The Magazine and Annual Review of The Stewart's Melville FP Club
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FEBRUARY 2020
The Magazine and Annual Review of The Stewart’s Melville FP Club
The school at sunset, taken by Kelly Denness,
Marketing Manager, ESMS
2 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
FP News 2019 3 Contents... 4 Editor’s Introduction 5 President’s Review 7 FPs in the News 10 Principal’s Report 11 ESMS Sixth Form 1999-2019: The Director’s Cut 13 The Black Brothers 15 Melville College Trust Update 16 Jason Clarke - Genius Brewing 18 Tales from a Land Rover 20 Melville Class of 1963 Reunion 20 Branch Clubs 22 Norman Rough 23 Catching up with Hodgy 24 William Carmichael Peebles 26 Sports Clubs - Cricket 27 Sports Clubs - Golf 29 Sports Clubs - Rugby 32 Sports Clubs - Curling 32 Welcome to the Class of 2019 33 Jim Tigar 34 We Will Remember Them 35 Obituaries 38 FP Club Council 2019-2020
4 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
Editor’s Introduction year. I also have to give special thanks check out some of the fantastic pieces
to Bob Young for all his help – Bob written by David Clarke, some of which
edited this news magazine for a fair acquire heightened importance as we
few years until this year, and his advice pass the centenary of the end of the
and encouragement have been really Great War. The school itself has had
helpful. I also have to thank everyone a good year – read more about it in
who contributed to the magazine – the the report from Principal Linda Moule.
people who actually write the thing, be One recent success not mentioned
they club captains, branch presidents, in her report was the victory of the
or the authors of the features and 1st XV in the U18 Schools Cup – so
stories contained within. congratulations to them. Perhaps a
2019 has been a year full of surprises, number of them will be playing for the
FPs before long. Find reports from the
and hopefully this magazine reflects
sports clubs in the second half of the
that. I’ve tried to gather features that
magazine.
reflect the variety of lived experiences
had by former pupils of Daniel Stewart’s Coming to the end of time at university,
Melville College, or the schools that getting involved with the FP Club has
merged to form it. Have a read of the been a rewarding and fun experience.
I’ll start with an introduction Staying somewhat in touch with a
interview with current Edinburgh Rugby
– my name is Fraser Maclean player Jamie Hodgson, or the profile of place that still means a great deal to
and I left SMC in 2017. Jason Clarke, the Creative Director at me has been enriching, made real by
Genius Brewing. Be sure to have a read the opportunity to get back in touch
I’m a finalist at the University of Oxford, with the people that made our time at
of the profile of the late, great Norman
studying History and Politics. Doing the Rough, or the Land Rover adventure school so enjoyable. Wet.
FP News this year has been great fun story submitted by FP Richard Scott. Anyway, thanks once again to
– and I’m thankful to Charles, Lindsey Read my interview with the recently everyone who helped with this, and
and the rest of the FP Council for all retired Iain Scott, the legendary former thanks for all who support the FP Club
their help in bringing this together this head of Sixth Form at ESMS, and as a whole. Here’s to the next decade.
Letters to Editor
Good morning Fraser,
My name is Adrian Graves and I am one of the coordinators of the
Stew Mel Lions mini rugby section.
We are currently raising funds for the mini club and Wooden Spoon
Charity. One way is by the selling of merchandise, in particular Stew
Mel socks. I have already sold a few pairs to FPs who I work with
and was hoping you could be kind enough and spread the word
through your membership please?
The socks are in sizes 3-6, 7-11 and 12-14 and are
£7.50 a pair or £14 for two.
Any support would be hugely appreciated.
Best regards
Adrian
apjgraves@gmail.com
FP News 2019 5
President’s Review...
Outgoing Club President Charles Wilson gives us an update from the FP Club
off and the guests departed. In the I also attended the quarterly meetings
short service that followed in the TFC, of the ESMS Governing Council and
the Principal’s address recounted the Annual General Meeting of the
the stories of some of the young FPs Melville College Trust.
whose lives were cut short by hostilities, The Chairman of the ESMS Governing
or disease, during the Great War. Council, supported by the Principal,
The Principal always extends an wishes to raise the profile of the
invitation to the President to attend Governing Council within the schools.
the Senior School Sports Day. This This may be achieved, in part, if the
year the weather was slightly better Governors, including the Honorary
and I enjoyed watching the prowess Governors (the Presidents of the
DS&MC Club and the MES FP Guild),
of the individuals taking part in the
are present at Open Days and attend,
track and field events – there are some
where possible, the many plays and
outstanding athletes in both schools.
concerts that are staged by the pupils.
The Commemoration of Founders and I responded to this by attending the
Prize-giving follows a tried and trusted Junior School Carol Concert in St
format. The musical interlude, this year, Mary’s Cathedral, productions of “A
Reflecting on my two years
was an excellent rendition of Simon Christmas Carol” and “West Side
as President, it has struck
and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Story” in the Mar Hall and concerts in
me that much of what the FP Water” sung by the SMC Upper School the TFC and the Usher Hall. All these
Club is about has to do with Choir. Following a stimulating speech, events showcased, to the full, the
the school. In the past twelve the prizes were presented by former musical and theatrical talents of the
pupil Kydd Boyle, Entrepreneur and co- pupils and were well worth attending.
months, I have attended
founder of Horizons a social enterprise
most of the major events in At the Melville College Trust AGM, the
“built to inspire, educate and connect Governors were given an update on the
the school calendar including future leaders who want to positively commemorative plaque to be installed
Remembrance Day, Sports impact the world in which they live”. It in Melville Street to mark the location of
Day and the Annual Senior was a pleasure that evening to co-host, Melville College; the school occupied
School Prize-giving. with the President of the MES FP Guild, part of No 1 and Nos 3 to 13 Melville
a reception at Inverleith for leavers from Street from 1920 to 1973. The plaque
As 2018 was the 100th anniversary both schools with around 180 enjoying was unveiled by Margot Christie on 26
of the signing of the Armistice, both the BBQ food and welcome drinks. April and, following a photo call, those
schools attended the Remembrance attending were taken down to Inverleith
Service held on the Queensferry Road I was represented by Past President
for lunch.
