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I SSUE NO 25 S PRING 2014

Quadrangle
GEORGE HERIOTS SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT

NEWSLETTER

Mr Gareth Doodes MA - Principal

M

r Gareth Doodes, M.A., took up his position as Principal on 3

January, and, by way of introduction, we conducted the following
interview:-

Where did you go to school and what did you enjoy most about your
school days?
I was a pupil at St. Andrews Prep School and then Eastbourne College,
primarily due to the sacrifices my parents made and the support of my senior
school. I recognised that I was lucky to be there, and enjoyed my school
days immensely. I was academically ambitious, passionate about music,
enjoyed drama, and played a lot of sport.
During the holidays, my parents would put
a tent in the back of the car and wed
explore France and other countries, so
despite my relatively humble background
Ive been given cultural, travel and
educational opportunities that were
beyond the reach of others, primarily due
to the extraordinary love of my family, and
to the generosity of benefactors who
made my scholarship at Eastbourne
possible.
You studied History at the University of
St Andrews. Have you always had a
passion for History, and what was the
attraction of St Andrews?
I never read novels, but always read
history. I remember being fascinated with
the past, with the events that formed our
society, but above all with people. My
historical studies at University were far
reaching, but I have latterly developed a
deep interest in American political history,
which augments a love of the Renaissance
and the machinations of 19th century
politics. St. Andrews was the perfect
University for me a mix of tradition and
modernity, with superb teaching and a worldwide reputation for excellence.
A strapline that could also be used for Heriots!
When teaching, what do you find most rewarding in that role?
However many times it happens, witnessing a personal epiphany when a
child understands something for the first time is always a joy. I enjoy giving
outlines of historical knowledge to younger pupils, alongside the depth of
debate and discussion that sixth form pupils can catalyse. The great thing
about history, however, is that I can teach my pupils to look at evidence and
then make judgements on people. The benefit of this is that the historical
figures can rarely answer back!
At your last school, what was your greatest achievement?
I enjoyed running a smaller school, but my greatest achievement was the
building of two new boarding houses and the introduction of co-education:
indeed, I believe that all schools should be co-ed. It was the managerial
and strategic opportunities that I encountered at Milton Abbey which gave
me the inspiration to work at Heriots, where I have the privilege to work for
many more pupils and staff within a larger institution.

What was it that attracted you to the post of Principal at Heriots?

Heriots has an inspirational charitable vision which adheres to the ideas
which George Heriot had in the 1600s, and its commitment to this was
incredibly important in my thinking. Private education is being lambasted
at all levels at the present time, but Heriots demonstrates that charity is
central to our educational vision. I was also very much taken by the pupils,
and the Heads of School who showed me round on my interview day were
simply superb in their warmth of welcome, generosity of spirit and positivity.
All in all, I saw in Heriots a brilliant school that is highly successful, with
great potential for further development in
all areas to cement ourselves even more
strongly as the leading independent
school in Scotland and, indeed, beyond.
How have you found your first few
weeks at the school?
It has been busy. I have been asking lots
of questions, enjoying the company of
my new colleagues, meeting lots of
people, and trying to get under the skin
of this large and exciting organisation.
Ive not been daunted, however. I
particularly enjoyed speaking to all the
pupils and staff over my first few days in
post: I wanted to let them know who I
was, where Id come from, and why I
want everyone to be involved in our
onward journey as we continue to
ensure that Heriots is a school of
excellence in all areas.
Heriots has a rich history, and many
former pupils have their own school
day memories. As a Historian you
must be interested to meet them?
Ive been privileged enough to have met
many FPs already, but I want to meet more to hear of their individual
stories, and to utilise their amazing corporate knowledge of the school
throughout the last century to ensure that any plans I put into place are
forward looking whilst rooted in history. Im looking forward to travelling
worldwide to meet FPs, and ensure that they feel fully part of our school
community through activities, events and regular communication.
As you learn about Heriots past, what are your visions for Heriots future?
Im going to be consulting parents, pupils and staff on the school at the
start of the summer term during this present session, and then formulating
responses and feedback into the makings of a development and strategic
plan. So, in short, I would say: watch this space! However, Im committed
to developing the Alumni element of the Heriots community, to ensure that
our academic provision is the very best, to support fully sport and the arts,
and to look at our impressive site to work out what our building priorities
should be over the coming years. Its an exciting time, and Im looking
forward to discussing and sharing ideas with as many FPs as possible.

P RO U D O F O U R PA S T, F O C U S E D O N O U R F U T U R E

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School Captains
2013-14

ELIZABETH WELLS

hen youre seventeen years old and realise that youve spent
fourteen of them in one place, time is really put into
perspective. It should feel as if I have been at Heriots for a
long time, but if Im honest, the time has just flown by. I believe this is
because it has never been a chore for me to get up in the morning and
come to school: Heriots has always been a friendly, happy and cheerful
place that I look forward to coming to every day. Now, having reached
sixth year, I know my days of school life are numbered and that the world
beyond looms ever closer; naturally, I am excited for the next chapter, but
coming to the end of this one has allowed me to look back on just how
much the school and the people within it have meant to me.

FRANCIS KERRIGAN
dont know if its just a coincidence, but the last six years of my life
have been the happiest I remember. The things that make the present
so enjoyable can be traced pretty directly back to Heriots: my
friends, and the activities I do with them. Meanwhile, I face the future with
few fears, and a great deal of hope.

The hopefulness with which I greet university and, well, life is not a result
of any academic excellence; in fact, I see its cause as being the belief my
teachers have had in me. It would, without doubt, have been much easier
and less apocalyptically dull for many of the schools staff to simply have
given up on me: after just two chemistry lessons it became clear that the
extent of my ability in the subject
was in distinguishing between
boiling water and the same
substance colder; whilst in
Home Economics the products
of my cooking attempts posed
a serious biological threat to all
life within a three mile radius.
However, in everything Ive
attempted at Heriots, I have
been spurred on by the
knowledge that, no matter how
unpromising my progress,
those teaching me have had
faith that I can achieve what I
want, and that I am worth their
time and perseverance.

Having eaten in the refectory for many years, I was always aware of the
Captains Board, and I used to wonder what it would be like if my name
was on it as School Captain. Well I am no longer wondering and I can
say, beyond doubt, that the rewards go far beyond just having your name
on The Board. Since speaking at
Junior School Assembly at the start of
the year, the little P5 who has taken my
bus for years, but with whom I had
never spoken, one day found the
courage to talk to me; now, whenever
I see her, I can be sure of a friendly
wave, smile, or if there is a spare seat
on the bus, a cheerful and lively
conversation. Being able to work more
closely with the younger pupils and
helping to reinforce that all-important
link between Junior and Senior school
which is crucial to creating the great
sense of community at Heriots is, for
me, one of the greatest rewards of
being Captain.
I hope, in my service to the school, that
I can repay it for some of the wonderful
things it has given me principally for
the numerous opportunities it has
made available, for which I will be
eternally grateful. I think that without
these, I wouldnt have done, or be doing, half the things I do today. For
example, but for the endless enthusiasm and support of the music
department, I doubt I would want to study music at university with the aim
of becoming a music teacher myself. Without certain members of P.E. staff
willing to freeze at Goldenacre as they coached the 1st XI hockey team, I
doubt I would have played for the East of Scotland U18 team. If, at pupil
council we had not been offered the chance to run a focus group, I would
have never got involved with the Rights Respecting Schools initiative and
gone on to help the school achieve Level 1 in the award.

The achievements Ive been

lucky enough to have been
involved in at school have been
despite my own abilities rather
than because of them. It was, for
example, Mr Wyllies belief that I should do debating precisely because
I found it unfamiliar and difficult that led to my inclusion in the Scottish
national team, and every opportunity that this has opened up.
This above and beyond the call of duty attitude is one that I have, in my
role as School Captain, tried to emulate. Gone are the days of my
rebellious youth (perhaps) and in my last year of school, I am trying to
make up for lost time, desperately holding every available door open for
everyone (even if this practice occasionally compromises my punctuality),
and being nice to Primary 1. I havent forgotten how much the older pupils
used to influence me, and how seriously they took the responsibility that
came with being a role model in this way. Foolish as it may be to regard
me as any kind of role model, I realise that I inherited a set of values from
the older kids, and that it is up to me and the rest of the sixth year to reflect
these and pass them on. Ill never be able to thank the school enough for
what it has done for me, but thats the really great thing about everyone
here: they dont want to be thanked. Just as long as were happy, thats
enough.

