Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 2025

THE ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE 2025

Published by the Aberdeen Grammar School FP Club

Volume 128 September 2025

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As a Club we are most grateful to all our under-noted advertisers who have supported the production of this Magazine by taking advertising space. Club members are encouraged, in turn, to patronise our advertisers who would value our members’ custom every bit as much as we value theirs.

Brewin Dolphin

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XIC (Design, Print and Display)

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

141st year No. 263 (New Series 130th year No. 254)

Volume 128 September 2025

The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils’ Club each year

General Editors and Editors of Notes, etc. Stuart W. Cummings and Kirsteen Watt

Secretary of the FP Club Stuart W. Cummings secretary@agsfp.com

Treasurer of the FP Club Brian P. Davidson treasurer@agsfp.com

Membership Secretary of the FP Club Richard Steele admin@agsfp.com

The General Editors welcome contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before 31 July 2026.

Former Pupils are encouraged to provide details about themselves or others for inclusion in the Notes Section of the Magazine. Information may be sent by email to: editor@agsfp.com.

To assist in the distribution of the Magazine, members of the Former Pupils’ Club are kindly requested to update the membership platform with their email address.

School Section

Introduction

We hope that the selection of articles provided by the School gives a flavour as to the breadth of activities within the School and the vibrancy of School life.

Many thanks to all staff and student contributors.

Special thanks also to Janet Adams, Deputy Head Teacher, and Ruth Gould, School Librarian, for their help in coordinating the articles for the School Section.

Head Teacher’s Prizegiving Speech 2025

Good afternoon.

The title of my speech today is “I’m terrified on the 10-metre diving board, but I love it.”

I will explain! This year, the inspiration behind my speech comes from one of our own young people – Noah Penman. Noah is in receipt of one of our most prestigious awards – the Phil Love Credit to the School Award. He is currently competing in Athens in the Junior Europeans for Aquatics Team GB.

Noah competes in both 10-metre and 3-metre diving. He has had success in the European Junior Championships. This year, he competed in the European Championships in Turkey and won a Silver Medal in the 3-metre Springboard event. Given the Gold medal was won by a competitor 15 years older than him, winning a silver medal is a major achievement for one so young and at this stage in his career.

Attaining straight As in all his N5 and Higher subjects and competing at an international level is to be commended and celebrated. In fact, due to international competitions happening at the same time as SQA exams, Noah had to sit a few of his exams in schools abroad whilst competing. In a recent media interview, Noah said “I’m terrified on the 10-metre board, but I love it”. I chose this quote because, at AGS, we always strive for our young people to find an activity, a subject and ultimately, a career path they love.

This is the reason why, in our school, we provide as many opportunities as we can within and outwith the classroom – all designed to help our young people discover what they really enjoy, so that they can also say “I love it.” That may not involve diving from a 10-metre board!

As I reflect on the past year, I am proud of how we, as a school community have created so many opportunities for our young people. It is impossible for me to cover every opportunity provided and share each individual success. However, I would like to share a few highlights from the past year and give a flavour of our academic success and our wider achievement opportunities.

Academic Success

I firmly believe that academic success can be experienced by all young people where there is hard work and commitment from school, parents and the young person. At AGS, our job is to create the conditions for such success. In other words, we need to ensure we design a curriculum which provides opportunities for all and that our teaching is of the highest quality. Underpinning our work on the curriculum and learning and teaching is our commitment to our young people and their wellbeing.

Our work is leading to all of our young people gaining a fantastic set of qualifications by the time they leave school. Our attainment in national qualifications is the highest it has ever been. Out of 400 schools in Scotland, we are in the top 10. Our attainment in all measures exceeds national averages and comparator schools across Scotland. A great success story for the whole school community. At the heart of our work is instilling a love of learning.

Achievements

Our school vision of working together, learning together, achieving together is evident in the following wider achievements:

• For the first time, in a long time, we won the Aberdeen Schools Golf League. This is building on the success and funding the school receives through the Luther and Muriel Kitson Smith Golf tournament.

• In football, our S2 boys won the North-East Schools Trophy, and our Senior Boys Team won the Presidents Trophy. Our Girls football team were runners up in the Aberdeen City Schools series.

• In Rugby, our U14 and U16 teams were both Runners Up in the North-East 10s.

• There has been great success in Netball this year at junior and senior levels, gaining first and second places across a number of tournaments and League winners in the Active Schools Women and Girls in Sport Local League.

• Similarly, great success in Basketball with Senior Boys 3rd in the Aberdeen Schools League, S1 boys undefeated this season, S2 Boys undefeated this season.

• In swimming, 6 young people qualified for Scottish Schools finals

• In Athletics, Cameron Kennedy is the 100m sprint Scottish Schools Champion. He won with a time of 11.34 seconds which places him in the top 10 all times by an U15 Scot.

• Great success in Aberdeen Schools Cross Country.

• In Hockey, our Senior Girls were runners up in the Aspire Cup. Our Junior Boys won the Junior Aspire Cup. A number of them play in the North District Team and North District won the District Championships.

• Face the Music performed Little Shop of Horrors as our school show and are preparing for this year’s production of Hairspray. You can see our talented performers and musicians at next week’s summer showcase on Wednesday.

• Our Concert Band continues to exemplify excellence as is clearly the case today. They achieved Gold Plus at the final of the Scottish Concert Band Festival in March and Gold in the final of the National Concert Band Festival.

• Michelle Tse won the Aberdeen Young Musician of the Year and went on to the Scottish finals where she won the prize for early music at the Scottish Young Musician of the Year final.

My thanks to you as parents for encouraging your children to embrace the opportunities on offer and take time to discover an activity they love taking part in. My thanks to the Parent Council and PTA for their fundraising efforts and for working with us to strive for only the very best for our young people. The financial contributions made by our Former Pupils Club are significant and make a real difference to what we can offer on a cost-neutral basis. By working together, we make such a difference for our young people.

To conclude, as a future Olympian said – “I’m terrified on the 10-metre diving board, but I love it.” For me, education is about discovery and finding what we love to do. I feel privileged to lead a school community where we put in the extra time and care to deliver outstanding qualifications and outstanding achievements. The ultimate goal being for every learner to say: “I love it.”

Thank you.

Alison Murison Head Teacher, Aberdeen Grammar School

June 2025

Byron

Ash Bow

Konrad Omenzetter

Rebecca Walker

Mya Wickham

Prefects 2024-2025

Senior Prefect Team

Senior Prefects

Aine Masson Soleimen Sellami

Deputy Senior Prefects

Sandy Scott Amy Robertson

William Scott John Heywood

House Captains

Keith & Dun Melvin

Hannah Mair

Dylan Pearson

Sereen Nacef

Nirjal Dhakal

Finlay Balfour Evelina Anagnostopoulou-Martzoukou

Maja Bawor

Byron

Faiyaz Ara Rash

Inka Boyne

Megan Bruce

Logan Gillespie

Natalia Grobelna

Alice Hammill

Manahil Illahi

Ava MacLennan

Claire Reid

Jack Rowlands

Annabel Johnston

S6 Prefects

Ben Chalmers

Freya MacDonald

Isobel Reynolds

Charlotte Shields

Alexander Denison

John Forbes

Keith & Dun Melvin

Alexander Abernethy

Jessica Ahmeti

Leona Ahmeti

Nirjal Dhakal

Jamie Ferries

Alec Gaskell

Anna Glennie

Hannah Mair

Millie Murdoch

Adam Robertson

Amy Smart

Salsabeel Salamat

Matthew Will

Maya Algameel

Taylor Bannister

Sylvia De Bari

Tamanna Ghatak

Betsy Kirk

Avnee Kshirsagar

Ruby Notman

Aashika Premkumar

Harshit Satsangi

Corah Taylor

Yuvan Nanjan

Kasja Ferjancic

Newly Appointed S6 Prefects

Byron Keith & Dun

Dylan Throwbridge

Freya Inglis

Grace Addison

Maahir Patel

Mariette Pose

Mya Wickham

Rebecca Walker

Robert Marwick

Zarif Ahmed

Byron

Anshu Duwadi

Lokesh Mohan

Rihenna Mennie

Sarea Vaz

Yahya Khan

Melvin

Averon D’Costa

Callum Warrick

Clark Addison

Gabrielle Taylor

Isira Range Bandara

Sampanna Tiwari

Zane Basko

Newly Appointed S5 Prefects

Keith & Dun

Lily Arthur Evelina Anagnostopoulou-Martzoukou

Bonna Hose

Joe Walker

Finlay Balfour

Ishaan Kalyanasundaram

Maja Bawor

Francesca Gibson

Aaron Anthony Lopez Ottley

Aaliyah Babatunde

Valonia Rodrigues

Annabelle Johnston

Nicholas Andersen

Yusuf Rasheed

Luna Orlando

Ann Mathew

Mandisa Mueller-Hirth Doran

Olivia Candy

Jessica Fraser

Yehia Nassar

Andrea Bostock

Alistair Christie

Rawan Adel

Melvin

Katie Kelman

Dylan Bunney

Ella Gibson

Kamilla Vaczi

Alexander Denison

Anet Rockey

John Forbes

Kenzy Elewa

Ellie Oldfield

Senior Prefects

Front row left to right: William Scott, Aine Masson, Amy Robertson

Back row left to right: John Heywood, Soleimen Sellami, Sandy Scott

Senior Prefects left to right: William Scott, John Heywood, Aine Masson, Soleimen Sellami, Sandy Scott, Amy Robertson

Byron House Captains

Byron

Keith and Dun House Captains

House Captains left to right: Maja Bawor, Konrad Omenzetter, Rebecca Walker, Ash Bow, Mya Wickham, Finlay Balfour

Keith & Dun House Captains left to right: Evelina Anagnostopoulou-Martzoukou, Dylan Pearson, Hannah Mair, Sereen Nacef, Nirjal Dhakal, Annabelle Johnston

