses.

Francis Clark says that latterly Charles rode out with the hounds.

Charles had a natural talent for all sports to which he turned and, at the age of 40, started to play golf seriously and, as at cricket, was soon hitting the ball in the middle of the club with a single figure handicap. He became a popular member of the Old Fettesian Golfing Society and represented Fettes at the Halford Hewitt: he was a member of the winning Cyril Gray team at Worplesdon in 2007.

Francis says that Charles shot regularly with him and excelled at shooting too.

Charles was outgoing to the last and lived life to the full, Francis reports that at Charles was hailed at his Memorial Service as a “Gentleman through and through, a most kind Gentleman.”

COLIN

N EVANS (CE 1959–1963)

Colin N Evans passed away on 24th April 2023, aged 78.

Colin followed his older brother I Frank Evans (CE 1954–1959) to Fettes. At Fettes Colin was a House Prefect and Captain of Shooting as well as playing in the Chamber Orchestra. He gained a BSc in Electrical Engineering and was in the Royal Navy before working for a boatbuilder in Inverness.

GEOFFREY M BAMFORD (MO 1961–1964)

Geoffrey M Bamford passed away on 13th February 2023, aged 75.

Geoffrey’s older brother Christopher G E Bamford (Mo 1957–1961) had been at Fettes before him. Geoffrey was an English Speaking Union Scholar and received a Governors Prize. He left Fettes with a Scholarship for Modern Studies at Pembroke, Oxford. After Oxford he continued in academia studying at Wesleyan University and then at Pembroke College, Cambridge.

JOHN R GRAY (MO 1961–1964)

John R Gray passed away on 11th July 2023, aged 76.

At Fettes John was a House Prefect and he was in the Athletics Team. John was the eldest of three brothers to come to Fettes, he was joined by T Duncan Gray (Mo 1962–1967) and W Quentin Gray (Mo 1967–1972)

The Scotsman published: John R Gray died peacefully, beloved husband of Denise, dearly loved father of Ben, Shane, David and Amanda and proud pappy to seven grandchildren.

DAVID B SPERRY (KI 1963–1964)

David B Sperry passed away on 28th June 2023, aged 78.

Whilst at Fettes David was a School Prefect and a member of the Basketball Team.

Dallas News published: He graduated from Yale University in 1968 and earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan in 1972.

David knew he wanted to be a doctor from the time he was in high school. He considered working with children and their families a privilege. David held numerous academic positions, hospital appointments, and committee posts.

Some of these positions included: Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Southwestern Medical School in Dallas; Staff Pediatric Neurologist at University Affiliated Center at Dallas; Pediatric Neurologist, Active Staff at Children’s Medical Center and Medical City (both in Dallas); Consulting Pediatric Neurologist at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas and Medical Center of Plano; Vice Chairman, Department of Neurology, Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas; and Director of Ketogenic Diet Clinic, Medical City Hospital, Dallas. David was also a member of the Child Neurology Society, American Academy of Neurology, Texas Medical Association, Dallas County Medical Society and the Texas Neurological Society. In addition to his career and accolades as a doctor, David enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid rower and member of the Dallas Rowing Club. He also enjoyed hiking and mountain climbing. He is survived by his three children, his grandchildren and his brother.

BRIAN S LESLIE (CW 1962–1966)

Brian S Leslie passed away in February 2024, aged 75.

At Fettes Brian was a House Prefect and he was in the Swimming Team. He left Fettes for the Edinburgh College of Art.

ERIC J W HOBDAY (AR 1971–1972)

Eric J W Hobday passed away on 18th July 2022, aged 65.

Eric was in the Judo Club at school. He was the oldest of the three Hobday brothers at Fettes, attending for his final year. His brothers are Neil P Hobday (Ar 1971–1976) and J Rocky Hobday (Ar 1977–1982) (Deceased)

KENNETH M PRIMROSE (AR

1974–1979)

Kenneth (Ken) M Primrose passed away on 2 February 2024, aged 62.

Ken’s three elder brothers had attended Fettes before him – William R Primrose (Gl-Ar 1965–1970), David E Primrose (Ar 1968–1972) and P Bruce Primrose (Ar 1970–1974)

Ken’s wife, Deborah provided us with this tribute.