From human rights to hockey sticks to hemidemisemiquavers, the

diversity of everything offered at Heriots is incredible; this, coupled with
the support shown by all the staff to produce fantastic exam results, is
what helps Heriots to create well-rounded, balanced and caring
individuals who leave school with the confidence to take on any further
challenges thrown at them. I myself will shortly leave Lauriston Place for
the big bad world, but I feel I will never truly leave Heriots; it is a part
of who I am and Im sure that in another fourteen years I will be as proud
to be a Herioter as I am now.
2

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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

ou have been keeping the Development Office busy, and all in a
very good cause. We have been busy allocating the funds raised
from last years Annual Fund, topped up with generous contributions
from the Parents Association and Thrift Shop. So many different projects
have been funded that we dont have room to mention them all in our
summary report. Please do look through the detailed report on our website
you really have helped us to make a difference in a wide variety of areas.
And, importantly, you continue to support our Foundation and Bursaries for

update

which we are very grateful. Margaret has been busy organising various
reunions which are increasingly popular and successful, and collecting
together the articles submitted by so many of you for this edition of
Quadrangle. I hope that you enjoy reading about the achievements and
memories of so many Herioters. Thank you for keeping us busy!

JENNIFER ALEXANDER,
Business Director

Heriots

Centre for Sport

and Exercise
or the past year, Heriots Centre for Sport
& Exercise (HCSE) has been opened to
the Heriots community and wider public
outwith school hours. Our excellent facilities have
been used by different Sports Clubs for hockey,
netball, cricket, rugby (including the FP Junior
Section) and ultimate Frisbee practice! There are
classes like Adult Ballet with Lyn Fitzsimons, Yoga
with Katie Rutherford, and Zumba with Frances
Bavin. Groups of individuals use the centre for
badminton, and football, and we have even
hosted a few sport-themed birthday parties.

We are open to all, children and adults for

example, groups of friends or colleagues who
want a game of football after work, or
clubs/organisations needing a space for their
practices.
Summer Sport Camps, organised by Oscars,
will be held in the Sports Centre in July and
August 2014.

Adult Ballet Class

Badminton session played by local company

THE SPORTS CENTRE FACILITIES ARE:

Sports Hall, Dance Studio, Fitness Suite and
Supporting Facilities.
They are all available to hire, offering flexible
options in a very central Edinburgh location.
For further details please visit our website
www.george-heriots.com/sports-centre, or
check out our Facebook page: Heriots Centre
for Sport & Exercise Ltd
Heriots Centre for Sport & Exercise Ltd
Entrance via Grassmarket, Hunters Close
Sports Centre Manager: Miss Zane Sestule
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0131 221 6720

Personal Training Instruction

All set up for the birthday party

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Annual Fund 2012-13 Report

THE TENTH YEAR OF THE
SCHOOLS ANNUAL FUND CLOSED

FUND
Bursaries

ON 31 JULY 2013 WITH A TOTAL OF

77,451.80

HAVING BEEN

RAISED TO BENEFIT THE THREE

28%
General

48%

36,928.30

CATEGORIES. OUR THANKS TO

24%

EACH OF OUR 269 DONORS FOR

THEIR SUPPORT, WHICH IS VERY

Total

MUCH APPRECIATED.

77,451.80

21,702.02

Bursaries

The Foundation

18,821.48

HIGHLAND DANCING EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUB

With your support, our Bursary Fund continues to be considerably

enhanced, allowing us to assist with the education of a number of pupils
who otherwise would not be able to come to Heriots, or who might otherwise
have to leave due to a change in family circumstances. It is always vital to
us that we are in a position to provide as much support as possible, but
particularly in the current economic climate. During Session 2012-13, 88
pupils were supported by Heriot Bursarial aid.

On behalf of our Highland

Dancers I would like to thank all
donors to the Annual Fund for
their latest donation. I was able
to have 10 National outfits hand
made for the senior girls of the
Club. The plaids have been
made using the Dress version
of the schools Mackenzie tartan.
The outfits will be worn at
displays in school as well as by
dancers representing the school
at outside competitions and
displays.

The Foundation
The education of the children of widows and widower is at the heart of the
Trust and in Session 2012-13, 74 children were educated within the School
under the Foundation. Donations to the Foundation are much appreciated
and have provided extra assistance to Foundationers, so that we can
continue George Heriots wish to educate fatherless bairns.

JANE MORTIMER,
Highland Dance Instructor

General
QUIZ CLUB

We are most grateful to all the donors who have given to the General
category of the Annual Fund. Thanks must also go to the Parents
Association and the Uniform Thrift Shop, who together raise considerable
sums throughout the year which are added to the General Fund. Over the
years this has allowed many areas of the School, and most of our pupils,
to benefit from your generosity. The following are the areas that have
received funds from this years donations, and sincere thanks are given by
members of staff and pupils:

JUNIOR SCHOOL PUPIL COUNCIL

The children of the Junior School are very grateful to the Annual Fund for
the recent purchase of goal posts for the playground. This had been
requested by pupils, via the Junior School Pupil Council, and the pupils are
delighted that their request was granted.

They encourage football teams to play in one area of the playground.

Emma Gribbon

The Schools quizzers are delighted with the new buzzers bought with a
kind donation from the Annual Fund. The buzzers will enable us to train for
external events and also run the inter-house quiz competitions for all year
groups. When the old electronic system failed us it became really hard to
compete since we couldnt fairly work out who was answering first (our own
buzzer sounds werent entirely convincing and many arguments ensued!).
We are absolutely delighted with the new set and would like to thank the
Annual Fund for restoring peace to Quiz Club, giving us a fighting chance
in external competitions, and enabling the inter-house quizzes to begin for
this academic session.

The football goals are great! They make break time much better. We dont
need to dirty our blazers either to make goals. Mack Valentine

VIKRAM SHIVAKUMAR, ELLIOTT ANDERSON, ANDREW MACKENZIE

and EHSAN KHAN

The following comments are from the pupils:

It is now much easier for two teams to play together and the goal posts
prevent goal line discrepancies which can disrupt the flow of the game.
Harry Leask and Andrew McCall
The goals are very mobile, hassle free and easy to use. Xander McMillan

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITY TRIPS

On behalf of all pupils who take part in the many school organised outdoor
activities and the staff who run them, I would like to thank the donors to the
Annual Fund whose generosity has allowed us to purchase a camera. This
camera is not just any camera! It can take pictures underwater, cope with
Arctic temperatures, and will even survive being dropped onto rocky ground
(an excellent feature as it will often find itself in the gloved hands of pupils).
It will allow us to photograph and film, in HD, our pupils enjoying the
multitude of adrenalin seeking activities they take part in. Please watch out
for some (hopefully) spectacular photos of our pupils skiing, diving,
coasteering, rock climbing, kayaking

old S6 office) but the empty space was not at all attractive! Having decided
that something had to be done, we invited Mr Hector down for a coffee in
the S6 caf and showed him our vision with pictures, a plan, and pricing.
With his encouragement we then requested the funds. We have now
repainted the space, bought beanbags, a leather sofa, lamps, cushions,
and pieces of storage furniture. This has led to more a more sociable
atmosphere where we are able to relax and enjoy each others company in
the main space or where we can join our friends for gaming in the new
room. We are very grateful to the Annual Fund for allowing us to see through
our plans and for improving this facility for the year group.

PAMELA HART, Mathematics Teacher

OLIVIA MILNE, Sixth Year

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Parents Association

Over the February break a new soft surface was laid in the Nursery outdoor
space. This is the area where our youngest children play safely throughout
their Nursery day. The children were
delighted to see some of their design
ideas incorporated into the new surface
and the use of a green background has
brightened up the entrance to the
Nursery. The children are thoroughly
enjoying spending time in their new
space and have been using the target
board for literacy and numeracy games
as well as playing on their trikes and
scooters. The Nursery children and
staff wish to thank all of the Annual Fund
donors for their contributions which
made it possible to resurface this key
area of the Nursery.

The Parents Association supports the school in various ways: welcoming

potential families at the Open Morning; offering refreshments at music and
drama events; arranging our annual Ball at Prestonfield; Sports Day; the
Festival Fireworks on the Terrace; the Christmas Fair; and the Tuck & Thrift
shop offering at Goldenacre, to name but a few.
At the School's invitation, some committee members also serve on subgroups
which review specific issues such as uniform, healthy eating, pupil trips,
etc. so, as you can see, fund-raising isnt the main focus of the PA.
The money which the PA and the Thrift shop does raise, however, goes to
the school and, alongside funds raised from the Annual Fund, is used, after
consideration by the school leadership group and in consultation with
parent representatives, to support various school initiatives requested by
teaching staff. This allocation of funds makes a huge difference and is of
benefit to the whole school.
We are pleased that most of these requests can be accommodated with
the support of the PA. However, one request received this year from the
Junior School pupil council, for a padded wall to do hand-stands against
was declined, even though I, personally, thought it was a splendid idea!

LESLEY REID, Depute: Early Years

JUNIOR SCHOOL MORNING MOVEMENT GROUP

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and members of the
PA Committee for all their enthusiasm and hard work in supporting and
running PA events. It is very much appreciated.