Melvin House Captains

Melvin House Captains left to right: Freya MacDonald, John Forbes, Charlotte Shields, Ben Chalmers, Alexander Denison, Isobel Reynolds

Colour Awards June 2025

Name Year Reg Class Level Activity

Fola Olusoji

S4 4B1 Bronze Badminton

James Walker S4 4K1 Bronze Badminton

Vera Akwuewanbhor S4 4B1 Bronze Basketball

Mohamed Bakhiet S5 5K1 Bronze Basketball

Olive Bond Werneck S5 5K3 Bronze Basketball

Casey Itetia

S5 5M1 Bronze Basketball

Yi Cheng Xue S5 5M1 Bronze Basketball

Freya Sim S4 4B3 Bronze Choir

Holly Foster S5 5K1 Bronze Debating

Robert McDougall S4 4B1 Bronze Debating

Elliot Anderson S4 4M1 Bronze Football

Robert Brown S5 5M1 Bronze Football

Josh Davidson S6 6M1 Bronze Football

Dylan Fiddes

S5 5K2 Bronze Football

Liam Harkin S5 5M1 Bronze Football

Gerard Kasparian S4 4M2 Bronze Football

Blake Lamb

S4 4M2 Bronze Football

Erin Murdoch S5 5M1 Bronze Football

Toby Nesbitt

S5 5K2 Bronze Football

Connor Rowlands S4 4K1 Bronze Football

Matthew Taylor S4 5M1 Bronze Football

Leo Wickham S4 4B3 Bronze Football

Fergus Willox S4 4M2 Bronze Football

Jack Bremner

S5 5B2 Bronze Golf

Joe Inglis S5 5B1 Bronze Golf

Erin Allan S6 6B1 Bronze Hockey

Holly Fraser S4 4K1 Bronze Hockey

Holly Low S6 6M1 Bronze Hockey

Penny Paton S4 4B2 Bronze Hockey

Rory Morrison

S5 5M1 Bronze Rugby

Moses Cheung S4 4K2 Bronze String Orchestra

Oghogho Ediae

S4 4M1 Bronze Volleyball

Sophia Fernandes S4 4D1 Bronze Volleyball

Michael Furo

S4 4M1 Bronze Volleyball

Iyinoluwa Oladigbo S4 4M1 Bronze Volleyball

Sara Tanase

Precious Mise

Tim Bacciotti

S4 4B2 Bronze Volleyball

S5 5B2 Silver Choir

S5 5K1 Silver Concert Band

Cameron Findlay S5 5M1 Silver Concert Band

Name

Mya Hayton

James Macadie

Eilidh Melvin

Laura Reid

Archie Rough

Vincent Sesar

Mairi Bell

Isla Downie-Burns

Rebecca Ryce

Lewis Timms

Finlay Williams

Juan Harcus Garcia

Rawan Adel

Luna Orlando

Lily Arthur

Alistair Christie

Finlay Balfour

Owen Wright

S5 5B1 Silver Concert Band

S5 5K3 Silver Concert Band

S5 5K2 Silver Concert Band

S5 5B1 Silver Concert Band

S5 5K1 Silver Concert Band

S5 5M2 Silver Concert Band

S5 5B2 Silver Debating

S5 5K2 Silver Debating

S5 5M1 Silver Debating

S6 6M3 Silver Football

S6 6M3 Silver Football

S5 5K2 Silver Hockey

S6 6K2 Gold Language Club

S6 6K2 Gold Language Club

S6 6B2 Gold Concert Band

S6 6K1 Gold Concert Band

S6 6B1 Gold Concert Band

S5 5M2 Gold Hockey

Colour Awards March 2025

Name Year Reg Class Level Activity

Jawaad Ahmmad S3 3B1 Bronze Badminton

Ryan Mason S3 3B1 Bronze Badminton

Parineeta Roy S3 3B2 Bronze Badminton

Satvik Sumesh S3 3B1 Bronze Badminton

Elena-Teodora Tudora S3 3B2 Bronze Badminton

Nikki Zheng S3 3B1 Bronze Badminton

Murray Balfour S3 3B2 Bronze Concert Band

Katherine Cameron S3 3B1 Bronze Hockey

Daisy Forbes S3 3B3 Bronze Hockey

Katie Hutcheon S3 3B2 Bronze Hockey

Jessica Hutcheon S3 3B1 Bronze Hockey

Penny Patton S3 2B2 Bronze Hockey

Emma Tivendale S3 3B2 Bronze Hockey

Evie Williams S3 3B1 Bronze Netball

Cara Freeman S3 3B3 Bronze Rowing

Jessica Strong S3 3B2 Bronze String Orchestra

Madeleine Chesher S3 3B1 Bronze Swimming

Katherine Coull S4 4KD1 Bronze Concert Band

Robert Esslemont S4 4KD2 Bronze Golf

Annabel Bostock S3 3KD1 Bronze Netball

Clodagh Duggan S3 3KD1 Bronze Netball

Jessica Macrae S3 3KD1 Bronze Netball

Charlotte Andersen S3 3KD1 Bronze String Orchestra

Kairaluchi Anizoba S3 3M1 Bronze Badminton

Isla Grant S3 3M2 Bronze Badminton

Aisling Murphy S3 3M2 Bronze Badminton

Stanley Obiagwu S3 3M1 Bronze Badminton

Esther Ogunleye S3 3M2 Bronze Badminton

Kaira Anizoba S3 3M1 Bronze Basketball

Vineha Vipularajah S3 3M2 Bronze Badminton

Vineha Vipularajah S3 3M2 Bronze Basketball

Gabriela Shapova S4 4M1 Bronze Choir

Sulaimon Busari-Penpe S3 3M1 Bronze Badminton

Sulaimon Busari-Penpe S3 3M1 Bronze Football

Zephan Ndibueze S3 3M3 Bronze Football

Ariana Chalmers S3 3M2 Bronze Hockey

Thomas Fitzpatrick S3 3M2 Bronze Hockey

Mouna Benelkadi S4 4M2 Bronze Netball

Innes Angus S5 5M3 Bronze Rugby

Name

Sandi Cameron S4 4M1 Bronze Show Choir

Iona Reeki-Ayala S3 3M2 Bronze Swimming

Falak Karol

Falak Karol

S3 3M3 Bronze Badminton

S3 3M3 Bronze Volleyball

Emediong David-Akpan S3 3M3 Bronze Volleyball

John McEwing

Matt Nicoll

Ksenija Petrova

Lucy Jacobsen

S4 4M2 Bronze Volleyball

S4 4M1 Bronze Young Engineer

S6 6B2 Silver Woodwind Ensemble

S5 5KD2 Silver Languages Club

Callum Vargesson S4 4KD1 Silver String Orchestra

Matt Nicoll

Niwa Jabegu

Ella Gibson

Zarif Ahmed

Nicholas Andersen

Clark Addison

John Forbes

Kenzy Elewa

Freya MacDonald

Sereen Nacef

Amy Robertson

S4 4M1 Silver Face the Music

S5 5M1 Silver Basketball

S5 5M1 Silver Hockey

S6 6B2 Gold Volleyball

S6 5KD1 Gold String Orchestra

S6 6M1 Gold Basketball

S5 5M3 Gold Concert Band

S5 5M1 Gold Volleyball

S6 6M2 Gold Woodwind Ensemble

S6 6KD1 Citizenship Volunteering at the Volleyball Club

S6 6KD1 Citizenship Planning for Success Programme

Colour Awards December 2024

Name Year Reg Class Level Activity

Ore Alade S4 4M2 Bronze Basketball

Danimi Dagogo S4 4M2 Bronze Basketball

Ben McCartney S4 4KD3 Bronze Basketball

Wisdom Osaro S4 4KD1 Bronze Basketball

Tim Bacciotti S4 4KD1 Bronze Concert Band

Tim Bacciotti S4 4KD1 Bronze Face the Music

Arthur Beck S4 4B2 Bronze Face the Music

Moses Cheung S3 3KD2 Bronze Face the Music

Charlotte Cheyne S3 3KD1 Bronze Face the Music

Isla Downie-Burns S4 4KD2 Bronze Face the Music

Ava Forsyth S4 4KD2 Bronze Face the Music

Alice Hammill S6 6B1 Bronze Face the Music

Freya Inglis S6 6B1 Bronze Face the Music

Molly MacDonald S5 5KD1 Bronze Face the Music

Rihenna Mennie S6 6KD1 Bronze Face the Music

Amy Robertson S6 6KD1 Bronze Face the Music

Rebecca Ryce S4 4M1 Bronze Face the Music

Nikita Singh S3 3B1 Bronze Face the Music

Song Un S5 5B1 Bronze Face the Music

Callum Vargesson S4 4KD1 Bronze Face the Music

Mouna Benelkadi S4 4M2 Bronze Football

Melina Zangelidou S4 4M2 Bronze Hockey

Alex MacDonald S4 4B2 Bronze Volleyball

Aidan Saker S6 6M1 Bronze Volleyball

Evelina

AnagnostopoulouMartzoukou S5 5KD5 Silver Face the Music

Alexander Denison S5 5M2 Silver Face the Music

Noah Griffin S6 6B1 Silver Face the Music

Annabelle Johnston S5 5KD2 Silver Face the Music

Freya MacDonald S6 6M2 Silver Face the Music

Mariette Pose S6 6B1 Silver Face the Music

Avah Reid S5 5KD2 Silver Face the Music

Sandy Scott S6 6KD1 Silver Face the Music

Jagoda Slezak S5 5M3 Silver Face the Music

Gregor Watson S5 5M2 Silver Face the Music

Ellie Oldfield S5 5M2 Silver Face the Music – school show lighting

Zane Basko S6 6M1 Silver Hockey

Natalia Grobelna S6 6B2 Silver Hockey

Name

Omar Sellami S5 5B2 Silver Hockey

Owen Wright S4 4M2 Silver Hockey

Andrea Bostock S5 5KD1 Silver Netball

Jessica Fraser S5 5KD1 Silver Netball

Zain Malik S5 5M1 Silver Rugby

Harshit Satsangi S6 6M1 Silver Swimming

Kenzy Elewa S5 5M1 Silver Volleyball

Kai Hayton S6 6B1 Gold Concert Band

Freya MacDonald S6 6M2 Gold Concert Band

Robert Marwick S6 6B1 Gold Concert Band

Corah Taylor S6 6M2 Gold Concert Band

Amy Robertson S6 6KD1 Gold Debating

Taylor Bannister S6 6M2 Gold Face the Music

Charlotte Shields S6 6M2 Gold Face the Music

Alec Gaskell S6 6KD2 Gold Hockey

Alice Hammill S6 6B1 Gold String Orchestra

Claire Reid S6 6B1 Gold String Orchestra

Yahya Khan S6 6KD1 Citizenship Junior Basketball

Zarif Ahmed S6 6B2 Citizenship Volleyball Club

John Forbes S5 5M3 International Rowing

Aberdeen Grammar School Prizes – 2025

Thank you to Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club for their ongoing financial support