After Fettes, Ken worked on a placement for a year out at Courtaulds in Coventry, much assisted by a reference from his housemaster. He then read Chemistry at Bristol University followed by an MBA at Manchester Business School. He worked in Management Consultancy and Marketing Professional Services. The majority of his working life was committed to the commercialisation of innovative process control technologies out of Manchester University. Ken was MD and CEO of Industrial Process Tomography and Stream Sensing at the time of his untimely death. Ken held a quiet yet strong Christian faith, celebrated 31 years of marriage with his wife and saw his son Jamie reach 22. Ken was keen on many things; science particularly physics and chemistry, cheese, wine, the board game of Go, Whisky, modern Art, Scottish Rugby, world travel and American Football.

KENNETH W T STEIN (JS-MO 1975–1981)

At Fettes Kenneth was a House Prefect, Captain of the 3rd XV, a member of the 3rd XI Cricket Team, Captain of Swimming, president of the Debating Society, News Editor of Farrago and an active member of the Philosophy Society, the Anthropology Society as well as participating in Photography, Drama and in Sub-Aqua. He went on to study Medicine at the University of Bristol.

A service of Memorial was held for Kenneth W Stein on 23rd February 2024. The following tribute has been provided by his wife, Kristin.

Ken joined Fettes in 1975 and was soon moved up a year as his intelligence was recognised. He became captain of the swimming team, but it was his academic rather than sporting achievements which set him apart. Photography, as an alternative to CCF, became a lifelong hobby.

Ken graduated in medicine from the University of Bristol in 1987 and spent the next few years in Australia and New Zealand. Working in remote outback communities provided interesting and adventurous work, including as a Flying Doctor. Ultimately it led to his interest and future career in public health in which he specialised on his return to the UK.

In 1999, he moved to Exeter to work as a consultant in Public Health Medicine in the local Health Authority, and then Director of Public Health for the Primary Care Trust. He combined his NHS role with academia at the University of Exeter working to set up and direct the Peninsula Technology Assessment Group, PenTAG. He became a full-time academic in 2003 and was given a Chair in Public Health in 2007 in recognition of his research expertise.

Ken was involved in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and development of national policy on the adoption of new treatments through NICE, holding posts as a Member and Vice Chair of an Appraisal Committee for 15 years. He remained an important part of their Scientific Advice Programme following that. Drawing together research findings to shape and inform policy through evidence synthesis was a key part of Ken’s career.

Ken’s involvement in what became the National Institute for Health Research HTA programme began in the 1990s, before NIHR was formally conceived. Colleagues described him as future looking, leading from the front. He was Editor in Chief of the HTA journal where almost all the programme’s commissioned research was shared and available to all.

Ken promoted evidence-based policy change and had an undeniable impact on health service provision both nationally and locally. However, his many friends and family will remember him best for the impact he had on their lives: how he faced adversity and illness with uncompromising honesty; how he supported the careers and personal ambitions of others; his capacity for love and friendship, his loyalty and laughter. Above all, the laughter.

ROBERT (MICHAEL) J KILPATRICK (MO 1975–1980)

Robert (Michael) J Kilpatrick passed away on 13th June 2017, aged 55.

Whilst at Fettes, Robert was a School Prefect, he was President of the Photographic Society and Photo Editor of the Farrago. He was in the 1st XV, the 2nd Cricket XI, the Hockey XI and was in Athletics. He was an Army Cadet in the R.E.M.E. and he participated in Sub-aqua. His brother Alan G Kilpatrick (Mo 1977–1982) also came to Fettes.

JOHN G HENDERSON (MO 1977–1981)

John Henderson died suddenly on 21st January 2023, at his beloved home in Angus, aged 59.

John’s wife, Anna-Karina Henderson (Ar 1982–1984) (née Fairbairn) spoke to several of John’s schoolmates to create the following tribute.

At Fettes John was a House Prefect. He was in the canoeing section and the swimming team, where he was an average swimmer but trained harder than anyone else to become the best at breaststroke in the school. On Founder’s Day in 1981, he was awarded a Hugo Fraser Award for services to the school.