The Wakey Wakey group (Morning Movement Group) is organised for years
P1, P2 and P3 (Mr Thain/ Mrs Harrod) and P4-P7 (Mr Stevenson). The
activities take place during registration. Pupils who are involved are often
those for whom co-ordination and laterality is still at the developing stage.
The activities in the group are devised to help with these areas and are
similar to Brain Gym. Any child can benefit. The pupils usually participate
in sessions over 8 weeks.

JANE PAUL, Chair, Parents Association Committee

George Heriots Uniform Thrift Shop

George Heriots Uniform Thrift Shop has enjoyed another successful year
fundraising for the schools Annual Fund, and also provided a welcome
service to all parents and children in the Heriots family.

This year the location for the groups (GP Space) has had to change to allow
the Pipe Band to use this area. As expected, departments and staff could
not have been more accommodating in helping us to find new areas (Small
Gym and Dance Studio), but the move away from the Early Years PE
cupboard did result in us leaving behind essential equipment.

Opening in the Goldenacre cricket pavilion every Saturday morning that

games is on, we continue to sell an almost complete range of nearly-new
school uniform, sportswear, and sports equipment. Run by a dedicated
team of 35 or so volunteer parents - including three doughty dads we sort
and price the incoming stock and help customers find the best size and
quality items theyre looking for. Recent innovations in the shop have
included half-price on all footwear, and our new child mannequins - George
and Hettie. Our small management committee was delighted to be able to
contribute 15,000 to the Annual Fund to help towards the cost of a wide
range of items for extra-curricular clubs and sports teams. With very many
thanks to all our volunteers and customers we look forward to another year
of prosperous trading!

Fortunately, the group received an allocation of money from the Annual

Fund to spend on new resources which has enabled the transition to the
Small Gym and Dance Studio to be very smooth. The equipment bought
included hoops, bean bags, a set of ladders, hurdles and a balance track.
Many thanks to the Annual Fund for the funds allocated.
DAVID THAIN, SHARON HARROD AND RODDY STEVENSON

SIXTH YEAR COMMON ROOM

HILARY PEARCE, Chair, GHS Uniform Thrift Shop Committee

Sixth Year would like to thank the

Annual Fund for its generous donation
towards the improvements in the S6
Common Room. The Common Room
was beginning to show its age it
looked dowdy and there werent
enough seats to accommodate the
numbers. In addition we had been
lucky enough to expand in to an
additional room (which had been the

These are just some of the departments to have benefited from

the Annual Fund. The full Report can be seen on the school
website which includes reports from the following departments
and clubs who also received funds:
Art & Design, Biology, Classics Extracurricular Activity, Design &
Technology, Drama, PE, Pipe Band, Rowing Club, Senior School
Eco-Club, Senior School Pupil Council.

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James R Crichton 1920-2013

Jimmy continued to support
Heriots all his life, and was
President of the Heriot Club
and Secretary and VicePresident of the FP Rugby
Club. He was also extremely
proud to serve as a school
Governor from 1987 to 1996.

long association with Heriots

passed with the death of Jimmy
Crichton. Jimmy joined Heriots
in 1928 at the age of eight. At school
he excelled at rugby, cricket, swimming
and athletics, and was appointed
Vice-Captain of the school under the
Captain, Ian Cochrane, who was to
become a lifelong friend.

A life member at Bruntsfield

Golf Club and a regular
spectator at Goldenacre, he
spent his final years
in Cluny Lodge Nursing
Home until his death of 13th
August 2013.

On leaving school Jimmy studied at

Edinburgh University from where he
graduated in 1941 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He immediately joined
the RAF, eventually rising to the rank of Squadron Leader. Based initially in
Orkney constructing airfields, he was also stationed in the Baltic at
Travemnde, and at the Air Ministry in London.

IAIN CRICHTON, Nephew

Class of 66

After the war he joined the North of Scotland Hydro Board where he spent
all his working life involved with the construction and operation of many
dams and other hydro-electric power projects in the Highlands, until his
retirement in 1984.
The younger brother of William Palmy Crichton, another Heriots stalwart,
he married Grace in 1958 and had two daughters, Linda and Alison, who
were both educated at Watsons.

HERIOTS PLANS TO MARK THE CENTENARY OF

World War One

working party of pupils and staff in the senior school has been
formed to look at ways in which Heriots will mark the forthcoming
centenary of World War One. One of the ideas is to have an
exhibition of objects, letters, school memorabilia or items of historical
significance from both WW1 itself and the era of 1914-18. The schools Roll
of Honour also gives us a chance to research the lives of pupils and staff
who served in WW1, and to share their stories with the school community.

We are grateful to Fraser Simm, the School Archivist, for assisting with this
work and bringing significant expertise and knowledge to our planning. We
would be very glad to hear from members of the Heriots community who
might have items for inclusion in the exhibition (which we plan to have during
session 2014-15), or other information which could be of use. Please do
get in touch either with Fraser Simm: [email protected] or
Gemma Hay (Principal Teacher of Citizenship, Enterprise and International
Education): [email protected]

George Heriots School War Memorial

ADVANCE NOTICE

PRESSURE

JUNE 1944

ne mans decision was about to change the course of history and that man was a former member of
staff of George Heriots School

As James Stagg, he had been a teacher of Maths and Science at Heriots from 1921 to 1923; as Group
Captain Stagg in the Air Ministry he had the heavy responsibility of advising General Eisenhower on when to send his
troops across the Channel to invade France.
Staggs dilemma in making the most important weather forecast in the history of warfare will be staged in the World
Premiere of a new play, Pressure, at the Lyceum Theatre from 1st to 24th May. Not to be missed!

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From the Archives

Unravelling the Scougalls

a mystery of the painter of George Heriot (cont.)
n the previous issue of Quadrangle, I connected the donation of a
mezzotint of George Heriot to the original by Scougall which hangs
in the Council Room of the School. This painting has a plaque with the
name of G Scougall on it; another reference in the National Portrait Gallery
refers to the Esplens mezzotint as being after David Scougall, so the
provenance of the well-known painting
has a mystery about it. This article seeks
to resolve that mystery

from his employers, but he gave for answer, that they might seek others, well
knowing that none was to be found at the time in Scotland. He received
commissions from the Merchant House in Glasgow in 1715, and later from
Hutchesons Hospital, to paint a portrait of Thomas Hutcheson, their
Founder. Comments such as the wretched quality of his work crop up,
and it is difficult to associate them with the
Council Room painting which seems to
capture the austere yet beneficial
character of George Heriot.

Although, in 1908, James Caw, a former

Director of the National Galleries of
Scotland referred to the tradition that
there were two painters of the name
[Scougall], usually distinguished as
elder and younger, the Scougall family
actually consisted of three recognised
painters: David, John and George. By
looking at these in turn, I hope to be able
to resolve the question of the artist of the
Council Room painting.

So this brings us to John Scougall.

Benezits Dictionary of Artists quote him as
living from about 1645 to 1730 and says
that he is traditionally alleged to have been
the favourite painter of James VI which
cannot be, as the king died in 1625! John
was said to be either the nephew or son of
David Scougall and thereby provides the
link between the three Scougalls. He is
supposed to have been born in Leith, and
lived at Advocates Close, where one of the
David Scougall was said to be the
floors of his house was fitted up as a picture
foremost Scottish portrait painter of the
gallery. It was said that John was not the
17th century. One of his first commissions
equal of David, but when the latter died
was to paint Archibald Campbell, Marquis
around 1680 he still carried the mantle of
of Argyll, the man who crowned Charles II
being the best portrait painter resident on
king at Scone. Argyll held a dominant role
Scotland. His early work shows the
in Scottish politics until, in May 1661, he
influence of David Scougall, with whom he
died on the scaffold, by order of the king.
almost certainly trained; the sitters are said
Scougalls portrait, which neither flatters
to be admirably individualised, and the
Portrait of the Founder George Heriot
his appearance nor underestimates his
colour, if it is not rich, is pleasant, and the
intelligence, is unlikely to be posthumous. This portrait is not signed, but
pigment has been used thinly and clearly with a good deal of medium.
was first recorded in an inventory of c.1720 with an attribution to David
Portraits in his name date from 1675, including William Aikman (Clerk of the
Scougall. Argylls daughter, Jean, was also painted by David Scougall and
Faculty of Advocates), John Birnie of Broomhill, and royal portraits of King
hers is the only portrait of his to survive which is signed. It is dated 1654,
William, Queen Mary and Queen Anne in the last decade of the 17th century.
earlier than any other portrait attributed to him. With these two paintings as
So the timescale is exactly right for the 1698 commission.
a yardstick, and others attributed to him by documentary evidence, we have
It is my contention that the painter of the portrait in the Council Room was
a group of paintings which date from the mid-1650s to the late-1670s. His
John Scougall: the timeline and the apparent qualities of the three painters
paintings have, to my mind, a quirky style, which brings out the
seem to point in this direction. I invited Kate Gillespie, Senior Curator at the
peculiarities of the sitter, as well as penetrating their inner character. The
National Galleries of Scotland to take a look at the painting, and her
attributed paintings cease in the 1670s, and he is said to have died around
considered view matched my conclusion. She also commented that
1680. It seems clear, therefore, that he could not have been the painter
plaques were often added to paintings much later, so that the reference to
commissioned by the Treasurer in 1698 to paint the Founder.
G Scougall may not be relied upon, which seems to settle the matter.
If not, David, then what about George Scougall whose name is referred
The donation of the Esplens mezzotint has opened a most interesting door
to on the plaque attached to the painting? George Scougall was the son of
on the past and has thrown an unexpected light on one of the most important
John Scougall, and was known as the younger Scougall. Writing in the
images in the Schools history.
Weekly Magazine in 1722, Sir George Chalmers wrote that George Scougall
was greatly inferior to his father he has an incorrect, stiff manner, void
FRASER SIMM
of expression. Apparently, his casualness occasioned many complaints
Archivist
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1988
1988