campus. An eerie silence hung over Bert Barclay at a Commemorative
Event at Daniel Stewart’s graveside in Turning to the Club and Clubhouse.
the quadrangle; as the invited guests
and wreath laying party filed out of the Old Calton Cemetery, in May, as I was The Club is financially sound and
school and took up their places; as the on holiday. David McLeish, the School has a robust membership base.
wreaths were laid; while the Last Post Archivist, is in the process of seeking We are continuously reviewing the
was sounded and the lament “Flowers opinions from the Melville College Trust effectiveness of our communications
of the Forest” was played; while the on how to recognise the founder of with the membership; in addition to
two minutes silence was observed; as Melville College, the Reverend Robert our website and Facebook page we
Reveille reverberated off Old College Cunningham, as his grave is in the have opened an Instagram Account
and while the colours were marched Necropolis in Glasgow. and are considering opening a Twitter
6 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
Account. Please note that for the Club sports clubs make use of the Clubhouse It has been a privilege and an honour to
to communicate effectively by email, it facilities for their social events. serve as your President for the last two
is imperative that members advise us if years. It has not been smooth sailing
External lets are part of the life of the
they change their email address. all the time but, overall, it has been an
Clubhouse; corporate events, funeral
I have had the pleasure of attending teas, birthday parties, anniversaries, amazing experience.
The Merchant Company’s Court and Pilates, Weight Watchers, Gentle
However, I would not have survived my
Charter Dinners, the Cricket Club Exercise and stamp auctions are the
and Rugby Club annual dinners and mainstay but we also attract lets from tenure without the help and guidance
our branch club dinners in Glasgow, the SRU and East of Scotland Cricket. provided by the Council and the
Aberdeen and London all of which To enhance the letting experience, we Management Team. In particular, I would
were very sociable and enjoyable have installed a digital projector and like to thank; Laura McIntosh for keeping
events. Unfortunately, Borders did not remote-controlled screen downstairs. me on the straight and narrow when it
hold a dinner this year and we had The upgrade to the intruder alarm came to spending the Club’s money;
to cancel our dinner due to lack of system has been completed and all Lindsey Geddes for liaising with the
interest. Unfortunately, I was unable to staff and users of the premises have Bar and Catering staff and providing
attend the Watsonian Jazz Jamboree. been issued with fobs programmed secretarial services; Denise Mitchell and
I continue to attend the End-of-Month with their personal access rights.
her staff for their friendly and welcoming
and EROS lunches as it shows that the Unfortunately, the upgrade to the front
manner both “front-of-house” and behind
Club is taking an interest in these events. door hasn’t taken place but it has been
the bar; Joyce Waterston for continuing
resurrected with Estates Department.
On the business side, I have attended to provide great fayre and her staff for the
The car park has been re-surfaced
meetings with the Bursar (rent review),
and patching was carried out on the courteous manner in which they serve
with Brewin Dolphin (investment
driveway but the latter was not sealed the food and wait on our guests. I think
portfolio review) and with the Treasurer
properly and it is disintegrating. This has it is safe to say that without the bar and
and Secretary to discuss the day-to-
been brought to their attention, along catering staff, Inverleith would not enjoy
day running of the Club.
with the need to replace several broken the patronage that it does.
Following a recruitment drive, the paving slabs. Estates have said that the
Club appointed Fraser Maclean to paving slabs will be dealt with at the Normally, at this point in the review the
replace Bob Young as Editor of the same time as the repairs to the patch. President would wish his successor
FP News. Fraser left school in 2017 We continue to work with Estates on every success as he takes the helm
and is currently studying History a Planned Maintenance Programme for the next two years. Unfortunately, I
and Politics at Oxford University (PMP) for the Clubhouse; we recently have been spectacularly unsuccessful
and is Editor-in-Chief at Cherwell met to review the 2019/20 PMP and to
in appointing a Vice-President and, in
Newspaper – Oxford’s oldest and most produce the 2020/21 PMP.
turn, my successor; a time-honoured
popular student newspaper – having
In conjunction with the Melville College tradition bites the dust.
previously been its Music Editor and
Trust and Estates, we are looking at
Deputy Editor. Fraser came highly The Council will continue to look for
installing a lift in the Clubhouse foyer
recommended and we are delighted
with a view to making the whole a President and Vice-President and,
that he has accepted the position.
Clubhouse accessible to all. A feasibility as soon as someone accepts either
Inverleith is home to the affiliated rugby, study concluded that a lift could be position, the Council will, under the
hockey and cricket clubs. Despite installed and an architect produced Terms of the Constitution, call an EGM,
participating in increasingly competitive detailed drawings for the install together
for the appointments to be ratified. I’m
environments, they are still able to with 3D Images of how the foyer would
sure any volunteers would be made
devote a great deal of time to coaching look following the installation. Having
most welcome.
the pupils of both schools and others in studied these documents, we have
the North Edinburgh area; this is starting had a re-think on the actual location of In the interim period, the Treasurer and
to pay dividends as several of them are the lift and we have asked the architect the Secretary will continue to manage
now playing in the senior teams. The for revised drawings and 3D Images.
the day-to-day running of the Club.
Curling and Golf Clubs, although not Depending on the final costs, we would
based at Inverleith, are also involved in hope to have the lift installed in the Charles Wilson MBE
coaching youngsters. All the affiliated 2019/20 financial year. President
FP News 2019 7
FPs in the News
Martin Chamberlain –
High Court Appointment
charity envelope draws and a pre-event
Digital Auction where people had the
hauls. Batting-wise his top score was
115 not out against Stenhousemuir in
opportunity to bid on everything from 1975. He was Captain of Melville FP
1991 leaver Martin Chamberlain has
weekends away in the UK to trips in 1967 and 1968 and was the first
been appointed as a Justice of the High
overseas, original artwork, a host of Captain of the combined Stewart’s
Court in London. Martin was called
rugby memorabilia and opportunities to Melville FP in 1973 and 1974.
to the Bar in 1997 after studying PPE
play golf on great courses.
and a Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford
University, with a Diploma in Law at The BBC’s Jill Douglas spoke movingly
City University in between these two about the vital work of the My Name’5
qualifications. He took Silk in 2013, being Doddie Foundation, followed by Doddie’s
appointed a Queen’s Counsel, the own address. He delivered an inspiring,
highest-ranking position of a senior humorous and emotional speech where
barrister in the British law system. he referenced the fact that he had tried
to take the drive he had in rugby and
Martin’s work ranges from human rights
apply this to his own personal battle with
claims on behalf of individuals and Eric progressed to the Scotland team in
Motor Neurone Disease.