Ore Alade

Catherine Angus

Mohamed Bakhiet

April Chan

Danimi Dagogo

Katie Ferries

Holly Foster

SENIOR PRIZES

S4 Prize Winners

Commendation

Lauren Gaskell

Ruth Halm

Joyce James

Sam Joss

Olivia Kelsey

James Macadie

Yousef Mohamed

Merit

Tim Bacciotti

Ava Forsyth

Millie Hardie

Tilly Pose

Rebecca Ryce

Lily Murray

Matt Nicoll

Liam Robertson

Gabriela Shapova

Utsav Simkhada

Shanice Song

Keanna Tomkins

Ali Solkar

Lauren Thom

Jana Attia

Arthur Beck

Isla Downie-Burns

Tayibah Firdaus

Umar Ahmad Zaidi

Zara Allan

Dania Al-Rifai

Favour Anozie

Maja Bawor

Alastair Cormack

Sanumitha Ambepitiya

Evelina

Anagnostopoulou-Martzoukou

Commendation and Merit

Katie Hillhouse Prayuj Patel

Alex MacDonald Ioana Smaranda

Sienna Madan Callum Vargesson

Daniel Manoj Hannah Yau

Sean McKee

S5 Prize Winners

Commendation

John Forbes

Jessica Fraser

Annabelle Johnston

Hugo Lefort

Ann Mathew

CiCi Morrice

Luna Orlando

Merit

Filip Bartoszewski

Commendation and Merit

Alexander Denison

Lily Arthur Ella Dillon

Finlay Balfour

Andrea Bostock

Dylan Bunney

Alistair Christie

Jorge Eslava Nieto

Ella Gibson

Ishaan Kalyanasundaram

Katie Kelman

Jess Robertson

Omar Sellami

Beth Simmers

Kamilla Vaczi

Joe Walker

Gregor Watson

Jimmy Cameron

Clare Kollmeye

Morven MacLean

Yehia Nassa

Manas Nath

Michelle Tse

Zara Zafreen

National 5 and Skills for Work Subject Prizes

Accounting Shristi Raga

Applications of Mathematics Sam Joss

Art and Design Isla Downie-Burns

Biology Aseel Alwawi

Business Management Isla Robertson

Chemistry Arthur Beck

Computing Science Ioana Smaranda

Drama Isla Downie-Burns

English Isla Downie-Burns

French Isla Downie-Burns

Geography Callum Vargesson

Graphic Communication Ioana Smaranda

Health and Food Technology Eva Byrne

History Isla Downie-Burns

Humanities Rihenna Mennie

Mathematics Hannah Yau

Modern Studies Isla Downie-Burns

Music Ava Forsyth

Physical Education Olivia Kelsey & Liam Robertson

Physics Sienna Madan

Practical Cookery Milly Henderson

Practical Electronics Connor McCormick

Practical Metalwork Jorge Eslava Nieto

Practical Woodwork Ruth Halm

Spanish Ioana Smaranda

Sport and Recreation Casey Itetia Osagiede

Travel and Tourism Niwa Hang Jabegu

Accounting and Finance

Applications of Mathematics

Art and Design

Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

Computing Science

Drama

English

Exercise & Fitness Leadership

French

Geography

German

Graphic Communication

Health and Food Technology

History

Human Biology

Leadership (Sport)

Mathematics

Modern Studies

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Politics

Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

Spanish

Higher Subject Prizes

John Muir Robertson Memorial Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Samuel Pope Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Gordon McMinn Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Campbell Connon Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

CNR International Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Alexander Thomson Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Sandy McIlwain Prize

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

Filip Bartoszewski

Sophie Gordon

Isobel Reynolds

Michelle Tse

Callum Warrick

Ishann

Kalyanasundaram

Manas Nath

Alexander Denison

Jess Robertson

Amy Smart

Andrea Bostock

Ishann

Kalyanasundaram

Mandisa Mueller-Hirth

Doran

Jabez Cheung

Morven MacLean

Alexander Denison

Katie Kelman

Kerr Menzies

Ishann

Kalyanasundaram

Annabelle Johnston

Alexander Denison

Megan Bruce

Katie Kelman

Alec Gaskell

Natasha Raj

Luna Orlando

Art and Design

Biology

Business Management

Chemistry

Drama

Engineering Science

Advanced Higher Subject Prizes

Former Pupils’ Club Prize, Design

Former Pupils’ Club Prize Expressive

Alice Hammill

Salma Mulford

The Hamish Adams Greig Prize Soleimen Sellami

Alba Trophy

Former Pupils’ Club Prize

John Heywood

Yuvan Nanjan

Former Pupils’ Club Prize Callan Reid

Former Pupils’ Club Prize Maahir Patel

English Masson Bain Prize

History

Charles Alexander Walker Prize

Mathematics J Mortimer McBain Prize

Mathematics of Mechanics

Physics

Ava MacLennan

Freya MacDonald

Averon D’Costa

Former Pupils’ Club Prize Konrad Omenzetter

Former Pupils’ Club Prize Konrad Omenzetter

Music Gavin Falconer Memorial Prize Michelle Tse

Sports Prizes

Former Pupils Rugby Football Trophy

Euan Warrick

Isobel O Anderson Award for Swimming Kiren Brown

Volleyball Player of the Year

The Luther and Muriel Smith Golf Trophy

Inter House Basketball Trophy

Inter House Chess

Matthew Armour

Robbie Brown

Inter House Competition Awards

Keith & Dun

Keith & Dun

Inter House Quiz Cup Byron

Inter House Netball

Keith & Dun

Inter House Badminton Melvin

Inter House Music Melvin

Inter House Table Tennis

Keith & Dun

Inter House Volleyball Byron

Inter House Tug of War Melvin

The Rubislaw Jubilee Cup

Inter House Challenge Cup

Keith & Dun

Keith & Dun

Additional Prizes

The Caritas Cup for Contribution to Charities Group Activities

The AGS Dramatic Society Award for Drama

Maggie Murphy, Mia Murphy and Maryam Soliman

Charlotte Shields

AGS Face the Music Award for Outstanding Performance in the School’s Musical Production Alexander Denison

The AGS Concert Band Award for Outstanding Contribution Sandy Scott

Concert Band Player of the Year Freya MacDonald

The Head Teacher’s Shield for Outstanding Running of the Literary and Debating Society

Prefect of the Year

The Montgomery Trophy for House Captain of the Year

Amy Robertson

Katie Kelman

Charlotte Shields University of Aberdeen Principal’s Award of Excellence

The Former Pupils’ 1965 Prize for the Commitment to the Life of S6

Jamie Blair Fiddes Award for Success in Overcoming Challenges

Michelle Tse

William Scott

Grace Addison and Rihanna Jermieson

Brian Robertson Prize for Commitment to the School Aine Masson

The Philip Love Trophy for Bringing Credit to the School Noah Penman

The Philip Love Trophy for Bringing Credit to the School

Wider Achievement Prizes

The Hopkin Cup for Wider Achievement in STEM

The Joyce Tease Award for Wider Achievement in Languages and Literature

Donald Paton Prize for Wider Achievement in the Arts

The Andrew Middleton McLaren Prize for Wider Achievement in Humanities, Citizenship and Enterprise

Molly Evans 6M2 and Archie Gibson 6M1

Amy Robertson

Salsabeel Salamat

Noah Griffin and Charlotte Shields

Jorge Eslava Nieto and Ava MacLennan

The Hopkin Cup for Wider Achievement in Health and Wellbeing Aine Masson

The All-Round Award Winners

The Edith and David Ritchie Bishop Prize S4

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Prize S5

Isla Downie-Burns

Evelina AnagnostopoulouMartzoukou

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Prize (Runner-up) Hannah Mair

The Agnes Durward McDonald All-Round Prize (Runner-up) Sandy Scott

The Alan Campbell Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy Soleimen Sellami

The Gillian Thomas Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy Amy Robertson