Past Reunions

25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION FOR THE CLASS OF

Saturday 26 October 2013

inspire you, and you never know, you may amaze and inspire them too.
Just remember though while Glenn Medeiros may be our fault, how are
you going to explain Jive Bunny?

1988 brought us top 10 hits which included Mistletoe and Wine by Cliff
Richard, Lets all chant by Pat n Mick, and a No.1 for Glenn Medeiros
with Nothings gonna change my love for you so before renewing our
acquaintance after 25 years, there was a collective bond of shame
hanging over the heads of the Class of 88 as we gathered for our reunion
in October. Just how had we allowed this to happen?

CHRIS MIDDLETON

The word reunion always engenders excitement in some, trepidation in

others and cool indifference in the rest. In the event, some couldnt make
it, some didnt want to, some would but couldnt, and some got lost in
the bushes on the way to it (or was that afterwards?). Those that did make
the trip, however, can only recommend it to others.
While the Y jumpers, stay pressed, and ra-ra skirts might have been
missing from the old days, the characters remained and indeed had
developed both significantly and positively in the intervening years. Quiet,
shy, retiring types had grown into their skins and held conversations
confidently among their peers. Sporting types walked with limps and
carried scars, and were invariably first to the bar. Clever types were talking
with former teachers about their work in the NHS and Academia. Good
looking types remained just that (the swine!) but were now joined by
others who had blossomed in their adulthood. And the
skateboarding/BMX types still eyed up with eager anticipation the steps
from the terrace where they had once turned a grind or two.
The gathering brought no showing off, no grand-standing, no age-old
gripes requiring retribution; only positive conversation, genuine interest
in one another, and mutual respect among a year-group of whom many
had neither seen nor heard much about each other in all that time. There
was great humour but also sadness at the four friends no longer with us
whove been taken by illness and accident. This is something every year
group has had to face, and will face, in the future; and it serves as an
unfortunate reminder to us all that we should make the most of our
friendships while we can.
The thing the school and this year group can be most proud of is the
diverse input Herioters are making to society now. It may sound twee,
and probably differs little from the previous years or those still to come,
but the scope of positive contribution to their environment by this group
left us all feeling proud to be part of it. It is a tribute to the school and the
teaching (despite no doubt despairing at our efforts sometimes) that they
have turned out this group who are flying, curing, investigating, selling,
teaching, caring, inventing, and writing a continuing chapter in Heriots
history.
The simple words of advice to our friends from 89 and onwards are, if
you are in doubt dont be! Your friends from school will amaze and

2013

Tuesday 17 December

On Tuesday 17 December we were delighted to welcome back over

80 of our recent leavers to school for a Drinks Reception. There was
a good atmosphere throughout the evening, and members of staff
and former pupils enjoyed catching up with each other and hearing
the news.

CLASS OF

RECEPTION

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Forthcoming Reunions
50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION
FIFTH AND SIXTH YEAR IN

Friday 30 May
The Development Office has contacted those
who were in Fifth and Sixth Year in 1963-64 for
the forthcoming 50th Anniversary Reunion. If
you are in the Fifth Year group but did not leave
until the following year, you are welcome to
attend both this reunion, and the 2015 reunion,
should you wish. Likewise, if you are in the Fifth
or Sixth Year group and came last year, we
would be delighted to see you again! Our view
is that all are welcome and you should feel free
to take the opportunity to catch up with as many
friends as you would like.

Part of the success of these events is down to

valuable help from FPs in gathering names and
addresses for their classmates. We are seeking
help and would ask everyone to spread the
word. If you know of someone not receiving
Quadrangle, and therefore not on our mailing
list to receive news of the Reunion, please
contact us with their details. Letters of invitation
were sent out in mid-March. We would like to
welcome as many of the year group as possible
back to the school in May.

1963-64
RUGBY FIRST XV 1963-64
BACK ROW:
Mr Hunter, P Ritchie, P Williams, D Myddleton, R Couche,
B Williams, K Cameron, J Jones, D Bruce, A White

FRONT ROW:
D Dow, C Malcolm, M Wyllie, A Welton, J Ellis, R Hamilton, W Fiddes SITTING: D Lee, D Roberts

Saturday 25 October

25TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

1989

The 25th Anniversary Reunion is growing in popularity as a very

informal and relaxed get-together which is enjoyed by all, starting
with a tour of parts of the School to break the ice and bring school
memories flooding back. A Drinks Reception is followed by a
buffet dinner, with plenty of time to catch up with classmates and
former members of staff.
The Development Office is beginning work to find members of
the Class of 89 for their 25th Anniversary Reunion as we are
missing addresses for a large number of the group. If you know
of someone not receiving Quadrangle, and therefore not on our
mailing list, please contact us with their details. We will be sending
out letters of invitation at the end of the summer, so please get
in touch before then if you can help.
Message from Marisa:
Hi former pupils of the Class of 1989. Marisa Gray here (formerly
Quarta). Margaret in the Development Office kindly asked me to
encourage as many of you to come along as possible to this
event. Please fear not if the years have not treated you too kindly
I have enough laughter lines for our whole year, and the grey
hairs to match!
It would be great if you could encourage anyone you are in contact
with, who may not be on the mailing list, to get in touch. To that
end, you may like to look up and join our Facebook group
imaginatively called, Heriots Class of 89 Reunion Group or
get in touch with me at [email protected]. I look forward
to reminiscing about the halcyon days of yore in October. Ill be
the one with the black crimped hair and way too much eyeliner
skulking in the corner

PREFECTS 1988-89
BACK ROW:
T Mendum, C MacRae, S Kay, R Paterson, S Lessels, H Fowler, J McHaffie
2ND BACK ROW:
P Burns, G Dow, P Carlyle, N Mathie, L OKeefe, D McNeill, K Hogg, R Lees
2ND FRONT ROW:
C Thomson, S Gray, C Mackay, J Ledgerwood, A Procter, J Knox, Y Turner, S Hamilton
FRONT ROW:
I Hamilton, A Paul, P Edwardson, Mr K P Pearson, N Robertson, H Burden, K Hogg
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Heriot Clubs
Daughter Clubs

NOTICE CALLING

THE HERIOT
CLUB

Annual General
Meeting

ABEREEN HERIOT CLUB

Contact: Gilbert MacIntosh, tel: 01224 86801,
email: [email protected]

The Heriot Club Annual General Meeting will

be held on Thursday, 24th April at 7.00pm in
the Schools Council Room. All members of the Heriot Club are
welcome to attend.

BORDERS HERIOT CLUB

Annual General Meeting, Monday 24 March 7pm, The Lodge,
Carfraemill, Lauder
Golf Day, Friday 30 May, Border FP clubs V BHC Golf Competition,
The Hirsel Golf Club, Coldstream at 12 noon

Items for inclusion in the agenda should be received no later than

Monday, 21st April: contact Euan Allan on 07717 537547 or email
[email protected].

60th Annual Dinner, Friday 24 October, 7pm for 7.30pm, The

Lodge, Carfraemill, Lauder
Contact: Hugh Henney, tel: 07818 013124, email:
[email protected]

Annual
Annual
Dinner

LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE HERIOT CLUB

Contact: Stuart Patrick, tel: 0161 427 4282,
email: [email protected]

Dinner

LONDON HERIOT CLUB

Monthly Meetings, second Wednesday of every month, from
6.45pm-8.30pm at the Caledonian Club

OF THE HERIOT CLUB

OF THE HERIOT CLUB

Founders Day Service, Monday 2 June at midday,

St Martin-in-the-Fields. Followed by an informal lunch nearby.