NGOs, to commercial and regulatory 1965, his first game being against Ireland
judicial review claims and appeals in Dublin. In the Irish second innings he
in financial services, environmental Eric Thompson Inducted took five wickets for 11 runs, helping
law, aviation, healthcare, pensions, dismiss Ireland for 25. This was the
pharmaceuticals, tax, telecoms and
into Scottish Cricket Hall
first of six 5 wicket hauls in a 41 match
transport. On the defendant side, of Fame Scotland career which stretched until
he has appeared for governmental and 1977. Eric was a regular choice in an
other public bodies in pubic law cases era of far fewer games, and before the
of all kinds including in the fields of days of one-day cricket for the Scotland
education, local government, equality team. This meant lengthy bowling spells
& discrimination and professional against County and Test Match standard
regulation. He has also worked teams and surely one of his highlight
within the European Court of Human was taking 6 for 55 against the West
Rights, both for claimants and state Indies in 1966.
respondents, and the EU Courts.
In all he took 107 wickets for Scotland,
during the course of bowling just over
1100 overs. Standing just over 6 foot
ESMS Dinner for tall, he had a superb bowling action,
Doddie raises over his most dangerous delivery being the
£87,000 for Charity ball he would bring back sharply to
On Friday 1 February ESMS welcomed right-handed batsmen.
over 700 guests to a glittering charity
dinner in the National Museum of Eric Thompson became the 4th Melville
Scotland in honour of Doddie Weir, to College FP cricketer to be inducted
raise money to be shared between by into Scottish Cricket Hall of Fame in
the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and May 2019. He follows Douglas Barr,
Access to Excellence. All 72 tables Ronnie Chisholm and Bill Laidlaw - a
were sold out within an hour! remarkable statistic for a small Club.
On the night, guests had the Eric started playing for Melville FP in
opportunity to bid on a Live Auction, 1957 primarily as a bowler but was
compered by David Henderson, BBC also a more than useful batsman. From
News Presenter and contemporary of 1957 to 1978 he took over 700 wickets Eric’s family gather at Portgower
Doddie at Stew Mel, and Bryan Lewis. for Melville FP and latterly Stewart’s Place in May alongside Willie Donald,
The auction was supplemented by Melville FP. He took over 40 five wicket President of Scottish Cricket
8 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
Alasdair McDowall John Alexander
Queens Birthday Honour Cruickshank VC
Congratulations go to Emeritus On Thursday 16th May I had the
Professor Alasdair William McDowall privilege of representing the Parent
AM (Melville Class of 1972), who was Club at the “Piping Lunch” held at the
recently appointed as a Member of the Royal Northern and University Club
Order of Australia by her Majesty HRH in Aberdeen. This event marked the
Queen Elizabeth II in the 2019 Queens culmination of the “Tune for a Hero”
Birthday Honours list - ‘For significant competition, sponsored by the RNUC
service to Science, particularly in and organised by “The Piping Times”, to
the field of Electron Microscopy. compose a pipe tune in honour of John
His research included performing Alexander Cruickshank VC, a former
key experiments that culminated in pupil of Daniel Stewart’s College.
the awarding of the Nobel Prize for
Chemistry to his supervisor Professor
Jacques Dubochet and two of his
colleagues in 2017.” Alasdair’s
supervisor graciously shared the there until the summer of 1941
accolades with him and is now proud when he transferred to the RAF. He
custodian of the Nobel medal. underwent flight training in Canada and
the United States, earning his wings
in July 1942. After further training, he
was assigned, in March 1943, to No.
210 Squadron piloting Catalina flying
boats, from RAF Sullom Voe, used by
Coastal Command in its battle to keep
the North Atlantic and Arctic sea lanes
open for supply convoys.
The competition offered a single prize John was awarded the Victoria Cross,
of £1,000.00p for a pipe march of any at the age of 24, for his actions in
time signature and of any duration, but sinking a German U-boat on 17 July
one that would be uplifting and reflect 1944. The manner in which John won
John Cruickshank’s home city and his his VC is well documented and the
bravery during his time with the Royal
details are easily found on the internet.
Air Force Coastal Command. The
However, his citation reads as follows: -
winning composer was David Mason of
Cincinnati, Ohio. David spent his prize “This officer was the captain and pilot of
money travelling to Scotland to play a Catalina flying boat which was recently
his winning tune, aptly named “John engaged on an anti-submarine patrol
Alexander Cruickshank VC”, in public, over northern waters. When a U-boat
for the first time, at the “Piping Lunch”, was sighted on the surface, Flying
and in the presence of John himself, Officer Cruickshank at once turned to
now in his 99th year. the attack. In the face of fierce anti-
aircraft fire he manoeuvred into position
John was born in Aberdeen and began
and ran in to release his depth charges.
his education at Aberdeen Grammar
Unfortunately they failed to drop.
School. Following a family move to
Edinburgh, he spent some time at The Flying Officer Cruickshank knew that
Royal High School before moving on to the failure of this attack had deprived
Daniel Stewarts College. him of the advantage of surprise and
On leaving school, John was that his aircraft offered a good target
Order of Australia presented by HRH apprenticed to the Commercial Bank in to the enemy’s determined and now
Prince William Duke of Cambridge, Edinburgh. However, within a year, and heartened gunners.
19th November 2019 Buckingham at his father’s suggestion, he joined the Without hesitation, he climbed and
Palace. Territorial Army, enlisting in the Royal turned to come in again. The Catalina
Photo taken by Robbie McDowall Artillery in May 1939. He remained was met by intense and accurate fire
FP News 2019 9
highest traditions of the Service.”