Dux Award

Averon D’Costa & Mariette Pose

Meryem Ceylan

Hyesung Choi

Tanya Dsouza

Sakithmi Edussuriya

Chekwubenna Emeruche

Samuel Fitzpatrick

Eva Harcus Garcia

Leah Hendry

JUNIOR PRIZES

S1 Prize Winners

Commendation

Osman Jafarli

David Law

Gabriela Martinez Saura

Skye Masson

Julian McCombie

Niharika Menon

Jayden Mohan

Ellen Chesher

Ethan Jarvis

Adrian Kong

Dougal Benson

Clara Burke

Merit

Lois Macaulay

Sarah Massey

Michael McGrory

Commendation and Merit

Christina Greig

Eilish Laing

Anna Clark Ruby Law

Cameron Craib

Anna Cutmore

Amelia Feeman

Millie Goldie

Lylou Le Guen Dang

Skye Little

Hannah Mackay

Samuel Manoj

Abigail McBurnie

Zicora Nwandu

Elza Petruskeviciute

Benjamin Simpson

Vishnu Sura

Zoe Suttie

Alfred Szecsenyi

Lauren Thomson

Iarlaith Tobin

Darcy Napier-Ray

Jane Sesar

Tiago Simpson

Teo Mizgorski

Russell Newman

Daniella Oloworere

Minnie Patton

Grace Strong

Matthew Tomkins

Petru-Daniel Tudora

Jacob Adams

Edie Angus

Ruby Black

Clara Budge

Chloe Chan

Ibrahim Khan

S2 Prize Winners

Commendation

Fyodor Klionskiy Esme Rough

Henry Mason Elvin Siju

Iona McCormick Cameron Turner

Eshal Moosa

Laura Chimara

Hannah Davidson

Claire Ewen

Alasdair Warrick

Kian Najd Freya Wood

Beksultan Pedjan

Freya Robertson

Merit

Dylan Gillespie

Elizabeth Zhao

Farida Nassar

Effie MacLennan Zahra Shehu

Abdallah Mohamed

Alexander Yihdego

Keer Fomin Libby Young

Bryan Aisueni

Lilie Bacciotti

Ines Chambers

Christina Coull

Florencia Ellis-Mendez

Commendation and Merit

Ella Hardie

Max Inglis

Dhairya Kabra

Cara McKee

Peter McRobbie

Hanzhalah Mohd Shahneel

Isobel Main Miya Sibila

Ellen Mair

Alyssa Usmani

Isabel Emil Astrid Wagner

Murray Balfour

Payten Carneson

Viktoria Draganova

Isla Grant

Kaira Anizoba

Katherine Cameron

Jawaad Ahmmad

Vera Akwuewanbhor

Charlotte Andersen

Annabel Bostock

Ariana Chalmers

S3 Prize Winners

Commendation

Jeremiah Japhet Freya Sim

Falak Karol

Evan Lamont

Bethany Stewart

Katrina Sverzevska

Lucy Mackay Evie Williams

Jessica Macrae

Merit

Aimee MacKay Iona Reekie-Ayala

James McGregor Satvik Sumesh

Commendation and Merit

Madeleine Chesher

Parineeta Roy

Charlotte Cheyne Nikita Singh

Alec Mackay

Ryan Mason

Annemarie Sommerlade

Jessica Strong

Aisling Murphy Calum Tulloch

Penny Patton

Sports Prizes

AGS Badminton Singles Shield Jawaad Ahmmad

Dr Morland Simpson Cup for Swimming Daniel Valcov

The Damien Reidy Rugby Trophy Ryan Macadie

The Fowlie Cup for Swimming for Girls Iona Reekie-Ayala

The David Swanson Golf Trophy Harry B Stuart

The Arthur McCombie Golf Trophy Blake Lamb

The Ronald MacKinnon Trophy for Athletics Cameron Kennedy

The W J Johnston Quaich for Overall Sports Champion Matthew Tomkins

Inter House Competition Awards

Inter House Badminton Melvin

Inter House Music Keith & Dun

Inter House Volleyball Trophy Melvin

Inter House Junior Netball Melvin

Inter House Debating Byron/Keith & Dun

Inter House Quiz Cup Byron

Inter House Tug of War Melvin

The Rubislaw Jubilee Cup Keith & Dun

Inter House Challenge Cup Keith & Dun

Additional Prizes

The AGS Junior Literary and Debating Shield Isobel Main and Astrid Wagner

The All-Round Award Winners

The Dr Alexander Cormack Prize Cameron Craib

The David Alexander Irvine-Fortesque Prize Astrid Wagner

The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize Madeleine Chesher

Features on School Life

Outdoor Access

Planter Renovation

S2 Outdoor Learning was allocated a portion of the amenities fund to paint the six planters at the front of the school. Pupils have experienced several positive outcomes as a result of this project such as improved fine motor skills, self-esteem and working as a team. The finished planters look exceptional and create a great impression for visitors, staff and pupils when entering the school. This term the outdoor learning group will continue to plant a variety of flowers which will look great over the summer months.

Face The Music

“On the 12th to 14th day of November in a year really not that far from our own, Aberdeen Grammar School suddenly encountered a deadly threat to its very existence. And this terrifying enemy surfaced – as such enemies often do – in the seemingly most innocent and unlikely of places…”

In a world overflowing with musical theatre pickings, it is fair to say that Little Shop of Horrors may not be the collective’s most famous. However, its twisted tale of love, death and a bloodthirsty plant, has captivated audiences globally since its 1982 Broadway premiere. Set in the slummish dumps of Skid Row, the plot revolves around a meek flower shop assistant, Seymour Krelborn who is desperate to impress his colleague (and crush) Audrey. After a total eclipse of the sun, Seymour comes into possession of a strange and interesting plant, which he soon discovers will only feed on human flesh and blood! As the plant grows it brings great success to Mushnik’s Flower Shop, but the bigger it gets the more feeding it needs. As Seymour’s fame, and his future with Audrey hang in balance, Seymour must desperately find more bodies to feed his persuasive, bloodthirsty “friend”. Ultimately, he is led to tragedy, not just for himself and Audrey, but the entire world… What more could you want out of two hours? Little Shop of Horrors is unlike anything Face the Music has ever produced, but being the school’s 30th musical production, this seemed an unbe-leaf-ably good choice.

As always, you can’t have a show without a cast, leading to one of the most challenging and competitive rounds of auditioning to date in order to cover the variety of principal roles. Following a mix of in-person and video auditions, as well as several callbacks, a cast list was posted with eager anticipation on Friday the 24th of May 2024.

Taking centre stage as the socially awkward Seymour Krelborn and the sweetly insecure Audrey were Alexander Denison (S5) and Belle Johnston (S5), each bringing their own unique spark to these iconic roles. Rising Face the Music star Isla Downie-Burns (S4) swept the production team off their feet with her hilarious approach to the gender-bent character of Mrs Mushnik, the tough-loving owner of Mushnik’s Skid Row Florists. Gregor Watson (S5) threw himself into the role of Orin Scrivello, Audrey’s abusive dentist boyfriend, being comically terrifying and horrifically evil. (In reality, he’s actually lovely. Promise!).

Calling to its Greek-esque tragic roots, the show features a trio of harmonising, fierce talking girls, who act as a musical Greek chorus throughout the show. Performance-wise, this is one of the toughest parts in the entire show, physically and vocally. However, finding a trio of ultra-talented individuals isn’t difficult at Grammar, with Charlotte Shields (S6), Evelina AnagnostopoulouMartzoukou (S5) and Nikita Singh (S3) all taking on the challenge with stride. Their blend of sass, soul and sheer star power confidently hooked audiences from the show’s opening notes.

For the malicious man-eating plant, a two-man effort was required: one to provide its sinister voice, and another to puppet the gradually increasing in size plant variants, all while being in perfect synchronicity. Puppeteering the plant every night and miraculously surviving the sweltering heat was Yehia Nassar (S5) with Noah Griffin (S6) hanging up his saxophone from 2023’s Joseph to give a stellar vocal performance. It should be noted that Noah was thrilled to finally get his chance to shine in front of an audience, ironically ending up in an offstage speaking role, but come curtain call he certainly got his starring moment. A brilliant company of S2-S6’s also stormed the Grammar stage, playing rugged skid row residents, renovators, talent scouts and even zombies; keeping the show alive (and quite literally dead too!).

With a fresh, bubbly cast, rehearsals went into full swing on Monday the 3rd of June 2024, leaving the cast to quickly adapt to the Monday and Thursday after-school rehearsal routine. Over the course of 15 weeks the cast sang, danced, conga’d, laughed and shared everlasting memories. It goes without saying that when doing a show your cast becomes family, but this year that was particularly true. One moment that stood out was on the night of Halloween. Instead of sulking at missing out on the festive activities, the entire cast dressed in their best Halloween attire for the evening rehearsal. We had Homer Simpson, a troop of skeletons, a banana, a can of baked beans, Noel Gallagher and more! Getting a script into your head and learning dances certainly gives a show to an audience, but what really makes a show is the love and passion that is shared by a cast on stage. In 2024, that passion shone brighter than ever, making Little Shop of Horrors one for the ages.

For three cold November nights, packed audiences witnessed the 38 strong cast treading the boards of the school hall, but many will have overlooked the pupils and staff behind the scenes who quietly nurtured and cultivated the show’s roots into a blossoming spectacle. Steering the ship strongly with imagination, energy and ambition were Face the Music directing duo Mr and Mrs Peacock. The Peacocks are no strangers to Little Shop of Horrors with Mr Peacock having played Seymour more than once in other productions. However, that did not stop an innovative approach to the script. Their decision to hire a gorgeous plant-shop set only added to their

immersive direction, selling Skid Row completely to every audience. At two points in the show the company ran up the house aisle, giving shocks and frights with every stomp, squirm and scare. Little Shop of Horrors didn’t just break the fourth wall; it ran straight through it!

Another duo came with 2024’s musical directors: Ms Alexander and Miss Macauley. Together they guided the cast through every note, melody and harmony, while also rehearsing and conducting the magnificent pupil-led band. Backstage, Face the Music founder Miss Adams kept the show running like clockwork as stage manager, with Mrs Mackay leading a team of pupils in the balcony who managed lighting and sound. Over the course of several months, and across the three performances, volunteer staff, parents and pupils pitched in tirelessly with set building, make-up, costuming, props and countless teas and coffees. There are too many hardworking staff and pupils to list here, but it’s safe to say that the team-effort involved in this show was an astonishing achievement. It is always a shame not everyone can come out for a bow at curtain call, but in truth that stage would have to grow double just to fit the entire workforce!