The Annual Dinner will take place on Saturday, 31st May

in the Old Refectory. This is an opportunity to enjoy an evening
celebrating our history in the
the magnificent
magnificent setting
setting of
of the
the School.
School. It is
open to all members and their partners at a cost of 50 per ticket (for
former pupils who left School in the last five years, there is a reduced
ticket price of 40). Details, including an application form, can be
obtained from the Schools web site follow Former Pupils and
Heriot Club events or email [email protected].

Contact: Sasha Kobakhidze, tel: 07795 666798,

email: [email protected]
MIDLANDS HERIOT CLUB
Annual Dinner, date to be confirmed
Contact: Bryan Gall, tel: 01562 886374,
email: [email protected]
YORKSHIRE HERIOT CLUB

Cocktails

Contact: Moray Bisset, tel: 01924 279387,

email: [email protected]

in the Quad

HERIOT LUNCH CLUB

Meets 1st Tuesday of each month at 12.30pm in the Starbank Inn
(at the corner of Starbank Road and Laverock Bank Road),
Edinburgh. All are very welcome to attend.

The Club would like to invite all members of our

community to this exciting annual event, in the
historic heart of the School. The date in September
is awaiting confirmation, but will be announced on
our events page soon. Cocktails, canaps, live music, and the chance
to meet old friends and make new ones, at a cost of 25 per person, all
inclusive. Please check the website for further details.

THE HERIOT
CLUB

THE HERIOT CLUB exists to commemorate George Heriot,

promote the interests of the School, and form a bond of union
among former pupils. The Club is delighted to welcome
FPs, parents, teachers and governors of the School.
Please download membership applications (10 annual
subscription) from the Schools website. Follow the FP link
to Development then click on Heriot Club.

Further details will be available soon on the Schools website

(Heriot Club events page) or email [email protected]

10

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HERIOT CLUB
of TORONTO CANADA
GHSPA

The Club will be gathering for their 34th Anniversary meeting

in celebration of Founders Day on the proposed date of
Monday 2 June. Club members and any Herioters visiting Toronto at
this time would be most welcome. Confirmation of the date and details
to be arranged nearer the time can be obtained from:

Parents Association

2014
HeriotBall

CLUB SECRETARY BILL KIRKPATRICK, Class of 55

Tel: 001 905 844 5754, email:[email protected]

The hugely popular Parents Association Heriot Ball will be held on

Friday 3rd of May at Prestonfield House. Entertainment will be
provided by Robert Blacks fabulous ceilidh band, and a disco will
play for the last hour before carriages at 1am. An application form can
be downloaded from the school website or can be collected from the
School office. Tables of 10 and 12 are offered (whole table applications
are preferred, but smaller numbers can easily be accommodated).

HERIOT CLUB
of WESTERN CANADA
The Club will hold its second Annual Founders Day Lunch,
on Monday 2 June.

Any queries regarding the Ball should be directed to the Ball Chair,
Jane Paul, at [email protected] or 07787 560848.

For details please contact: Norman Pope, Secretary

tel: 001 250 656 5588, email: [email protected]

FORMER PUPIL

Rifle Club

100 Years of Target Shooting

As the Prime Minister is encouraging us to mark the centenary of the
Great War, we thought we should do the same for one of the Schools
unique facilities the Rifle Range.

The F.P. Rifle Club was actually started just after the war, but the
championship board in the range has the first winner as Mr. J. Carruthers
(head janitor) in 1926. To help us celebrate we are asking for F.P.s to give
us their memories of shooting in the range as members of the CCF,
school club or the F.P. Club
Please contact me on email:
[email protected] or
tel: 0131 334 6690.

A plaque in the range shows that it was presented to the School by the
"Old Boys" in December 1914, presumably because of the outbreak of
war, and the facility has been used ever since for the enjoyment of target
shooting.
Target shooting continues to be a highly popular pastime, as evidenced
by the number of clubs in the Edinburgh area and the forty or so pupils
who form the school club, in addition to the CCF.

STEWART MACKENZIE,
Captain FP Rifle Club
Class of 67

Over the last 10 years the Governors have carried out several reviews of the use of the Range, which is located in the centre of the School campus.
They have recently decided, with great regret, that it is necessary, in the interests of the School that the Range should close, with the space then
being developed for other purposes. They are fully supportive of the FP Rifle Club and look forward to it continuing for another 100 years.

Heriots Cricket Club

welcomes you to Goldenacre

over the summer where a full range of top class cricket is taking
place and the bar is open from 3pm for your enjoyment.
Kids love the open space in which to play and adults love the balcony if the Old Pavilion and
the spectacular views of the Edinburgh skyline it offers.
Heriots is an open club which offers cricket from U/12 age group upwards supported by a first class
coaching structure, excellent facilities and a family friendly environment. We are always open for anyone
wanting to play cricket in any age group so please come down, drop us a line or visit our website for
more information.

For more information visit www.heriotscricket.com or contact [email protected]

#thegoldenbalcony #getdowntogoldie

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Former Pupil School Memories

Heriots in Wartime
Edinburgh Schools Citizenship Association (ESCA) arranged talks, debates
and social activities for senior pupils from any Edinburgh school, state or
fee-paying. These gave great opportunities to meet, and get to know, our
counterparts from other schools.

s my time at Heriots virtually coincided with the 1939-45 of WWII,

recollections of that period are inevitably seen against the backdrop of those dark national days. Senior boys leaving school at
17 and 18 went into the Armed Forces as men serving their country, and
some were maimed or killed in that global conflict.

Among these were girls! Even those of my generation are now

accustomed to the sight of young female Herioters, but the civilising
influence of the opposite sex was less available then. At that time George
Watsons Ladies College occupied its own handsome building on the north
side of George Square. Among the heavy responsibilities of Heriot prefects
was to patrol in pairs the approaches to George Square during lunch breaks
to ensure that little boys did not intrude on what was then forbidden ground.
There was never any
difficulty
in
finding
volunteers for such an
onerous
task,
which
afforded opportunities for
quiet
liaisons
while
ensuring that the school
rules were enforced!

The army, naval and air force cadet units were fully subscribed, with drills,
instruction courses, and trips to the appropriate military facilities preparing
us for what might lie ahead in the world of that time.
With no significant industrial or strategic importance, Edinburgh escaped
the savage bombing which ravaged Clydebank and many English cities.
But the risks always existed, and senior boys, under the supervision of
a master, undertook fire
watching rotas in groups of
half a dozen or so, prepared
to extinguish incendiary
bombs with buckets of sand
and
stirrup pumps. Fortunately,
the fabric of the school
actually never came under
threat.

During
these
years,
strenuous efforts were
maintained to ensure the
During those nights and
basic function of Heriots as
week-ends, we managed to
the outstanding academic
find the keys for the
institution it has always
swimming baths, and as it
been. Only in later life did we
became clear that the
boys
appreciate
the
danger of aerial attack was
dedication
and
sheer
hard
dwindling, nocturnal swims
work of the teaching staff in
were enjoyed, usually
maintaining as far as
without the benefit of
possible the high standards
bathing costumes!
of one of the best Edinburgh
Though sporting activities
schools. The men and
CELEBRITIES 1946
continued as much as
women of that staff also
BACK ROW:
possible, much of the
gave freely of their time to
G D Braidwood, D A Stewart, D R B Grubb, I W MacFarlane
eastern side of Goldenacre
keep
extra-curricular
FRONT ROW:
was
ploughed
and
activities
alive. Rugby,
R M Hunter, J R Barclay, K M Wood, R C Buchanan, R G Laybourn Absent: G C Philip
cultivated in support of the
Cricket, Athletics, the
war effort. My memories are
Debating Society, school plays and many other pursuits were kept going
still vivid of frozen and heavily stained fingers in the winter of 1942, when
in spite of the restrictions and limitations of wartime.
some of us helped to lift a crop of beetroot from that area.
I was fortunate enough to secure a Bursary which saw me through six years
Further acquaintance with agriculture came as many of us, supervised by
of Senior school, and then on to Edinburgh University and my subsequent
volunteer masters and mistresses, went to harvest camps in the summer
career. George Heriots desire to distribute cheerfullie gave me many
holidays, bringing in barley, wheat, potatoes or whatever crop was needed.
happy days, for which I have always been grateful.
Farm machinery then was relatively basic, and I remember my apprehension
KENNETH WOOD
at having to drive a horse and cart at camps in the Borders and West Lothian.
Class of 46
Among other efforts to maintain normality, an organisation called the

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Page 13

Miss Agnes Hamilton

J

ohn Walker (FP 19411952, and staff 19581962) recently

had the great pleasure of speaking on the phone with Miss
Hamilton. Agnes, if one may be so bold, was Johns first
teacher at Heriots in Class E (Primary 3), in 1941.
She has been living for some time now, appropriately enough, in
one of the flats made out of the old Knox Academy building in the
centre of Haddington.
She is a regular worshipper at her church, St Marys, Lamp of
Lothian, and otherwise gets help and support from friends and
neighbours in some of the other flats. A youthful 103, she reads a
lot (but large print books now), and watches some television when
its not rubbish. She is a remarkable and undaunted lady, as she
always was, and one to be admired. There must be many of her
other former pupils who would wish to join John in wishing Miss
Hamilton continued good health for many years to come.