He had a terrific sense of humour, possibly not always appreciated by his housemaster, whom he would interrupt with gifted timing during daily announcements to ask with a fabulously straight face if he believed in UFOs or something equally unconnected to the day’s business and equally absurd.

He was full of mischief, yet kind, never cruel.

In his exams he did not excel but he was driven. He used to make humble comments about going to Fettes because he wasn’t bright enough to go to Rugby like his brothers and father, but perhaps he rather relished the underdog tag, played up to it. He was smart, savvy smart, not academic.

He married Anna-Karina (Ar 1982–1984) (née Fairbairn) in Edinburgh in June 1996. They have two daughters, Lillianna and Natascha, or Gorgeous 1 and Gorgeous 2, as he liked to call them.

John was an extremely astute businessman, setting up Albyn Investments in his early career, which was subsequently bought by Rathbones in 1998. He grew the Rathbones office from nothing to £1.5 billion under management, and in 2010 opened the Rathbones Aberdeen office.

He was also instrumental in helping set up the eponymous roof top restaurant “Oloroso”, which was a huge success, and very innovative for its time.

John was then hired by Close Brothers in 2018. Close Brothers commented at the time “Hiring individuals of the calibre of John is a clear statement of our intent to growing and strengthening our proposition in Scotland; he has a superb track record!”

Amongst John’s many passions was his love for Colmeallie, the estate in the Angus Glens he and Anna bought in 2004. Together they created a wonderful family shoot and latterly one of the best Partridge shoots to be seen in Scotland with birds of great quality. Amongst his other passions were cycling, his wine cellar and training his beloved dogs. A true Country Gent, with the gentlest of hearts and the most extraordinary dress sense – a sort of Mr Bean dressed as 007 although 007 was never seen in leather trousers.

He was a great, great friend to many ex-Fettesians and alumni of the year of 1981. It was a vintage year and he kept in touch regularly. He is sadly missed by us all.

GRAHAM

H W WADDELL (CA 1977–1982)

Graham Waddell passed away on 23rd November 2023, aged 59.

We are grateful to Graham’s brother, Andrew Waddell (Ca 1982–1987) for providing the following tribute.

Graham Herbert Wallace Waddell died suddenly and unexpectedly on 23rd November 2023, having suffered a heart attack. He was aged 59.

Graham attended Fettes from 1977 to 1982. Whilst at the school, he was Head of Carrington House and a School Prefect. He played Full Back in the very strong 1981/82 rugby 1st XV. He was also in the Basketball team 1980-82 (Captain 1982) and enjoyed playing hockey and squash. He loved his time at Fettes, and often regaled his family with stories of school and antics from his time there.

After school, Graham graduated and joined Speirs & Jeffrey Ltd, Glasgow Stockbrokers. His energy and character helped build the firm via a match-winning combination of being very hard working, hugely efficient, fun, passionately client-focussed and distilling advice to be clear and direct. He was a director of the firm for over 20 years, and was the firm’s Chair when it combined into Rathbones in 2018. He continued to work for Rathbones thereafter.

Graham was part of a large, multi-generational Fettes Family. His grandfather was Herbert Waddell (Mo 1915–1921) (Deceased). His father was Alan Waddell (Ca 1946–1951) (Deceased) and his uncles were Robin Waddell (Ca 1945–1950) (Deceased) and Gordon Waddell (Ca 1950–1956) (Deceased). His brother is Andrew Waddell (Ca 1982–1987). Graham is survived by his beloved wife Marji and their children Lachlan (Ki 2008–2013), Kate (PS-CW 2008–2015), Anna (PS-CW 2008–2015) and Duncan (Ca 2021–present). Graham loved watching them flourish at the school and was an incredibly enthusiastic supporter on the touchline. Graham watched Duncan play rugby against Strathallan School on the week that he sadly died. He is greatly missed.

ROGER GREEN (CA 1979–1984)

Roger Green passed away on 1st July 2022, aged 56.

Roger’s good friend Dr Arjuna David Vanniasingham (Ca 1979–1984) provided the following tribute.

Roger rolled up Carrington House driveway on a sunny September afternoon in the early days of Britain’s first female Prime Minister. He was flanked by his lovely parents, the late Col (retd) and Mrs. Green. His lanky frame trailed behind me as we kicked open the swing doors of what was to become ‘home’ for the next five years. Little did we realise then that we would share a study, become good friends and engage daily in fun-filled schoolboy pranks, which I could not possibly repeat in these times of political correctness.