There is an abundance of magical moments that can be talked about in this production: the set of the flower shop; the array of detailed props; the beautiful hand painted backdrop by AGS pupils. Pictures won’t ever truly capture the life brought into every aspect of the show, quite literally at times, but hopefully you can see the magic of theatre really can happen, even on the smallest of stages.

After 130 lighting cues, several packets of green and red makeup, and months of preparation, the curtain finally fell on Little Shop of Horrors. For now, the Grammar stage lies dormant, with only some sticky tape as a shadow of the mammoth show that came before. And although the world does come to a shrub induced apocalypse in our production, does that stop Face the Music? Of course not! 2025’s production is already in full swing, with a brilliant cast waiting in the wings for upcoming rehearsals. Come November, Aberdeen Grammar will transport audiences back to the 1960s with a story of humour, love and a fight for racial justice; all set to a truly iconic musical theatre soundtrack. Hairspray promises to be one of Face the Music’s biggest and most anticipated shows yet. And one thing’s for certain: you definitely won’t be able to stop the beat.

Alexander Cast Member

Face the Music Band before the Little Shop of Horrors Performance

Languages Club

Scotland’s National Centre for Languages (SCILT) World Film Competition Success

Members of the Language Club participated in the SCILT Our World film competition this year. They won a trophy for best content and a joint commendation for the most creative use of language.

Fifty schools submitted story boards for the competition and our school was among the few chosen to travel to Glasgow to participate in a film workshop. The film must align with a UN sustainable development goal (https://sdgs.un.org/goals) and our group chose Quality Education. The School team was invited to attend filmmaking workshops at The Ramshorn in Glasgow in March 2025.

Here is a link to the films and finalists: https://scilt.org.uk/SeniorPhase/OurWorld/OurWorld2025/tabid/8700/Default.aspx

Congratulations!

Author Visit from Brian Conaghan

In November, Brian Conaghan visited our library. He’s an acclaimed author of ten novels for children and young adults with Stealing Happy having been published in March 2025 after his visit. He visited the School following an online meeting with our Reading Schools Ambassadors team who were so impressed they applied for funding to bring him to the school in person. He frequently visits schools around Scotland, sharing his ideas and stories.

At the event, AGS pupils introduced Brian, asking him first to give a summary of his life. He began by saying something that one doesn’t really expect an author to say; that when he was younger, he hated reading. At twelve years old, his reading age was closer to six. He found reading difficult, and this made education increasingly inaccessible. As a result, he became disruptive and was eventually expelled from his secondary school. He decided to get a job as a painter, painting fences around schools. He hated it and couldn’t see a future – without an education all the doors were closed.

At this point Brian’s tone changed: “Your journey doesn’t begin and end in these (the school’s) walls.” He visited a library to pick up his dad. As he waited, he observed the pictures on the leaflets on the noticeboard. The librarian saw this and showed him a leaflet that read “Adult Literacy Classes”. This small moment changed his life.

Twice a week Brian went to the library, learning to read at twenty. As his reading improved so too did his confidence. As he continued, the librarian helped him apply to do night classes and sit his Highers. While still keeping his job painting, Brian received five Highers. Receiving that certificate is his proudest moment, and still despite his numerous awards and degrees, his Highers are the only achievements he has framed and hung on his office wall.

For Brian, reading was a superpower, he decided to go on to teach English at secondary schools. To better engage with one of his classes he wrote a short story inspired by Romeo and Juliet set in Glasgow. His class loved it, it related to them, and their lives. Their enthusiasm gave him the idea to begin writing. He collated the stories he wrote for his class into a manuscript: The boy who made it rain. And although publishing it was difficult to say the least (It was rejected 217 times, and then initially banned) he believed in himself, kept trying, and has now published eight novels, with more to come.

Our AGS pupils then opened the floor to questions, pupils asked questions about his inspiration for books and his goals. He replied he writes for people like him, people who found reading difficult and inaccessible. Not only does he write stories inspired by his life, focusing on topics like gang culture in Scotland, but on writing stories which are easy to follow, exciting to read and that allow people like him to feel seen.

We also got to learn more about his hobbies, his love for music (particularly hip hop and rap), his favourite place to write, his experience living in Italy, the inspiration behind some of his novels and much more.

What was most striking about Conaghan was his sincerity. He didn’t sugarcoat his books and stories. He was unwaveringly truthful about how nothing was easy for him at first. He left us with the message “Fight for what you believe in” as well as many photos and autographs. Earlier in the day he ran a writing workshop on identity which has inspired some of the attendees to write more.

Mariette, S6

Edinburgh Book Festival Trip 2024

Mr McGeer in the English department along with Ms Murphy and Miss Gould organised a visit to the Edinburgh Book Festival. Twenty S2 pupils gained their place in a crime writing competition that challenged them to write a story titled ““How I got away with it” in 150 words or less. At the Festival pupils were treated to sessions with authors Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Lauren James and Sarah Crossan. The Sarah Crossan session can be watched online by searching for Authors Live. There was also free time to explore stalls and activities such as writing letters to refugees, exploring an exhibition, having a go at role playing games and origami. It was an amazing experience even if everyone needed to be in school super early to get the bus down for the day. A small selection of the winning writing entries has been selected for you to read.

How I got away with it – Alyssa

To My Love,

I was the ocean, you sought rivers. I was a star, but you chased the moon. However, if you were a star I would’ve devoted my entire life to becoming an astronomer. I would’ve taken a thousand bullets for you, but you wouldn’t have taken one. I wanted to hate you, to abominate your very existence, to loathe your presence … But you don’t always get what you want, do you? You were shattering me, my soul, ruining every aspect of my life. You left no choice, so I shot you that night. Watched the world leave your eyes, watched the crimson blood leave your body, watched the life leave your corrupt soul, just like you left me. I threw you into the blistering ocean people say I resemble. The waves engulfed you and soon you were just another secret in its gelid depths. I’m sorry,

Alyssa.

How I got away with it – Astrid

At midnight I made my way to the cemetery in the pouring rain and dug up Frederick’s grave. Hours later I finally returned home, and picked up the phone, dialled 999. I told the operator that I’d woken to the smell of smoke, the house was burning, I couldn’t find my parents. I grinned as I put down the phone.

I’d thought about it often, of course. I think everyone does. Killing their parents.

I was good at keeping my anger hidden. They never suspected that I drugged the dinner I made for them that night with a whole handful of crushed sleeping pills.

I felt no remorse. They killed my cat. They told me he was suffering. Couldn’t they see I was suffering? Frederick wasn’t ready to die, but now I’d brought him back.

“We got away with it, Frederick,” I whispered, stroking the stale corpse in my arms.

How I got away with it – Harper

1. Live somewhere remote where neighbours are far away.

2. Invite a homeless person in at night. Preferably female.

3. Offer them food. The food has sleeping drugs.

4. Strangle them, then put in a freezer or ice box.

5. Skin and separate the bones.

6. Burn the skin and hair in a stone container so the fire is contained.

7. Dump the contents of the ashes in a body of water.

8. Locate a graveyard dating back to the medieval or Victorian era and bury the bones.

9. Dig a deep hole near an abandoned home.

10. Bury the remains, fill it halfway.

11. Put a dead animal on top and fill it up, so if cadaver dogs come, they think it’s just the dead animal.

How I Got Away with It – Elle

My arms were sore from hauling the body all the way into the kitchen, at least he’d stopped complaining. I knew that the family would be here soon so I quickly got to work, I pulled out the cleaver and started to chop, he must have drunk milk, his bones were much harder to cut through than most people’s. Once the limbs were a good size I chucked them into the pot, then I poured the boiling water over them and mixed. Roughly 7 minutes later I took a sip, before sprinkling a pinch of salt and some nutmeg into the broth. A few minutes later it tasted like chicken noodle soup, but it didn’t matter how it tasted, there would be no evidence left once it had been eaten, and I knew they were too polite to refuse my homemade soup. I had gotten away with it.

How I got away with it – Israel

The sirens grew louder and louder. Pandemonium was in the air, it was a race against time for the police and the fire service as the fifth explosion occurred, whilst the bullion van sped down the lane carting away £7 billion worth of gold in it.

The Panthers were at it again. This is the fourth robbery within a week. First it was the diamond shop in the West End, then the antique paintings from the vault of the palace, the disappearance of high-profile documents from the secure chambers of the secret service headquarters. ‘It was obvious it was the Panthers’, concluded Detective Alex.

This was our trademark, causing distractions while getting away with our loot, leaving debris and ashes behind making it difficult to gather evidence. This was another successful operation as we celebrate in our getaway van.

Even though we were the prime suspects, this wasn’t conclusive.

How I Got Away with It – Libby

How would you get away with a crime? Well, this is how I got away – I mean, how I would get away with a crime if I had committed one (which I definitely haven’t, don’t look into it). Firstly, you hide all the evidence, be that a gun, knife or plastic lightsabre, in places nobody would ever expect – such as in a river, deep in the wilderness somewhere or your local MacDonald’s. Next, when the police question you, deny anything and everything. “Did you commit armed robbery with a plastic lightsabre?” “No.” “Do you have an alibi to prove this?” “No.” “Are you innocent?” “No.” As you can see from the dialogue above, this step works incredibly well. Now, if the step before inexplicably doesn’t work, then you’ll have to resort to the last and final step. This step is very reasonable; simply change your name and move to Mexico.

How I Got Away with It – Selin

The world wants you to fail. This was what was keeping me sane throughout the long hours of revision I had done for my exams, it was the only thing helping me hoover in the knowledge my brain needed to ingest. When I stepped into the exam hall I was like a deer in headlights staring at the wooden hell that would be my desk for the next few hours, I walked over to the gleaming cabinet, unlocked the drawer with the stolen keys and extracted the answer sheets, after copying them they were ready to be dished out into the bags of my main contenders. I needn’t worry about my greatest rival; she had the unfortunate pleasure of seeing me take the keys. I wish I could see their faces when her crimson soaked body rolls out of a locker. Revenge is beneath me, accidents however, will happen.