June Day Poem - George Heriot

Please remember, dont forget The 1st Monday in June, George Heriot.
In 1628 he fashioned gold dust Into the George Heriot Foundation Trust.
Many changes have taken place, But we have accepted them with grace.
From Hospital to all boys School, Where discipline and fine teaching were the rule;
There was Goldenacre, our playing field, Where many lasting friendships were sealed.
F.P.s will remember the Quadrangle and Exam Hall But the last fifty years have changed it all!
First came the girls to brighten up the place Which filled us with scholarship and grace.
Memorial and Sport Centre are monuments To the excellence of the schools achievements
So on the 1st June dont forget To salute your founder, George Heriot
DAVID YOUNG Class of 42

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Former Pupil Achievements

Edwin G Lucas
dwin Lucas (1911-1990) was recently in the
news when the surrealist paintings he
produced in the 1940s and 1950s were
discovered by the art world. He was a pupil at George
Heriots from 1922 to 1929, winning the school Art
prize in his final year. He joined the Civil Service when
he left school, but regarded himself as a serious
painter who had a day job to fund his art.

Prefect 1928-29

a unique

artist

Throughout the 1930s he painted watercolours, with a strong emphasis on

the landscapes close to the family home in Juniper Green. He had his first
work accepted for exhibition by the Society of Scottish Artists in 1934.
Another painting, in the SSA exhibition of 1937, attracted attention in France
from La Revue Moderne des Arts et de la Vie.

Edwin G Lucus mid 1940s

So his watercolours were highly regarded, but its the surrealist oil paintings
he moved on to that are now raising pulses in the art scene. He associated
with some innovative and, later, influential students at Edinburgh College
of Art, including Wilhelmina Barns-Graham. Edwin rented a studio from her
in 1939 and started taking an interest in surrealism.
Initially he painted works that were inspired by major figures such as
Magritte, but soon he found his own voice and stopped regarding himself
as part of the surrealist movement. He preferred to think of himself as a
purely individual painter.
This independence of thought and drive for innovation led him to spend the
next dozen years producing unorthodox work, much of which is unlike
anything his contemporaries were doing. The Scottish National Gallery of
Modern Art recently purchased a number of his paintings. Patrick Elliott,
senior curator, had this to say:
They are impressive because they are inexplicable. Ive not seen anything
quite like them before in my 20 years at the Gallery of Modern Art: theres a
bit of Picasso, but overall hes got nothing in common with anyone painting
in Scotland at the time or in fact anywhere else.

Bedroom Abstract 1949

Edwin held one-man shows in 1950 and 1951, but these received little
attention from the art establishment. Following his marriage in 1952, he
stopped painting in favour of family life, except for a few new works in the
1980s.
That might have been the end, but his family has organised a number of
exhibitions during the last 5 years, and Edwins landscape paintings of the
Water of Leith and the Pentland Hills have proved to be very popular. Now
his surrealist paintings are receiving recognition from art historians.
This is a great time to view some of Edwins work! The National Gallery of
Modern Art currently has five of his paintings in their New Acquisitions
exhibition, which runs till 4th May. Another 10 paintings will be exhibited at
Bourne Fine Art in Dundas Street from 27th March till 17th April. And hell
also be represented in the City Art Centres A Capital View exhibition in
May and June.
If youd like more information, have a look at the web site
www.EdwinGLucas.com.
Walking The Dog 1949

ALAN LUCAS (son)

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Former Pupil Sporting Achievements

GOLF ACHIEVEMENT

ain Crichton, Class

of 66 and a member
of the Merchants of
Edinburgh Golf Club,
recently played Skibo
Castle
and
Trump
International to complete
his quest to play all 607
golf courses in Scotland of
nine holes or more.

This marathon effort has taken 52 years and he

has kept a scorecard with his best score on each
course played. The oldest cards are dated August
1961 when he was taken to Troon with his father
Palmy, a lifelong Herioter. While his father played
Royal Troon with friends, Iain was left to play the
municipal courses and kept the cards.
His last course was Trump International in August
2013, and Iain thanks all his fellow members of
the FP Golf Club who helped him in his quest.
Among his favourite courses in Scotland are

Whalsay, Durness, Fraserburgh, Rosemount,

Balcombie, Whiting Bay, Cathkin Braes, Muirfield
and West Linton.
Iain, who has now played nearly 850 courses
worldwide, collects scorecards from around the
world and has cards from almost 10,000 different
courses, approximately a quarter of the total.
Any additions to his collection would be gratefully
received, and Iain can be contacted at email:
[email protected]

CRICKET ACHIEVEMENT

long with a few

other Heriot F.P.
Cricketers
(George Goddard, Euan
McIntyre and Robert
More to name 3 others), I
am a member of the
M.C.C.,
the
worlds
leading Cricket Club and custodian of the Laws of
the game. In November each year a Dinner is held
in the famous Long Room at Lords for members
who still play for the Club.
The M.C.C. Committee agreed that, at this years
Dinner, Playing Members who had played 100,
200 or 300 games for the Club should be

recognised with the award of a milestone cap.

I am one of those who have played over 300
matches (one of only ten such players in the
Clubs history) and am 6th in the list with 335. I
understand that Euan McIntyre has played 119
matches making him, too, eligible for a cap.
George and Robert have not yet reached any of
these milestones.
When it is considered that I didnt gain admittance
to the M.C.C. until I was 36 years old, the number
of matches played suggests a lot of skiving from
work, as most matches are played mid-week!
I attended the Dinner in the Long Room at Lords
and received my cap from the President (Mike

Gatting former England Captain) on Friday 15th

November 2013.
HAMISH MORE, Class of 58

Herioters in Scotland Bridge Teams

hree Heriots former pupils are prominent
in Scottish international bridge circles. For
many, bridge is a social game, perhaps
enjoyed after dinner. Success is largely determined
by the fall of the cards. The player who is dealt the
most aces and kings will enjoy the upper hand.

By contrast, competitive bridge is played with

duplicated hands where ones performance on
each hand is compared to an opponent holding
the same aces and kings. There are about 7,000
registered players in Scotland. They play against
fellow club members, with thriving midweek local
leagues, and a plethora of congresses and
competitions for the more addicted to enjoy at
the weekend.
The best players come out on top, and the best
Scottish players, all amateurs, are frequently
pitted in international competition against
professional players from England, Europe
and the USA. International teams comprise
six players, in which four play in any session, with
two resting.
Brian Short (Class of 62) has appeared in
Scottish international teams for five decades.
Brian learnt the game, like many, at university. His
greatest achievement was being selected to play
for the Great Britain Open Team at the 1983
European Championships. This was before

Scotland became independent (for international

bridge purposes) in 1999, and it was rare for a
Scottish pair to play in the British Open team. Brian
has also won the Gold Cup, the premier British
competition, and many Scottish competitions,
including the 2013 Scottish Cup. As well as a
successful playing career, he has enjoyed
considerable success as non-playing captain of
the Scottish Ladies team.
Iain Sime (Class of 70) didnt start playing until
he was in his thirties, but progressed through the
ranks to become a Scotland international in 2004.
Iain will be in the Scotland Open team for 2014,
which will be his sixth consecutive season of
representing Scotland in the home internationals.
Iains greatest achievements have, however, been
in seniors (over 60) bridge. In 2012 he was part
of the first Scottish team to win a European
Championship medal (bronze). This result
qualified the senior team as the first Scottish team
to play in the World Championships final. That was
in Bali in 2013, where the Scotland Seniors
performed creditably, reaching the quarter final,
before succumbing to a team of American
professionals.
By contrast, Malcolm Cuthbertson (class of 83)
learned to play at Heriots. An early success was
selection for the British Junior team at the
15

Malcolm, Iain and Brian

Common Market championships in 1987.
Malcolm was a regular in a successful Scottish
Open team in the home internationals in the mid1990s. Malcolm has also won the Gold Cup, and
many Scottish competitions, but his best result
was 13th place in the 1998 World Pairs
Championships. Malcolm was a fixture in the first
few Scottish teams to play on the world stage after
1999, but has scaled back his bridge
commitments in recent years.
Bridge is a game for all ages and many
people are joining bridge classes when they
are no longer capable of more rigorous pursuits.
If you feel inspired by the successes of Brian,
Iain and Malcolm, why not try your local bridge
club, or enrol in classes which are provided by
the larger clubs and most local authorities?
In Edinburgh a popular starting point is
melvillebridgeacademy.co.uk tel. (0131) 334 4467.