Following war service, John returned to
his career in banking and subsequently
retired to his home city of Aberdeen.
The “Piping Lunch” was attended
by 70 people, this number being a
combination of RNUC members and
guests. The top table guests included
representatives of the Victoria Cross
and George Cross Association as well
as Wing Commander Gavin Davey,
head of the RAF Benevolent Fund
in Scotland. The programme for the
afternoon began with a welcoming
address by RNUC Vice Chairman,
and was repeatedly hit. The navigator/ Cruickshank insisted on being carried Don Shaw. This was followed by David
bomb aimer, was killed. The second forward and propped up in the second Mason’s performance of his winning
pilot and two other members of the pilot’s seat. For a full hour, in spite of his tune. Grace was then said by RNUC
crew were injured. Flying Officer agony and ever-increasing weakness, member Bill McCall. Lunch was served
Cruickshank was struck in seventy-two he gave orders as necessary, refusing and this consisted of three courses
places, receiving two serious wounds to allow the aircraft to be brought down accompanied by a selection of wines,
in the lungs and ten penetrating until the conditions of light and sea made all to the RNUC’s usual very high
wounds in the lower limbs. His aircraft this possible without undue risk. standard. Following lunch, the loyal
was badly damaged and filled with toast was proposed by Don Shaw after
the fumes of exploding shells. But he which there was a comfort break.
did not falter. He pressed home his The afternoon continued with
attack, and released the depth charges introductions by Bill McCall followed by
himself, straddling the submarine the presentation of the competition prize,
perfectly. The U-boat was sunk. to David Mason, by Robert Wallace,
He then collapsed and the second pilot editor of the Piping Press. David was
took over the controls. He recovered also given a framed copy of his winning
shortly afterwards and, though bleeding tune as well as one of a thousand limited
profusely, insisted on resuming edition models of John Cruickshank’s
command and retaining it until he was Catalina produced by Corgi. Framed
satisfied that the damaged aircraft was copies of David’s tune were also given to
under control, that a course had been each of the three judges.
set for base and that all the necessary With his assistance the aircraft was Official proceedings were then brought
signals had been sent. Only then safely landed on the water. He then to a close with a vote of thanks by Bill
would he consent to receive medical directed the taxying and beaching McCall.
aid and have his wounds attended to. of the aircraft so that it could easily John Cruickshank is known to be
He refused morphia in case it might be salvaged. When the medical a humble man who shuns publicity.
prevent him from carrying on. officer went on board, Flying Officer However, following the end of the
During the next five and a half hours of Cruickshank collapsed and he had to official proceedings I had a suitable
the return flight he several times lapsed be given a blood transfusion before he opportunity to introduce myself to,
into unconsciousness owing to loss of could be removed to hospital. and shake hands with, this remarkable
blood. When he came to his first thought By pressing home the second attack gentleman. I told John who I was and
on each occasion was for the safety in his gravely wounded condition and how I came to be present at the event.
of his aircraft and crew. The damaged continuing his exertions on the return My mention of Daniel Stewarts College
aircraft eventually reached base but it journey with his strength failing all the brought a smile to his face, making a
was clear that an immediate landing time, he seriously prejudiced his chance very pleasant end to what had been a
would be a hazardous task for the of survival even if the aircraft safely thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
wounded and less experienced second reached its base. Throughout, he set David Fraser
pilot. Although able to breathe only an example of determination, fortitude President
with the greatest difficulty, Flying Officer and devotion to duty in keeping with the DSMCC – Aberdeen Branch
10 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
Principal’s Report
squad journeyed to Manchester for TFC, lending their support and proudly
their annual tour with fixtures against wearing their House colours. Other
Bowden Hockey Club and King’s musical events included two Award
School Macclesfield. In rugby, the Holders’ Concerts held in our wonderful
U16 XV played in the final of Scottish new venue, The Dean, a fitting venue
Schools’ Shield at Murrayfield. The which was able to accommodate the
conditions were testing but the squad acoustic demands of the pipes, organ,
were declared worthy winners, with guitar and strings followed by the Junior
a clean sheet result of 41-0. The 1st School and Senior School Chamber
X1 football team finished the season Concerts as well as the ESMO Concert
in style by winning the Independent held on the eve of St Andrew’s Day in
Schools’ Cup with a 3-1 victory over the TFC. Following the performance of
local rivals George Watson’s College. the Band and Dancers at the ESMS
In March the boys senior swimming Ceilidh in September, the Solo Piping
team headed down to London to and Drumming Competition was
defend their Bath Cup title. After keenly fought at all levels from Chanter
outstanding swims from all the boys, through to the Senior events. The annual
It is my very great pleasure Stewart’s Melville College came away Grandparents’ Tea Party hosted by
to write my second report for with not only the Bath Cup and record S6 students was greatly appreciated
but also the Otter Medley Cup and by all attendees. We rounded off the
the FP News Magazine as accompanying record (the boys beat term in our traditional way with our
Principal of Erskine Stewart’s their own record from last year by two Carol Parties followed by both the
Melville Schools. over a second). This achievement is Junior School and Senior School Carol
unprecedented as the Bath Cup is a Services held on consecutive nights in
In 2018/2019 boys at Stewart’s Melville
UK-wide competition and so to win St Mary’s Cathedral. During term two we
College worked with determination
both events, and break their respective were astonished by the high standards
and commitment to achieve strong
records is a remarkable feat. and fun generated by the Sl and S2
examination results at National 5,
The school calendar was filled with ESMS musical Bugsy Malone; by an
Higher and Advanced Higher levels.
special events and occasions, including outstanding Pipe Band and Dancers’
The pass rate at National 5 was 97.6%
Remembrance, The Pipe Band concert and the Spring Concert, The
with an A rate of 70.7%. At Higher level
and Dancers’ Ceilidh and excellent Senior School play, A Doll’s House,
boys secured a pass rate of 94.2%,
performances of Dickens’ A Christmas marked Dr Iain Scott’s last directorial
with an A rate of 63.6%. At Advanced
Carol over three nights. The production undertaking for the schools. He has
Higher level the pass rate was 92.7%
took place in the Mar Hall, with each directed a remarkable number of plays
and the A rate was a staggering 59.5%,
scene exquisitely punctuated by and musicals over the last 30 years.