Junior Reading Club and the Carnegie Book Awards

This year we have had the incredible opportunity to run a Junior Reading Club for S1 and S2. Funding from the Former Pupils fund allowed us to take part in the Carnegie Book Awards Shadowing Scheme which is a national initiative that encourages students to read and review books shortlisted for the Carnegie Medals. Our group read, discussed, and reviewed some of the shortlisted titles, learning how to evaluate stories on a deeper level and explore big themes such as identity, justice, and empathy. The group responded enthusiastically, showing growth in their own reading journeys during our weekly sessions.

From the shortlist the group had some favourites. Here is what they thought of some of them.

The most popular was Glasgow Boys which dives into complicated themes and is a moving story which examines trauma, masculinity, friendship, family and love in all its modes and guises. It is set in Scotland and depicts real life in a way we could all relate to. It features two boys who have grown up in the care system navigating their way through life and it is a really great coming of age story told in a dual narrative. “This is a book everyone should read. I really loved Finlay and Banjo!”

King of Nothing which is about male friendship and explores toxic masculinity among other topics in a humorous and sensitive way. One pupil who rated the book 4.5 stars said: “I liked the ending of King of Nothing and really resonated with the character development. While in the beginning I didn’t understand the slang used, this got easier as I got to know the main character as the book went on, creating a sense of comfort in the story for me.”

The Final Year was praised by another pupil within the group who rated it 5 stars: “I found this book really emotional, I cried twice! I loved the drawings in it as they helped me build a more realistic world which I appreciated.” This book is told in verse which by its very medium makes it more visceral and it evokes emotion through few words. We would highly recommend verse novels.

Little Bang was another book on the list. It examines the topic of teenage relationships, pregnancy and abortion. It was shocking to learn that abortion was illegal in Northern Ireland up until recently. One of the S2s commented that “Little Bang was really interesting, particularly when she got pregnant unexpectedly and how it turned her life upside down because she was really shocked and scared. It is set in Northern Ireland in 2018 when abortion was illegal! I loved the ending it is not what you would expect but it is empowering, and I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars”.

All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri was a powerful and surprising book. It is set largely in Zimbabwe where a family are on a road trip. It explores family ties and bereavement in such a unique way. One person summed up what makes it the perfect read stating “The end is everything in the book; it makes you think entirely differently about what you have just read.” We agree.

As the pupils in charge of this project, we personally found it most rewarding when we were able to engage readers in new genres and styles of books that they hadn’t previously considered reading, expanding their understanding of the world through books. The funding provided to us has created a substantial impact on the younger community in school, and we hope to continue to inspire more reader through Reading Club.

Evelina, Maggie, Mia, S5

Perfectly Wicked Writing Competition

To tie in with the release of Wicked in the cinemas the library ran a Perfectly Wicked Writing Competition for all pupils. They were invited to submit an original villain origin story. Entries could be submitted in prose, poetry, graphic/comic strip or as a monologue which could be submitted on paper or performed and submitted as a recording. The winning entry, Under the Sea came from Elle in S2:

Under the Sea

I had to go. To get away from it all, I was meant to meet Athena in less than an hour, but the fitting wasn’t done yet and I, I didn’t mean to shout, to get mad, and I certainly didn’t mean for the tentacles to come out. Mother would kill me if she knew about the body lying under my queen size canopy bed. But I had to run. So, I did.

My Athena was already at the ledge by the time I arrived, but when her eyes met mine, they did not light up as they always did, in fact they sank to the bottom of the trench in front of us.

“Why do you look so down my darling?” I asked prudently.

“Our plans of running away to the pacific have been foiled yet again” she replied downheartedly “and, worse yet, the gods are taunting our forbidden love, I too have been subject to an arranged marriage. But it will mean that we are always together but simultaneously couldn’t be further apart,” Athena continued.

I don’t think I understand my love,” I said, cradling her fiery red hair in my arms.

Athena began to weep, and as she did realisation dawned on my face.

“Triton.” I growled disdainfully, my own half-brother had been gloating, not an hour ago, about his soon to be wife and how he would rule over all of Atlantica while I was forced to live above the surface with a pirate so as to avoid a cross-world war and keep peace between the land and the sea.

We cried and cried for hours until my mother’s guards came to drag me back to the depths of Mariana. Morgana hugged me as soon as I entered the doors. She had figured it out long before I had. I allowed her to hold me, but I did not return the embrace. I would not allow my only love to be subjected to the tyranny that is my youngest brother.

I began to cooperate with my mother’s wishes as I grew to despise the world and everyone in it and soon enough my wedding preparations were complete. It took a while however as my tentacles would not be restrained however hard I tried they became part of everyday life.

Cronan was his name, he wasn’t cruel, but he was rather stupid. The wedding came and went with no complications, and I didn’t see Athena again. I moved onto land and stayed aboard his ship from then on. A few months went by, and my mother sent me a letter informing me that Triton was to be betrothed the next day but that he had made it clear my presence was not

welcome. A few months after that I received a pregnancy test. A positive one. These packages continued every year or so along with names; Andrina, Arista, Aquata, Adella, Alana, and Attina. However, the last came to me bloody and broken. Ariel was the name attached. Lion of God. My once lover was sending a message. Be strong. My time will come. And until it did, I had to be strong. For Athena. As I laid the envelope down on the desk, another piece of paper fluttered out, a photo of the baby, it was already born. Triton had won. 7 daughters. 7 seas. Ultimate power. Her hair was an almost uncanny replica of her mama’s; the beams of a dusk sun weaved into a mop of auburn tresses.

Life was pleasant, of course I missed the water, and Morgana my dear sister but most of all I missed Athena and with her, my happiness. One day however, I was sitting up on the deck playing chess with the crew, when Cronan yelled something about fish people, knowing at once where we were, I ran up to the figurehead at the front of the ship and leaned over the railing just as a ginger head bobbed above the surface of the lagoon.

“Athena!” I clamoured, then a second head, white hair where a chestnut brown used to be, perched atop the head was one of the largest crowns I had ever laid my eyes on. She turned at my yell but there was no light in her eyes as they met mine, no light in her eyes at all, another thing missing was recollection. She didn’t remember me. Rage filled my heart where glee had been seconds ago. And I stormed towards my husband. Blinded by anger, I instructed him to keep sailing forwards. When he tried to argue, saying that he would crush the merfolk below, I slapped him right across the face and strode off before sitting back down in my chair to make my move. Checkmate. I tried to ignore the screaming that followed the sudden jerk of the boat coming to life. We continued forwards and left a trail of pain and sorrow in our wake.

Three days posterior to this event, I received a letter, cordially inviting me to the funeral of Queen Athena.

She’s dead. This is my fault. I’m a murderer. I killed Athena.

I left my husband and moved back to my home in Atlantica where I met all seven of my nieces and was taken aback by how much she had grown to resemble her mother, and then she spoke.

I ran; I ran so quickly that I startled the children. She sounded exactly the same as my late beloved Athena. She sounded like her mama. Although she had that same sad tone that Athena had that night by the ledge, I was sure that under better circumstances Ariel could heal me. I needed her voice in my life.

The next day, I spoke to Triton, but he doesn’t want me in his children’s life. We argued and then, he called me a witch. I lashed out, all 8 of my tentacles appeared and I let them. Luckily for my half-brother, his palace guards are fast swimmers. I didn’t cause nearly enough damage, but I was not welcome in his palace anymore. Soon enough, the information of the attack reached my mother’s ears. I was banished but I didn’t care.

I had found my cure to a broken heart.

I need Ariel. And I will have her. At any cost.

Gardening Club – Garden Force

Aberdeen Grammar School ‘Garden Force’ were very grateful to receive FP funding last year. This group of very enthusiastic young gardeners meet every Friday after school in the school garden for a ‘Power Hour’ – a very enjoyable way to end a busy week of lessons and homework! Last years’ funding from the FP Club enabled us to buy two raised beds for growing vegetables, many bags of compost to fill the raised beds, two sets of loppers and two sets of secateurs. We were also able to buy two pairs of waders and two pairs of long pond gloves for maintaining the school wildlife pond whilst protecting us from the leeches!

Our harvest last year from the raised beds included yellow courgettes, spring onions, leeks, rainbow chard and kale. We also grew potatoes in three large grow bags in the garden. We are very lucky to have a greenhouse in the school roof, above the Biology Department. Last year we had very successful indoor crops of chilli peppers, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic. We also try to bring colour to the garden with pots of daffodils and tulips in Spring and dwarf sunflowers and pansies in Summer.

At the moment, we have many trays of seedlings in the greenhouse which will shortly be ready for the outdoor raised beds. The FP fund have kindly granted us further funding this year for two more raised beds and compost and so we can grow even more vegetables this year. We have decided to grow several varieties of chilli from mild to extremely hot. However, all seedling trays were labelled ‘chillies’ and so we are uncertain which ones are ’Devil’s Brew’! The Physics department have offered to be the tasters!

Boys Hockey

Aberdeen Grammar School Boys Junior Hockey (S1-S3)

Overall, it was a very successful season for the AGS Juniors. Particularly encouraging was the significant increase in the number of boys who elected to pick up a stick and come for a runabout in all weathers at Rubislaw Astro pitch. With 22 players fully signed up, training sessions became livelier with more competition for first team places.

In total we played 24 games in all competition formats resulting in 17 wins, 6 losses and 1 draw. The highlight of the year was winning the National Aspire Tournament down in Dundee. This is a tournament instigated for state schools, or private schools with a fledgling hockey programme. After winning our first group game against Linlithgow Academy/Firhill High School 11-2, the next group game against Kelso High proved a greater challenge. Some fantastic goal keeping by Noah Roberts, along with some sublime stick work and goal scoring by Matthew Tomkins ensured we won the match 4-3 making it through to the finals. Here we overcame McLaren High School 11-0 with Alex Hendry knocking in 5 goals.