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Page 16

ADRIAN FORD CLASS OF 63

Culled from the

Classrooms and

am indebted to The Herioter for this idea, and

hope readers dont mind my using a
modification of a former column entitled Culled
from the Classes, which was always my first read
on receiving a new edition.
Compared with today, Heriots was a very different
place in the 60s for example, pupils had no voice
as a group and they generally did what they were
told. Corporal punishment (the belt or tawse
applied to the hands) was meted out for all sorts
of misdemeanours and, usually, publicly. There
were, however, many moments of hilarity, often
brought about by the unchanging ability of pupils
to find amusement in some of the perceived
eccentricities of their teachers. What follows are
examples of the humorous side of life at Heriots
in the 60s.
Showing off her prowess,
and marking her authority in
class, Barbara Peggy
Arneil (Geography teacher)
would put a piece of chalk on
a desk and, with one mighty
blow, pulverize it with her
tawse, much to the delight of
her younger classes.
A heated dispute between Eric Doc Smith
(Music) and the bass section of the school choir
(1960-ish) resulted in his throwing them out of the
next practice session. So they put up a slogan on
the boys lavatory saying, Why must the basses
suffer?

In the annual football match at Goldenacre

between the first rugby XV and the Masters in the
early 1960s, the teams lined up facing the stand,
their backs towards Warriston. The boys team
then turned round in unison to reveal individual
letters on the backs of 10 of them which read:
B E E R I S B E ST.

In the early 60s one fashion icon was the white

shorty raincoat and an increasing number of
boys began to wear them to school. The
headmaster, William The Dome Dewar, could
not allow such flaunting of school dress
regulations and announced at assembly that any
boy wearing non-regulation attire would be sent
home. At next days assembly, the fifth and sixth
forms did not sing a note. The following day, an
angry Headmaster decreed that all boys observed
not singing would have their names taken and
reported to him. What happened next was the stuff
of legend... Doc Smith struck up the introduction
to the hymn, Who would true valour see... and
tailed off when spontaneously no voice lower than
alto could be heard the whole of the fifth and
sixth forms were miming the words as if singing
with gusto. Whereas there had been a plan for a
repeat of the first demonstration, there was none
for the second. The prefects were very busy that
morning.

Other Places
Memories of

Heriots in the early

1960s

from those who were

there!
George Spud Thomson (Physics): losing his
composure when he saw a boy combing his hair
after a hectic lunchtime football session.... Come
[out] for the belt...you don't do your toilet in class.

Alistair Clanky McCheyne (Art) gave a whole

class the belt one day for not divulging the name
of the member who had let off a stink bomb!
Solidarity!!!

CONTRIBUTORS:
Richie The Mid Middlemass (Chemistry): On
hearing a murmur in class... Stand, the grunting
fellow.

16

Scott Duncan, Doug McCallum,

Ian McCallum, Paul Young,
Bill Honeyman, Adrian Ford

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Page 17

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART

New Choral Work

fter leaving GHS in 2009, I started

studying at The Glasgow School of Art
and quickly discovered much to my
chagrin a distinct lack of extra-curricular musical
activities: there were none. Having come out of a
sixth year which included Concert Band, First
Orchestra and numerous choirs, this sudden
lack of musical opportunities was somewhat
disappointing. However, there were such a large
number of new situations and routines with which
to familiarise myself that any thoughts of seeking
out music groups in Glasgow were soon put on
the back burner.
Skip forward to January 2012 and I had decided
enough was enough. Being completely fed up
with the excuse youre free to use Glasgow Unis
musical facilities! and feeling like I had found my
feet within the GSA, I decided to start a choir. There
were only two rules: we would be a nonauditioning group, and our main aim would be the
enjoyment of our members. At its inception,
anything concrete (music-wise) that I could get
out of the GSA Choir would be a bonus. As luck
would have it all of the members, during that first
term, were exceptionally dedicated and five
months later, in May 2012, the first Glasgow
School of Art Concert was held. There were
numerous soloists invited to perform, but the main
reason for the concert was to act as a showcase
for the choir. With only 16 members (!) we
performed five songs and I was delighted with the
reaction we received.

students of the GSA. Its a wonderful sight (and

an even better sound!) and I am so delighted with
the development(s) we have made since we
began. The choir now performs at two regular
GSA Concerts each year and receives invitations
to perform in a variety of arts projects around
Glasgow, with many more activities currently in
the pipeline.
Our greatest achievement (and the one of which
I am most proud) will come on April 9th 2014 when
the new GSA building the Reid Building
(designed by American architect Steven Holl)
officially opens on Renfrew Street. The GSA Choir
has been asked to perform at this event and, with
the help of some Creative Scotland funding, we
have commissioned a piece of music which we
will premiere. The piece is called Making It New

Another 2 years on, with the choirs 2-year

anniversary nearly upon us, I stand each Tuesday
evening in the wonderful lecture theatre in the
Mackintosh Building to conduct a choir of 55
members made up of past and present staff, and
17

and has been written by Scots Makar, Liz

Lochhead, with music by well-known composer
Ken Johnston. It celebrates the Art School, the
creativity of its students, and art itself.
From a group of 16 people rehearsing in the
basement of the temporary Students Union
(complete with sticky floors and low lighting), to a
choir of 55 performing a world premiere in front of
1500 people and TV cameras, the GSA Choir has
exceeded my hopes and expectations in every
way: I will always remember my days at First
Orchestra and Concert Band but it seems that
now, at last, I may have found a suitable
alternative!
JAMIE SANSBURY
Class of 2009

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Page 18

CLASS OF 2006

Polly Swann Rowing World Champion

W

my dream of representing Great Britain in the

London 2012 Olympics. Everything was
going to plan as I gained selection for the
Womens Eight; however, a few months
before The Games I a sustained a serious
back injury that took me out of the boat for six
months and prevented me from competing at
the Olympics. This was a huge
disappointment and one that left me with a
decision to make: go back to medicine, quit
rowing and put it down to bad luck; or carry
on and try to achieve the dream Id been
following for years. I received tremendous
support from the GB Rowing Team and my
club Leander, as well as from friends and
family, who all showed me it was worth having
another try and that one day all my hard work
would pay off.

hat if you lose? What if you hit a

buoy? My legs hurt! I cant
breathe in this humidity... I dont
think I can do this. Im so nervous. What if they
are faster than us...?"

Sitting on the start line in of the Rowing World

Championships in Korea, I was the most
nervous I have ever been. This was the most
important race of my life and I felt the pressure.
Our pre-paddle a few hours earlier had been
nervy and disjointed. I kept forgetting steps in
our carefully planned and practised pre-race
routine. The warm up had not been our best
rowing and we were now sat on the start line,
with our competitors surrounding us, all ready
to race. All ready to take our scalps.

Winners on the podium

The weather had been hot and humid, which

had really been a struggle for me in the first
rounds of the regatta. Id had a restless nights
sleep, and, with adrenaline now rushing round
my system, I felt lethargic and sleepy. To be
honest, all the thoughts and feelings that you
wouldn't want to be thinking just before the most
important race of your life were racing around
my head. I was bricking it

I recently watched my world final on video and

there's a shot just before starters orders that
pans to our pair. Suddenly I have a huge smile
on my face. I dont remember much of that final
I like to think my brain has a selective memory
to filter out pain but I vividly remember what
I was thinking in that moment:

Hang on Polly. A year ago you missed the

Olympics because of your back. All you
Meeting another Herioter at the World Championships:
wanted was to have the chance to race and
Scott Wightman, Class of 79, British Ambassador to the
now youre sitting on the start line of the World
Republic of Korea.
Championships, as favourites to win. Youve
got the opportunity to be the best in the world at the sport you love why
Whos left handed? Right, you lot, stand there! You guys are stroke-siders:
would you want to change that? Ok...now Im ready.
remember that!
Im not sure what triggered my mood to change from being a nervous jittery
My own journey to Korea started twelve years
ago on a late summers day at the union canal.
I remember my first rowing session vividly.
Mr Wilkinsons voice was booming over a sea
of excitable S3s

wreck to a confident athlete, ready to take on the world. But I have no doubt
in my mind that that change gave me the ability to give my best performance
on the day, to have the most determined and relentless race of my life.

Whos right handed? Ok, you lot stand over there youre bow-siders.
Ok, ok, everyone gather round. This is called an oar: this is what were going
to use to go rowing.

We won in a time of 7:22.8, some three seconds ahead of the Romanian

silver medallists.

That afternoon I was taught the basics of the rowing stroke, and how to get
in a boat without falling in. I had a very stark realisation that my hockey skirt
was totally inappropriate attire for Wednesday games, and I was utterly
hooked. I couldnt have imagined then that, twelve years on, I would still be
so passionate about the sport and be able to call myself a World Champion.