an increase on last year’s figure which
performances from the Chamber The term came to a climatic conclusion
had been the best on record. with the Usher Hall Concert, at the
Choir. The inter-house ESM Challenge
Boys not only distinguished themselves began in earnest with The House Music end of March, featuring the combined
on the academic front in their Competition. 700 pupils from S3- choirs and orchestra of more than 500,
SQA examinations but also in their S5 took part in the six House Choirs performing Mozart’s Requiem.
classroom learning and in their co- which were masterfully prepared and Over the past year boys have had
curricular activities throughout the conducted by S5 pupils. The soloists, the opportunity to participate in
year. They demonstrated commitment, chamber groups and choirs performed various curricular and sporting trips.
perseverance and resilience in all their to a very high standard and rightly These included CCF camps to Barry
endeavours. impressed our external adjudicator. The Buddon (Army) and RAF Shawbury
On the sports field, the boys’ hockey House Rock competition followed on a in Shropshire; the annual Stewart’s
sides at U18 and U15 levels reached few weeks later, it was a rousing evening Melville College trip involving S5 boys
the national semi-finals of the Scottish full of energy and spirit. Both events working in three schools with which we
Schools’ Cup. The S2 boys’ hockey attracted a full house of students in the have links in Malawi; a 1st XI cricketFP News 2019 11
festival at Hymers College, Hull and
a 3rd XI cricket tour to Liverpool; a
very successful trip to Bisley, and a
ESMS Sixth Form, 1999-
Geography trip to Alberta, Canada; a
trip to the German Aeronautics Centre 2019: The Director’s Cut
in Cologne organised by the Physics
department, a walking tour in the
Fresh from retirement, Iain Scott chats
Sierra Nevada in southern Spain and to FP News about life after ESMS
the Chamber Choir tour to Venice.
During the February break, the RMPS of their school career and preparing
department led a successful trip to New for the future. It is a key time in any
York and Washington and during the person’s life and I cannot imagine
same week Mr Brown led his final golf a more worthwhile job than helping
trip to Portugal. Modern Languages people through that. There were sad
exchanges and work experience moments as well as good times, but
opportunities to both France and I actually rather enjoy dealing with the
Germany gave boys the opportunities problems of others. I made sure that I
to immerse themselves in the language treated my final year exactly the same
and culture. Boys participated in all of as all the ones before it, though at the
these trips with enthusiasm. I am very end I could not help but reflect that in
grateful to my colleagues who gave many ways my own life had come to
up their time to lead these exciting, mirror the students’ – they were the
educational ventures. leavers of 2019 and so was I. We were
both leaving school bound for a future
The Development Office welcomed
that could not entirely be predicted but
over 700 guests to a glittering charity
had promise. The difference, of course,
dinner in the National Museum of I recently caught up with Dr is that they have their entire lives before
Scotland in February. The ESMS
Iain Scott, who has directed them and infinite possibilities!
Dinner for Doddie raised over £80,000
for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
Sixth Form for the last 20 As regards the future, I have had
and Access to Excellence. It was years. Many FPs owe him a a period of ill health over the last 6
a memorable and moving occasion great deal, and it was great to months but seem to be better and
and I am immensely grateful to the hear what he had to say about am looking forward to being more
generosity of school families and the active again in 2020. I wrote a study
his time at SMC, and what
wider ESMS community. The ESMS of the rise of modern China a couple
Pipe Band, ESMS Big Band and school
he’s looking forward to after a of years ago and I hope that I will be
choirs all performed although the successful escape – Fraser. able to write another book soon, as
undoubted star of the evening was the well as help with a charity and do a
remarkable Doddie Weir OBE whose bit of travelling. I have always been a
How was the last year in charge
courage in the face of adversity and great reader and film-goer and I love
of the Sixth Form? What is next
unquenchable spirit left an indelible music so there will not be a shortage of
for you now?
mark on everyone. things to do, but I need to get involved
I enjoyed the last session of Sixth Form with others and have a purpose. The
At the end of the school year we were
as much as I enjoyed the first one job was my life, I have no family, and
delighted to welcome back to Stewart’s
twenty years ago in 1999 and that was so it is really important for me to find
Melville College, former pupil Mr Kydd
very much what I intended - I wanted worthwhile things to fill my time.
Boyle, to deliver the address at The
to retire while I was still enjoying the
Commemoration of Founders and How did the boys change over
job and was excited by it. For me, it
Prizegiving. Kydd is the founder of the years? Did they become more
was the perfect role and it was great
Horizons, a social enterprise helping serious, more annoying?
to be given the opportunity of setting
to inspire, educate and connect future up the combined co-ed Sixth Form all You will be surprised to hear me say
young leaders. He delivered a unique those years ago and invent something that in many respects I did not feel
and powerful address which had the completely new, which many people the boys changed at all. I always
audience spellbound. It was a fitting at the time did not think would be found them to be keen, enthusiastic,
way to round off a remarkable year. successful. It has been a huge full of good humour, thoughtful, kind,
Linda A Moule pleasure and privilege to work with well-intentioned and great company.