The majority of the season was largely made up of a diet of local fixtures against Granite City Wanderers (Played 7, Won 5, Draw 1, Lost 1), Albyn School (Played 3, Won 2, Lost 1) and Robert Gordon’s College (Played 6, Won 4 Lost 2). The hope is next season to arrange more fixtures further afield.

In May, four pupils at the School: Thomas Fitzpatrick, Dougal Benson, Matthew Tomkins and Samuel Fitzpatrick, represented the North District Boys U15 hockey team at the Scottish InterDistrict Hockey Tournament which was held at Strathallan School. Our quartet played a key role in winning the tournament, something that North District has not done in living memory, raising a few eyebrows at Scottish Hockey along the way. Something that has not happened in many years, largely due to the dominance of the Central Belt districts. Coming through the group stages North District beat East (Navy) 7-1, West (Cerise) 4-1, Highland 7-0 to top their group unbeaten. They then progressed to the final where they deservedly beat East (Sky) 1-0 in a game where North dominated with most of the pressure and most of the chances.

Many thanks of course to the coaches who have dedicated their time, battled the elements and soldiered on through niggling age-related injuries to turn up every week: Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bruce and Craig Mason.

Junior Football

We’ve had another hugely successful season with regard to S1-S3 football for both the boys and girls teams this year.

Training has continued to be extremely popular with roughly 90 boys and 20 girls attending weekly training sessions. The goals purchased with the funding provided by the FPs have come in extremely handy during these sessions.

The boys’ teams all performed well in league/cup competitions this year playing roughly 35 fixtures between them over the course of the season. The S2 team were the only team to win any silverware this year, winning the NE Schools Trophy.

Our girls team competed in the inaugural Aberdeen Schools girls league. The team had some ups and downs over the course of the season but ended up finishing a credible 2nd in the tournament.

Finally, we entered 3 teams (S1/S2 boys, S3 boys and S1-S3 girls) into the Aberdeen School 7 aside competition. All the teams performed extremely well in the competition. Our girls team reached the final but unfortunately lost on penalties. The S1/S2 boys team played extremely well throughout the day and ended up winning their age group.

We would like to thank the FPs for their continued support. We would not be able to provide as many opportunities for the pupils without it.

Senior Football

AGS seniors have also had a fairly successful year this season. We had a team of 16 players ranging from S4 to S6 with the majority from S5.

We played roughly 10 matches within three competitions – The Presidents Trophy, The JM Low Trophy and the Senior Scottish Cup.

With winning scorelines such as three nil, 7-2, 6-3 and 5-1 it was no surprise that AGS seniors eventually won the Senior Presidents Trophy, which is a local trophy with teams from all over Aberdeen playing in a league system initially then a knockout stage where we played Westhill at Cove Rangers home ground, Balmoral Park, in the final and won 3-1. This season S5 players displaying some of the best football in the team it is no wonder that they are looking to now win this trophy again this season for the third year running,

One of the highlights of the year was when we beat Robert Gordons 6-3 at the Aberdeen Sports Village in the quarter finals of the JM Low Trophy, sadly losing out to Bucksburn in the semifinal by 2-nil. The RGC game was a highlight as the team played some of their best football against a competitive Gordons side and scoring 6 goals against them was a great feeling seeing as these two teams played a very close final the year before.

We were having a great run in the Scottish Cup this year sweeping aside strong teams from Grove Academy (Dundee) winning 2-1 in the first round and beating Woodmills High School (Dunfermline) winning 7-2 but eventually succumbing to a hugely talented Dingwall side narrowly losing out by three goals to one.

Pictures are of goals scorers in various games (numbers on the front) and with the Senior Presidents Trophy after beating Westhill 3-1 at Balmoral Park.

Musical Highlights

AGS String Quartet performing at Grampian Carol Concert in the Music Hall

Charlie House Concert Performers (Christmas)

AGS Concert Band at the Scottish Concert Band Festival Finals in Perth – where they received a Gold Plus Award

AGS Concert Band outside the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow playing at the National Concert Band Festival (NCBF) in January 2025. NCBF is the UK’s largest wind band and big band festival.

Report from a Member of Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Face the Music Band

I am Moses and have just finished S3. I was exposed to percussion instruments when I was young, and I’ve started to learn and play the xylophone since then. When I came into this school, I saw a percussion ensemble club and I was immediately interested. It was a small group, but I really enjoyed playing the tuned percussion instruments like a glockenspiel and a xylophone. Every year there are school concerts, and as a new group, we performed the pieces we had been practicing for in 2023. I remember being quite nervous the first time.

I joined the concert band since the start of S3, which is a much larger scale group. Even though it was a bit intimidating, I got to play the timpani, one of the coolest instruments. I was so lucky to be part of the band to play at the Scottish Concert Band Festival. It was a very special and different experience to play in a large hall. Hours of bus ride was not the best thing though.

Since I’ve always loved musicals, I signed up for the band of last year’s school show, “The Little Shop of Horrors”. It was quite fun to be playing at a live performance with headphones on behind the stage. Trying out a variation of different percussion instruments was very exciting as well.

I have learnt so much from these opportunities and I look forward to continuing my journey in these groups. I hope to do some solo playing and entering competitions in the future.

Scottish Young Musicians Sole Performer of the Year – National Final

Congratulations also to Aberdeen Grammar School pupil Michelle who recently competed in the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year National Final on Sunday 25 May.

Michelle won the Dunedin Consort Early Music Prize, awarded each year to a participant who performed a piece composed before 1750.

This year there were 33 finalists from across Scotland, with Michelle being the finalist for the Aberdeen City region.

Well done, Michelle!

The Coffee Shop

We all enjoy a good coffee to keep us going during the day, which is why the coffee shop is such an ingenious introduction to the school, supplying hot coffee to the teachers to fuel their day. It also gives job experiences to S6s through leadership and teamwork that is experienced in the Coffee Shop. By allowing the participants to gain Level 5 Barista skills, this will help them to get a part time job and add to career portfolios for university. The Coffee shop has partnered with Caber Coffee, which is a local coffee company who supplies coffee for not only Aberdeen Grammar but also schools all around Aberdeen.

Mariette, an S6 who works on the Monday shift at the Coffee Shop for training expresses that: “It’s tough for young people to get a job and earn money at this age in our society. By making the coffee shop available to all it makes the challenge of getting a job easier. There is also a fun, nice and supportive atmosphere surrounding the Coffee Shop when you are working in it as we are all learning the same skill together”.

Zane, an S6 who also participates at the Coffee Shop asserts that: “The role and responsibilities are to switch between the teams such as taking in money, making coffee and delivering it too. There are really not too many challenges apart from just keeping organised. If you stay to what you’re supposed to do, then it’s not hard at all. The rewards are simply gaining the elective and the chance to sometimes make your own drinks as well as learn new skills.”

Mr Whatford and Miss McConnell, two of our admired Physics teachers at Aberdeen Grammar, use the Coffee Shop space as a cosy area for the Breakfast Club which runs in the morning from 8-8:30am, increasing the number of people joining the Coffee Shop.

Miss McConnell says that “after moving to the Coffee Shop it has created a warmer and more welcoming environment”. The introduction of the coffee machine in Breakfast Club has increased the amount of people going as a frothy hot chocolate is available. Breakfast Club is for the pupils to get food and drink, while the coffee shop is for staff/teachers.

One of the most loyal customers, Mrs Christie, who goes every week without fail expresses that: “It is very easy as all you have to do is fill out a form at the start of the day and one of our wonderful S6s brings you a coffee during period 3 and 4 on Monday and Wednesday.”

There is also a loyalty card which makes it much easier for teachers to pay for the coffee as you don’t need to have cash on hand. The loyalty card is stamped every time the teacher buys the coffee by the S6s when they deliver it, and so teachers don’t even need to leave their classroom to buy or get their coffee.

The Coffee Shop is a warm and welcoming environment that has increased the school community’s enthusiasm. With a seating area and an over the desk exchange it feels like a modern café, hidden in our historic school.

Source: School newspaper AGS Express.

Young Engineers Club – 3D

Following the funding received form the FP amenities fund the AGS Young Engineers Club purchased a Bamboo Labs 3D printer. This was to help in the production of various components needed for the “F1 in Schools” competition they had reached the National Final. Formula Aberdeen was the team’s name.

The F1 in Schools Competition was developed to introduce students to STEM subjects in the most engaging way possible – through the creation of a miniature F1 car. F1 in schools (now STEM Racing) is an educational project designed by teachers, informed by engineers and endorsed by F1. This programme sets students on a fast track to STEM success; and provides a lot of fun on the way. The pupils reached the National Final in Sheffield and were one of 63 teams throughout the UK to get to this stage – a fantastic achievement and, they even had the quickest car over the two days. Without the 3D printer they would not have been able to test and trial as many wing designs as they did to get the car to this stage.

The 3D printer has since been used by the department in creating components needed to perform simulations in Engineering Science and in S2 projects. The Young Engineers Club will be focusing on a new STEM project next session – “STEM on the Track” backed by the BWT Alpine F1 Team where they will be building real world skills to produce and build their own racing kart.

General Section

Introduction

The General Section of the AGS Magazine traditionally includes articles submitted by Former Pupils throughout the year and is an opportunity for the contributors to share stories that have appeal to the wider membership. In addition to original articles published in the General Section of the Magazine, the table below provides links to a selection of articles previously published in the recent Newsletters. These articles can be access by clicking on the title of the article. Once accessed, the user also has the option to print off the article if they so desire. This section also includes reports on several class reunions that have taken place during the last 12 months.