Despite the cold Saturday mornings and the dark Thursday nights, cracking
the ice in the depths of winter, Heriots is where I developed a passion for
rowing. I am thankful for the opportunity Heriots gave me in starting this
sport that has become such a huge part of my life, and am proud to see
that my hard work and determination has finally paid off.

In 2010 I took time away from my studies as a medical student to pursue

Photograph by Robert Treharne-Jones

Helen Glover (left) and Polly (Right) at the 2013 World Championships.

18

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Page 19

GAP YEAR REPORT

Jamie Bamford
S

CLASS OF 2013

ince making the decision to take a year out between school and
university, I have been determined to make sure that I experience as
many different things as possible and avoid achieving nothing whilst
sat at home. I have managed to fit in a surprising
amount since leaving school in August, beginning
with a trip to Peru. This was followed by a spell in
New Zealand; and I am currently in Canada
undergoing training to become a qualified ski
instructor. Because there are so many things that
I could talk about I am going to focus on my time
in Peru.

PERU

sunlight to look for turtle nests and digging them up to collect the eggs.
These were then taken back to the centre and buried in artificial beaches
so they could hatch. This is done because turtle eggs are a local delicacy,
so much so that the turtle population on the river
has dropped dramatically. This was really
exciting to be a part of because I was able to see
the tangible difference it was making. Another
part of this task was to go to the school in the
local community to check up on the artificial
beaches that the reserve had set up there to help
show the community what they could do to
prevent the extinction of turtles on that stretch of
river.

I had never really considered travelling to South

America until a school friend brought my attention
to the Projects Abroad website. We very quickly
decided that we would travel to the Taricaya
Reserve in the south west of Peru to volunteer at
the animal rescue and research centre there.

We were also responsible for looking after the

animals; this was rewarding because the
majority of animals were there with a view to
being released. By working in close proximity to
the animals we were able to learn about the
different personalities and how these changed
over the time we were there. I most enjoyed
working with the monkeys as they always
wanted to play and would come over to you as
soon as you went in with them.

Before I knew it the time to leave had arrived and

we began the journey to get there. On arrival in the
country we were met at the very tiny Puerto
Maldonado airport by the Projects Abroad rep, and
from there we travelled downriver to our home for
the next month. The journey passed in a blur a
combination of a days travelling and extreme heat
and humidity, combined with the strange sights
and sounds that were everywhere. On arrival at
the centre we were immediately put to work
carrying breezeblocks and cement from the boat
up the river bank I was desperately hoping this
wasnt a sign of things to come! This was also our
first exposure to the other volunteers, but everyone
was instantly friendly and very welcoming.

When we were not working, our time was spent

relaxing in the sun, catching up on sleep, or
simply walking around the rescue centre
watching all the animals. This was a much
welcomed change from the busy-ness of home.
At the weekends we got the opportunity go into
the town of Puerto Maldonado. This gave us the
opportunity to relax and experience part of the
local culture, most memorably the market and
the various foods we got to try.

We were quickly brought up to speed on the wide

variety of projects that were conducted out of the rescue centre: we learned
not only about all the different animals looked after but also the research
conducted by the staff stationed there. The daily schedule initially seemed
like hell, with starts as early as half past five, but after a few days I had got
used to the way of things. Our time was filled with tasks such as feeding the
animals and assisting the staff with their research. I think these tasks were
the ones I most enjoyed as I was helping make a difference to the local
environment and the jobs were always very different.

Unfortunately our time at the reserve came to an end. I found it very difficult
to leave as I loved the way of life and the people I had had the opportunity
to work with. After leaving the reserve we spent a week travelling around
Peru and visited lots of the Inca ruins. I found this fascinating, and I gained
a great insight into the advanced technologies developed by the Incas and
how they affect the way people live today.
I loved every moment of my time in Peru: unfortunately it did not last nearly
long enough and I cant wait to go back. I am now looking forward to the
rest of my time in Canada, and beyond that to university and the entirely
different challenges which that will present.

The project I first helped with was the Turtle Project. This involved going out
to an island in the river, camping overnight, and then getting up before

19

8/4/14

14:47

Page a

Forthcoming
Events:

Further details may be obtained

from the Development Office.
FRIDAY 21 MARCH
7.30pm
Choral and Orchestral Concert
St Cuthberts Parish Church
THURSDAY 27 MARCH
7.30pm
No Strings Attached
Concert with S1-3 Choir
Queens Hall
THURSDAY 15 MAY
7.00pm
Junior School Concert
St Cuthberts Parish Church

Legacy
Heriots exists today due to the generous
bequest by George Heriot.
The George Heriots 1628 Society exists for
all those who have pledged a legacy to the
School. We are most grateful to those of you

who have responded to our Legacy Brochure

for your support. If you have made provision
for the School in your will and would like to let
us know, we would be happy to offer you
honorary membership of the 1628 Society.
Should you wish to receive a Legacy Brochure,
or would like to discuss the possibility of
leaving a legacy to the School, please contact
the Development Office.

Desperately
Seeking

The Development Office is continually updating

the database and we would ask that you let us
know of any changes to your contact details.

CAN YOU HELP FIND?

have lost touch with since the last mailing: their
copies were returned by the Post Office.

The following are some Former Pupils whom we

If you have any information we would be most

grateful to hear from you.

NAME

NAME

CLASS OF

CLASS OF

FRIDAY 30 MAY
7.00pm
50th Anniversary Reunion

JAMES L BOAK

1953

SAMANTHA V JOHNSTON

1993

ALEXANDER W MILLER

1954

KIRSTEEN J BARCLAY

1995

for Fifth and Sixth Year

MARTIN H MCCALL

1955

STEWART MAIR

1996

1963-64
George Heriots School

FERGUS S CAMERON

1957

CAROLYN E MCLELLAN

1996

JOHN B MCEWAN

1960

SAM WOODWARD

1996

ALEXANDER J BROWN

1966

CRAIG MATHISON

1998

JAMES H FERGUSON

1967

MARTIN S POWELL

1998

ALAN M PERRY

1967

MARC J TEAGUE

1999

COLIN M REID

1968

FIONA C MACCUISH

2000

DAVID R MURRAY

1972

RUTH H SILLER

2001

DAVID EDWARDSON

1973

LYNNE WILLIAMSON

2001

DAVID BRYCE

1975

CHRISTOPHER A BATES

2002

ALAN TOLLERVEY

1976

VICTORIA A EASTWOOD

2003

CORINNA J FLEMING

1989

CAROLINE J MACCUISH

2003

ANDREW J NEWCOMBE

1989

JONATHAN R BATES

2004

ANGELA I KIDD

1990

CHLOE WILLMOTT

2004

KATHRYN A MCEWAN

1990

ROBERT T CARR

2005

VALERIE E BIRSS

1991

SAMUEL T BLACKWOOD

2006

ANDREW D BINNIE

1992

CHRISTOPHER S WATT

2006

JASON HAMM

1992

JONATHAN A FERRIER

2007

MONDAY 2 JUNE
9.45am
June Day
George Heriots School
10, 11, 12 JUNE
7.30pm
Senior School Drama
3 Nights of Shakespeare
George Heriots School
outside in the grounds
SATURDAY 14 JUNE
9.20am
Sports Day
Goldenacre
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER
7.00pm
25th Anniversary Reunion
for the Class of 89
George Heriots School

All Your News,Views and Photographs

We would like to thank those of you who have
been in touch to share news and memories of
days at Heriots, and to make suggestions for
future editions.
Grateful thanks are due to all those who
have contributed articles for this edition of
Quadrangle; please keep them coming in for
future editions. Thanks to Kenneth Simpson,
Principal Teacher of English, who very kindly
checks material prior to design and printing.

We are delighted to welcome Former Pupils and

their families back to school to visit and tell us of
their school days. It is helpful if you let us know
in advance of your visit so that we can make the
necessary arrangements for someone to show
you around, and help you make the most of your
time back at Heriots.

Margaret Peat
Development Office
George Heriots School
Lauriston place
Edinburgh EH3 9EQ

If there are any particular items you would like to

see in Quadrangle, please do not hesitate to get
in touch with:

Tel: 0131 229 7263

Fax: 0131 229 6363
Email: [email protected]

George Heriots School is governed by George Heriots Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.
Data Protection We have an obligation to ensure that data is processed fairly and lawfully. Data received by the Development Office is used to further the development of George Heriots School. The data will
be controlled by the School Development Office, in accordance with School policy. It will only be processed for marketing, PR, fundraising, event management and educational purposes. Any one wishing no
further contact from the school should inform the Development Office.

Design and Print Kenny herbert design 07774 161241

Quadrangle No25 6-3-14