Principal students as they were nearing the end They have always been filled with12 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
ambitions and goals, and (while often (very unwelcome) area of concern boy was ‘destined’ for a specific career –
pretending not to work) in Sixth Form and anxiety, with some students not life is far too unpredictable and surprising
they did actually work hard. They were realising that what they called ‘banter’, for that. The Sixth Form year was often
always truly good people who looked others might find objectionable a time for questioning what was the best
out for each other and had a great especially when broadcast to everyone. route forward – sometimes at odds with
deal of affection and loyalty for the However, changes in society have parents or staff or one’s previous self.
school, even though it sometimes took also led to boys being more open Nowadays it is possible to have multiple
years for them to realise that they had about how they felt - their concern for careers and that is very exciting.
actually had a pretty good education! others has seen charities in the school What are you worried about in
Obviously, there were exceptions blossom during this period. Also, relation to young people now? What
of boys who made mistakes and as there was more focus on work in is a threat to the younger generation
sometimes showed poor judgement Sixth Form and increased struggle for that wasn’t about before?
and wilfulness, but we can all think of university places or apprenticeships,
I have already mentioned the dangers
examples in our own lives which do not there was also a rise in stress and
of social media and the possibility of
make us proud. The most important tension during term time – though boys
hurting people through casual remarks
thing is that we should realise the seemed to miss deadlines and attend
which are then accessible by all. The
mistakes, learn from them and act parties just as much if not more than
loss of privacy, in a world which is
positively, and in most cases they did. ever before! And frankly, if you are
increasingly monitored and observed
Every year (usually at the Leavers’ 17/18, why should you not want fun?
is worrying – the ability to bring people
Ball!), boys would admit their previous Any personal favourite stories - to justice through surveillance needs
stupidity, or apologise for causing me boys that did things differently, to be balanced against the loss of
so much grief – but they had emerged made their own path etc? personal freedoms. My generation
wiser and that is all that counts.
I can think of a number of instances of has been wasteful with resources
Of course, society itself has changed ‘boys who did things differently’, but I and totally selfish in the pursuit of our
a huge amount in the past 20 years don’t think any of them would appreciate desires and this has cost the world
and this has caused changes in the me publicising exactly how, though they dear in environmental terms, and
boys, even though their fundamental have all gone on to have very successful, so for the new generation there are
qualities have been constant. In 1999, happy lives. I am just astonished at huge challenges related to climate
Sixth Form was still seen as a bit of how well our students do in life after change and the uses and abuses of
a luxury, a ‘year off’ before university, school – and the route is not necessarily our planet. I am glad to see that the
a time to relax and have fun before through university. Everywhere I go, I new generation seems much more
resuming academic work the next year. meet FPs, often involved in jobs they aware of this and willing to act. If I
As university places became more never expected to do when they were were to identify one thing that worries
competitive in Scotland because of the at school, and sometimes also very me now about society and has always
fee situation, more boys stayed on for different from their university degree. worried me, it is the focus on excessive
a final year to gain more qualifications Since retiring, it has been really nice to alcohol, as if it were a necessary part of
to get into university and had to work be contacted by FPs who want to meet youth. The students that I see in Sixth
very hard. The arrival of girls in the year up for coffee and discover that their life Form are fantastic young adults; they
group also boosted competition and stories have been amazing - hopefully are entertaining, interesting and great
everyone is keen to succeed and make that spirit of adventure, that openness company – they do not need extra
the most of the year. The increase in to new paths, starts in the final years of alcohol to make them attractive as
social media introduced a whole new school. I tried never to assume that a people – they already are.FP News 2019 13
The Black Brothers
What will you miss most about the
school?
Everything – it was my whole life. If I
had to select one thing, it would be the
interaction with the students. I loved
talking to them, hearing about their
– David Clarke
lives, their hopes, their problems – and At SMC Archives, we are ever grateful (and always boyishly
they always made me laugh. I thought excited!) by any addition to the holdings; however, in
about them all the time and often
December, we received on long-term loan a tremendously
worried about them and was genuinely
delighted when things worked out. I special family collection that encapsulated the story of
have never been very ambitious for Stewart’s College in both world wars. The huge assemblage
myself, but I was fiercely ambitious for of medals, diaries, documents and photographs of the Black
them, personally and academically. family tell a story of service which is as extraordinary as the
If you could teach one weekly hour generosity of Mr Duncan Black (DSC 1955-67) who first
to every pupil in the country, what floated the idea of lodging the objects with us. Two items- a
would you teach?
collection of medals and a diary, tell the poignant story of
Ah! At last an easy question! It would
two brothers at war a century ago.
be Philosophy. The big questions
in life never change, but have to be put to bed by the performance of
addressed time and again. Who are the London Scottish in the Battle
we? Why are we here? What is a good of Messines. The ‘Cockney Jocks’
life? What is the truth? We all need to were the first Territorials to meet the
confront these and, if you are 17 years enemy in battle in a now-legendary
old, you have a real interest in those big encounter on Halloween 1914, and
fundamental questions which should Walter Black was in the thick of it.
never be ducked. I think everyone On the 31st October, in the middle of
should be taught philosophy once a the do-or-die First Battle of Ypres, the
week – and many countries in Europe Scottish were sent to plug a gap in the
do just that. British line on the Wytschaete ridge,
What book should every Stew Mel which was held by a scratch force
boy (or man) read? of dismounted British cavalry and a
much-depleted Indian battalion. Black,
The Meditations by the Roman in F Company, was sent forwards at
emperor Marcus Aurelius – a very short the double across the open fields in full
Walter Black, born in 1888, was the
book with very short paragraphs that view of the enemy, to form a reserve
eldest of his siblings and a qualified
can be easily dipped into and will guide chemist. Moving to London, he line. It was here that, paradoxically,
you to a better life. played for Saracens and joined the he found himself in greater danger
Do boys’ schools have a place in Territorial Force. By the outbreak of than the men closer to the firing. The
the 21st century? war, he was a Lance Corporal in the fighting was so desperate that there
Well, I certainly did not spend most 14th London Regiment, commonly had been no time to dig trenches or
of my life teaching in one, only to known at the London Scottish. shelter scrapes- the Scottish reserve
conclude that I had been wasting my Mobilised on the outbreak of war, was literally instructed to lie down with
time. I honestly think ESMS has a good the Scottish volunteered for service no other cover than their greatcoats
overseas though only bound by for rudimentary camouflage. Soon
model – a few years of senior school
their terms of enlistment to serve at spotted by German artillery and
where boys and girls can be educated
home. Thus, the regiment marched coming under heavy fire, incredibly
separately so they can feel confident
off to war high-spirited, well trained Walter took the time to scribble down
and relaxed in themselves and can focus
but badly equipped- still wearing his experiences as they happened.
on whatever subjects they want without
Highland brogues, spats, full hair ‘Shells are shrieking over our heads
any preconceptions of what is for boys
sporrans and still carrying Victorian while rifle and maxim fire is continuous
or girls; followed by a final experience
rifles that were largely incompatible in front of us- it is perfectly hellish… a
of co-education when both are more with the ammunition they would perfect nightmare of circumstances’.