At Fettes, Roger participated in the regular House exercise related activities, like rugby, swimming, running around the school perimeter and the steeplechases through the pond! Naturally, he managed to dodge the majority of these and as his side-kick, I was encouraged to do the same.

Academic pursuits were not his forté, however his knowledge and ear for heavy metal music was unrivalled! Just mention Motörhead, Thin Lizzy, Def Leppard, Judas Priest etc and Roger knew all the singles and would blast them loudly on his fifty watt stereo system.

During the ’80s his parents ran a hunting lodge in northern England. I remember spending several half-terms with them. Colonel Green was a typical aristocratic

ex-British army officer, insisting that dinner was a formal dress up occasion with antique crockery and glasses and naturally a lot of good wine, topped by after dinner brandy. This was in summer followed by a long country walk where he would tell us fascinating stories of his time in Burma (now Myanmar) during the second world war.

Roger had an immense passion for salmon fishing. On several occasions, when I was already in medical school and came to visit, he would catch a salmon to poach for dinner. He absolutely loved to brag about wading in the strong currents and casting the rod. This came to an abrupt end when the newspaper wrapped fish included a receipt from the local supermarket firmly adherent to its belly.

As time went on, Roger found his passion in computer graphics and used his artistic skills to great use, albeit listening to the classical tones of Ludovico Einaudi. He moved to Edinburgh, met Debbie, got married and became a proud father at the age of fifty to Rosemary.

Roger suffered from a heart problem during the last few months of his life. He underwent a procedure but developed fatal complications in July 2022. Upon hearing of his passing, tears welled in my eyes. So many of us from the class of ’84 have passed on. And although, there is sadness, there is always joy when we ponder the great memories which we have shared.

NAWAF

A

A AL OBAIDLY

(MO 1993–1997)

Nawaf A A Al Obaidly passed away on 1st December 2022, aged 45.

At Fettes Nawaf was Head of House and in the Tennis VI, he was also Colour Seargeant in the RAF Section of the CCF.

LOUISE MILLER (NÉE CHAWLA) (CE 1985–1989)

Louise Miller passed away in October 2023, aged 52.

Louise followed her brother Simon Chawla (Ki 1984–1986) to Fettes. She was a House Prefect she was in the Concert Choir and the Army Section of the CCF. She also achieved her Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

NICHOLAS (NICK) D R FERGUSON (INV-KI 1989–1995)

Nicholas (Nick) D R Ferguson passed away in October 2023, aged 46.

At Fettes Nick was Head of House, and School Prefect. He was in the 1st XV and the Athletics Team. He played an active part in the Paramecium, the Film Society, the Political Society, the European Society, he was in the RAF Section of the CCF and Editor of the Fettesian. After Fettes he studied Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He had a distinguished career in the computer games industry, working for videogame giants like Electronic Arts and Xbox. Nick led the development of some of the games industry’s biggest franchises, including FIFA, Tomb Raider, Need For Speed, Kinect Sports and Gears of War. He also worked on gaming-related business development for Amazon in the EU, working with Appstore, Twitch and AWS to help game developers make bigger and better games. Nick leaves his wife Kate Ferguson (née Barnes) (Ar 1993–1995), their two daughters, Tabitha and Beatrice, and his younger brother Chris Ferguson (JS-Ki 1990–1996)

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/FettesianTrust2023

The Fettesian Trust

Summarised Accounts (extracted from the full Report & Accounts as at 5th April 2023)

Statement of Financial Activities

ended 5 April 2023

Balance Sheet

In the accounts, the heading ‘Unrestricted Funds’ refers to the General Fund and ‘Restricted Funds’ refers to the

OFA OFFICE BEARERS

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)

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: 8th October 2024 Time: 12noon (UK) To sign up to join us, please visit bit.ly/OFAAGM2024

The agenda and joining instructions with the link 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

THE FETTESIAN TRUST

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 (née Bowie), Secretary (JS-CE 1984–1990)

*Ex-officio Trustees (OFA)

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For information about life at Fettes College, please visit fettes.com

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