assured and independent, but now receive in France. The Territorials After enduring an entire day of this
ready to interact and learn from each as ‘weekend warriors’ suffered and severe casualties, at 21.00, a
other – before the rest of LIFE begins. patronising condescension from the huge German attack was launched
Dr Iain Scott Regular Army- but any questions on Black’s battalion, with Bavarian
Director of Sixth Form, 1999-2019 about their effectiveness would be troops leading the way with regimental14 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
brass bands playing. The Scottish held of his brother’s charge at Messines,
fire until the enemy were 30 yards away was conducted in a landscape now
then simply poured fire into the dense dominated by trenches and chemical
masses, causing utter mayhem and weapons. But far from being the
mass casualties. Lit by the eerie glow stalemate- slaughter- stalemate round of
of a nearby windmill that was engulfed attritional warfare commonly accepted
in flames, the German attack was torn as the status quo on the Western Front,
apart and driven off by a spirited bayonet the British were rapidly developing
charge- a legendary moment in London a doctrine of dominating the enemy
Scottish history. French troops coming in their own trenches both physically
to the sector a few days later counted and psychologically- No Man’s Land
over 3500 German corpses strewn over officially did not exist- and James found
the ground. General Allenby was moved himself at the forefront of this revolution.
to comment that ‘In discipline and He had an extraordinary facility for
tactical efficiency, the London Scottish raiding, reconnaissance and intelligence
have been up to the standard of the gathering- crossing the ground between
best Regular troops.’ Gone forever was the trenches often on his own or leading
the myth that the ‘chocolate soldiers’ small parties of men, in the type of
couldn’t pull their weight… action now more commonly associated back, then went out again. He was
Attached to the Guards Division, the with the special forces. One such raid immediately awarded a Military Cross
Jocks were sent into reserve near the saw him lead six men into No Man’s to accompany his DCM. Such was the
shattered village of Givenchy, where, as Land and expend 33 grenades in the pace of operations that through the late
rainy autumn gave way to snowy winter, destruction of an advanced German summer Black was in constant action.
Walter witnessed the dawn of trench post and its unfortunate occupants. On the 10th September 1917 the 9th
warfare. He commented ‘My head aches Such was his nerve, that by August were again in the starting line-up for
from the concussion of the earth. I am 1915 he was commissioned to Second the continued advance up the ridges
about three feet down and two or three Lieutenant and was awarded the away from Ypres. That morning, parties
feet in, so I feel every thud’. These early Distinguished Conduct Medal, just one
of the battalion, slogging through deep
trenches provided pitifully little protection, down from the Victoria Cross.
mud and under a withering fire began to
and his comments on them proved to Returning to Edinburgh, James had falter and the advance slowed. Within
be tragically prophetic. On the 22nd perhaps hoped for a quiet period of moments James Black, now the battalion
December 1914, Walter Black was killed leave, and dropped by into the College intelligence officer, was on the scene.
by a sniper. How James and Catherine, to see Mr Milne, the notably austere Swiftly the men were rallied, reorganised
his parents, felt that first Christmas of the and reserved headmaster. Once the and with Black at their head, charged
war hardly bears thinking about. boys apprehended that a popular ex- on and secured their objective. Such
This was now a war to the finish- and cadet and bona fide war hero was in
inspired leadership made a Bar to the
no recruit proceeding on active service the school, matters rapidly escalated
Military Cross inevitable- it was confirmed
early in 1915 could dwell under any into a situation closely resembling a
eight weeks after the first. James Black
illusion of what lay ahead on the other riot! Lead by Milne, Black was carried
survived the war with a Mention in
side of the Channel. James, born in through the school to the chapel
Despatches to add to his laurels and a
1892, found himself posted to France amidst scenes of fearful scrummaging,
well-deserved promotion to Captain. Niall
the day after his 23rd birthday. Like where he bashfully recounted
Gilhooley, in his newly published history of
Walter, James was a Lance Corporal some tales of his prowess to a very
appreciative audience! the 9th, sums up James Black with one
in a fashionable Edinburgh Territorial
word- unstoppable.
battalion, the 9th Royal Scots, popularly Back in Belgium, James was thrown into
called the Dandy 9th, on account of the maelstrom of the opening rounds These are just two of the many stories
their Highland garb. James, no doubt of what is now commonly called the that boys from SMC will be hearing about
full of apprehension on his deployment, Passchendaele offensive. On the 10th owing to the generosity of the Black
could not possibly have known that he July 1917, with the British advance family. To see their faces as they hold
was about to embark on a spectacular going well near the Steenbeek, the CO James Black’s medals is truly inspiring,
career as a fighting soldier, that he of the 9th desperately needed accurate and so his deeds live on. For them to
would survive the war and would also information on the whereabouts of the hear the words of Walter Black, written at
emerge as one of the College’s most enemy. There could be but one man for the dawn of the Great War, is to allow him
highly decorated officers. the task. James immediately set out on to live again. It is said all soldier die twice-
By spring 1915, the situation in a close reconnaissance of the enemy. once in battle, and a second time when
Flanders was transformed beyond all Coming under a hail of machine gun their service is forgotten. That second
recognition- the first full scale action fire, he was very swiftly wounded but death is completely reversible and will not
James fought, just six months after and completely disregarding this pressed on, occur as long as these objects remain at
a few miles away from the from the site noted the German position, reported the College.FP News 2019 15
Melville College Trust Update
I feel somewhat privileged to
be writing this report, having
taken over as Chair of the
Melville College Trust at our
AGM in November 2018. I not
only follow Andy Scott (Chair
of the Trust on no less than
3 occasions) but also follow
some very distinguished
Melville College FPs.
During the School Year (2018/2019),
the Trust provided £230,000 in
bursaries to the ESMS Schools,
which has enabled 30 pupils to enjoy
the excellent facilities and education
Former teachers Andrew Todd, Iain Dunn, Margot Christie, Ann Evans (Mair),
available. Also, to note that the bursary
Paul Caton and Tom Fraser
provision covered 15 boys and 15 girls.
book “History of Edinburgh Institution
In addition to the bursaries, the Trust
1832-1932”. This is now available to
has donated around £10,000 to a
view and searchable on the new school
diverse number of School projects. In
archive website https://archives.esms.
the Junior School outdoor benches &
org.uk/. Also available on this site is the
chalkboards for P3, the Malawi Club for
World War 1 and World War 2 Roll of
P7 and the Mindfulness & Yoga Club all
Honour. Do have a look around.
received support. Whilst in MES there
was help towards a new basketball Our website has been re-vamped
scoreboard and in SMC the Allotment http://melvillecollegetrust.uk/ and the
Club, Darts Club and the Tommy Trust has moved into the world of
Memorial Statue (on display outside Twitter social media @melville_trust.
the Dean) all gained funding support. Margot Christie unveils the Plaque Please do visit our website and follow
For ESMS awards were given to the alongside Alan Veitch, Chair of the us on Twitter - in turn we follow all the
Shooting Club, Boxing Club, CCF, Melville College Trust various FP Clubs and School Twitter
Music Honours Board, the purchase of accounts, so there is plenty news of
career at Melville in 1950 before retiring the ESMS family just a few clicks away.
an Eb Clarinet and a Snare Drum and
many years later at Stewart’s Melville
harness for the Pipe Band. If you would like more information about
was able to unveil the plaque in front
One project the Trust had immense pride the work of the Trust or are considering
of a gathering of former teachers,
in achieving this year, was the installation a donation or legacy please contact us
Governors of the Trust, School
of a commemorative plaque to mark the at melvillecollegetrust@gmail.com
representatives and FPs.
site of the old School at 7 Melville Street. Alan Veitch
It is hard to believe it’s some 46 years This year the Trust formally registered Chair Melville College Trust
since Melville College ended its presence for Gift Aid and this has already
there and whilst the Trust hasn’t taken attracted donations, resulting in
that long to install a plaque (honest!), the the Trust helping with the
engagement with the City of Edinburgh purchase of a defibrillator
planning to make it happen was at times for the Inverleith
arduous to say the least. clubhouse. One further
The Trust were most pleased that generous donation has
former Primary Teacher Margot allowed the Trust to pay
Christie, who started her teaching for the digitisation of the16 Daniel Stewart’s & Melville College Former Pupils Club
Jason Clarke - Genius Brewing
Is ‘Smart Drinking’ the future? sponsorship and brand ambassadors.
In 2016, the UK Chief Medical Officers In 2019, Gen!us was the Official Beer
dramatically reduced the safer drinking of the Ladies Scottish Open Golf and a
guidelines to 14 units a week for men sponsor of LET Order of Merit winner
and women. Since then we’ve seen a Beth Allen. Scotland’s rugby community
huge change in Britain’s drinking habits is a particular focus and we’re now into
with 54% of consumers now saying the our second year of running the Rugby
healthiness of their drinks is important Gen!us quiz in Scrum Magazine and
to them and sales of low and no- sponsoring StewMel Rugby.
alcohol beers up 50% in the past year. Are breweries concerned about
The craft beer revolution has changed alcohol being in the hands of young
expectations of flavour and quality, people?
which is great, but craft beers and All alcohol producers have a
premium lagers often have high ABVs responsibility to avoid their product being
and a heap of calories. Gen!us is for consumed by under-18s and Genius
today’s smart drinker who wants a Brewing fully supports industry initiatives
I talked to Jason Clarke, the great beer but without all the ‘booze’ such as Challenge 25. Education about
Creative Director at Genius and the belly. alcohol is equally important. As Funding
How does a brewer get attention in Partners of Drinkaware, we promote
Brewing, and spoke about the their excellent health-related content via
such a crowded market?
future of brewing, his time at our social media.
The craft beer market is indeed
Stew Mel and in the army, and However, once young people turn 18,
saturated – the world does not need
his partnership with Doddie’s another IPA! But Gen!us has a strong informed consumer choice is a real
charity. Thanks to Jason – USP as the UK’s first light craft lager. concern for us. In the UK, there is no
legal requirement to display nutritional
and order some Genius in the While the brands of the global mega-
brewers benefit from huge marketing content on alcohol products. So while
new year! milk, Coke and orange juice have to
and distribution machines, the success
What separates Genius Brewing of start-ups such as Brewdog, Innis & detail their calories, sugars, and salt
from rivals? Gun, and Beavertown shows that there etc, beer and wine do not. This has
are still opportunities for a new, distinct to change and Gen!us Craft Lager is
Genius Brewing was launched in 2018
brand with a compelling product. leading the way by featuring a full, food-
with a mission to make responsible
standard nutrition guide on our cans.
drinking a pleasure, not a compromise. The 0% beers have been growing
Our Gen!us Craft Lager is the UK’s first rapidly but they are a very different How did the link with the Doddie
light craft lager, combining craft quality proposition as most drinkers actually foundation start?
with less alcohol and fewer calories. want some alcohol. At 3%, ABV I played 1st XV at school with Doddie
We’re all about ‘smart drinking’. Gen!us is only 79kcal and exactly 1 unit and against him in regional U21s. The
of alcohol per can; offering craft quality news of his MND diagnosis was heart-
while helping the health-conscious to breaking and given extra resonance by
stay ‘drinkaware’. my wife’s having father died of MND.
As a new business, we can’t and won’t When Doddie launched the My Name’5
try to fight in traditional, above-the- Doddie Foundation in 2017, we were
line advertising: TV; national print; or gearing up to launch Gen!us and so I
billboard, etc. Not only does it cost got straight on the phone.
millions, in many ways they are dated, Our #5p4Doddie pledge donates 5p
blunt instruments. Genius Brewing is from every can of Gen!us to Doddie’s
more invested in reaching our specific Foundation. We also support other
#smartdrinking market via social media people and organisations who are
and experiential activity. For example, fundraising for Doddie such as SAS
sports teams and communities are veteran John Davidson who aims to raise
more health-focused and so we £100,000 by rowing the Atlantic, single-
build awareness and exposure using handedly. Genius Brewing organised aYou can also read