Articles Submitted by Former Pupils

One Life is never Enough – Looking back on 76 years of Life:

Part 1: Pre-school years and the Grammar (1953-1965)

Part 2: Manufacturing (1965-1972)

Part 3: Oil and Education (1972-1984)

Part 4: Marriage and Family Life (1984 – present)

of a Life in the Theatre

Experience of 35 years as an Army Medical Officer

The Best Laid Schemes of PhDs and Men Gang Aft Agley

[Trans. The most carefully made plans to achieve a Doctorate can often go wrong. With apologies to Mr Robert Burns] Ronald Lewis-Smith (1946-60)

During my final two years at Aberdeen Grammar School, I sat exams (known then as ‘Highers’) in a number of subjects, some of my own choosing and some foisted upon me as being considered essential by the Government if you were to achieve a promising career. I succeeded in impressing my parents, and astounded myself, by obtaining reasonable grades. The next step, I was advised, was to go to university to gain a degree, for that was the guarantee of a successful future. The obvious choice was Aberdeen University since, in those days, this seemed more appropriate than applying to Oxford or Cambridge (or anywhere beyond the boundaries of the shire, for that matter) which were clearly inconvenient and situated in the flatlands of southern England. Most of my classmates were of the same opinion, and living at home was less of a strain on one’s parents’ pocket. So it was that in 1960 I entered the realm of my local seat of learning. These were exciting times for me, and for the next four years I strove to gain a BSc in Plant Biology (known then as Botany) – which was less of a hassle than I had anticipated, and a thoroughly enjoyable course. Towards the end of my final year my mentor Dr Charles (later Prof.) Gimingham suggested that I should be giving serious thought to what I might do with my BSc Degree. My parents were wholly in favour of his advice as I would soon be thrown in at the deep end to start supporting myself and cease parasitising them.

The Interview

Shortly before the day of reckoning when the exams were due to begin Doc G. informed me that a chap from a research institute in London (the British Antarctic Survey, BAS) was coming to the Department to give a talk about the Antarctic with a view to recruiting a graduate or two in botanical and geological research – and that it might be worth my while to attend. I did so and, following a fascinating talk, I timidly expressed an interest in what was on offer, without really giving it another thought. I couldn’t believe it when, a few days later, I received an invitation to present myself for interview in London (all expenses paid).

In those days, students rarely, if ever, received any advice on how to perform at an interview, and I naively took on the challenge of the impending interrogation. Only a few days before my final exams were to commence, I nervously entered Dr Martin Holdgate’s office in a rather derelict Queen Mary’s College in London’s East End. Holdgate was Head of the BAS Biology Unit and had recently returned from a summer in Antarctica undertaking a biological survey and coordinating the construction of a new research station on Signy Island in the South Orkneys Islands. [He was later appointed Director of the Nature Conservancy Council, then Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in Geneva, for which he was knighted]. I was welcomed and introduced to two young biologists who had also just returned from Signy. What followed was a convivial chat accompanied by coffee and biscuits, and much discussion about my interests and hobbies – and did I know anything about the ecology of mosses and lichens, especially those that grow on the high tops of the Cairngorms (the nearest comparison to the

wastes of Antarctica)? Somehow, I managed to impress the trio with my scant knowledge of cryptogamic botany and was asked to pop along to the BAS HQ nearby and make myself known to the Personnel Officer and the Director (Sir Vivian Fuchs, of the first crossing of Antarctica fame). This involved a further chat, another cup of coffee and biscuits, and the proverbial proviso of “We’ll let you know….. when we hear what degree you obtain. Good luck!”. And that was it.

A few weeks later my degree results were announced and, thankfully, my future employer approved. I was offered a 5-year contract, but I don’t think there could have been any other applicants! Dr G. suggested I should use my research work for a PhD (for which the university kindly waived my bench fees since I would be out of the country for much of the duration). Furthermore, the job came with a salary of £450pa (due to double by the time I would sail for the Antarctic). The same category of job with BAS when I retired 38 years later attracted around a thousand applicants! Life seemed so easy in those days!

Now, researching and writing up a PhD topic is, in theory, a relatively straightforward procedure. If it involves field work the travel to one’s research site is usually quite close to one’s uni. lab., i.e. a few kilometres away. However, my Doctorate proved somewhat non-conventional, as will become apparent.

The Job Spec

Over the next couple of months, with much advice from my Departmental mentor, I pieced together an outline of what my field research would entail, based on what Martin Holdgate had suggested. It was to be an all-embracing, essentially pioneering, study of Antarctic plant ecology with a detailed quantitative analysis of the plant communities and their classification, using Signy Island as a stereotypic, if rather grandiose, model for the entire continent. Associated physiological investigations of selected prominent species should be fitted in around this, as and when possible. In addition, I should also look at plant colonisation of areas that were being revealed where the glaciers were receding – i.e. the biological response to what we now know as ‘climate change’. The flora of Antarctica was reasonably well known but the ecology of the vegetation it comprised was virtually unknown, as was the dynamics of the plant communities in relation to the geology, soils, hydrology, microclimate and various other environmental criteria. Nothing was known about the survival strategies of species under the prevailing climate conditions. The flora was impoverished, comprising two flowering plants and an unknown, relatively small, number of bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and lichens, known collectively as cryptogams (non-flowering plants). The recently created BAS Botanical Section at Birmingham University housed the largest herbarium of Antarctic plants in existence, and I had to attend a crash course there on how to identify them when I encountered them in situ.

Antarctic vegetation, obviously, is confined to ice-free (in summer) coastal areas, and Signy Island, in the South Orkney Islands close to the continental landmass, has the most diverse and accessible vegetation anywhere in the Antarctic, all within an area of about 20km2. During the winter, when most of it would be under deep snow, I should undertake laboratory studies on the physiology of predominant species and undertake chemical analyses of the soils – and anything else relevant to the subject. Furthermore, at the end of my final (third) summer I should, by arrangement with

the ship’s captain, travel south along the Antarctic Peninsula, making observations and landings to examine the vegetation at as many locations as possible to obtain a wider understanding of the vegetation of Antarctica. My goal would be twofold: to write up my research for my thesis and to publish a detailed monograph. Oh yes, and if the opportunity should arise, I should try to visit another island in the South Orkneys to confirm a recent report that fur seals were breeding there. These animals had been virtually exterminated almost a century earlier by the Southern Ocean sealing industry and were only now showing signs of recovery. It should take only an hour or two, I was confidently informed.

Research at the small BAS station on Signy was (and still is) primarily on terrestrial, marine and avian biology. In summer there would be up to 24 persons, reducing to a dozen over-winterers: six scientists and six support staff – radio operator, diesel mechanic, meteorologist, cook, doctor, and assistant. I was also informed that there would be many tasks during the day-to-day running of the Base besides my specific work, and we would all have to muck in, be it unloading cargo, servicing a generator, painting and decorating, filling the snow melt tank, Sunday chef duties, assisting other scientists in their projects, etc. No one would be exempt! There would never be a dull moment! I would be ‘on base’ for 2½ years and during my second summer my supervisor would join me for a couple of months for first-hand supervision and some collaborative research.

Getting to my research site

Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, location of my PhD research site.

En route to my PhD research site at Signy Island.

Travel to Signy Island was by one of BAS’ two small supply ships – the Royal Research Ship Shackleton (1100 tons; the other being R.R.S. John Biscoe, 1500 tons), from Southampton. Our vessel was moored next to the [original] Queen Elizabeth; Shackleton’s mast tips barely reached the level of QE’s first row of port holes. The voyage was non-stop (apart from a brief stop at the equator for a mid-Atlantic swim) to Montevideo, Uruguay. Then a week in Stanley, Falkland Islands, where we were fitted out with our polar clothing and take on board coal and building materials for several Bases. We were all invited, individually, to Government House for a chat with the Governor, Sir Cosmo Haskard, although he seemed more interested in discussing my uncle whom he had known in Nyasaland than in my research intentions. We also had time for an international rugby match (Great Britain vs the Falkland Islands), but when the ball was lost during a sudden snow squall early on, everyone adjourned to a nearby pub, having mutually declared the game a draw. A few days later we called at the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Here, I witnessed a few days of the final season of whaling, an industry that had commenced there in 1904. The last leg, or so I thought, of the voyage took us to the South Orkney Islands, and Signy Island where my PhD work would take off. On arrival two days later I found, to my dismay, that the island was still blanketed in deep snow – a cryptogamic ecologist’s worst enemy. There had been a particularly long and cold winter, and the spring melt had barely begun.

After a few days of unloading cargo and setting up my laboratory in preparation for the summer’s field activities there was still little sign of bare ground with its mythical green stuff. A desperate sit. rep. telegram to London HQ was countered with “John Biscoe is heading south to the Antarctic Peninsula Bases tomorrow. Take the opportunity to examine any vegetation en route. Signy will be clear by the time you return.” Since my PhD work was going nowhere this directive sounded interesting. Little did I realise that 50 years later tourists would be paying up to £20K for such a two-week trip!

So, I repacked my kit, boarded the ‘old JB’ and headed south, via the South Shetland Islands. 2000km later, at Adelaide Base I was involved with the resupplying of the research station, but dense pack ice prevented the ship unloading at the Base. Instead, Biscoe carved a dock in the fast ice about 10km away and we unloaded the cargo onto the ice throughout the night – in daylight. Two BAS single-engine Otter aircraft landed on the sea ice, taxied up to the ship, loaded up and flew off to the landing strip on a glacier near the Base. That all went well until one of the aircraft crash-landed on the glacier and put paid to that mode of cargo transfer (the aircraft operated only if both were serviceable). Fortunately, the pack ice drifted away two days later, and we could work with the ship’s launch. Then it was onward to Stonington Base where the cargo procedure was to unload onto the fast ice in the bay and ferry the loads to the Base by dog sledge. That was also a novel deviation from PhD work – and I was taken on a recreational sledging trip across a nearby glacier. [It was to the south of here about 15 years later that I discovered the farthest south patch of Antarctic hairgrass, one of the two native flowering plants in Antarctica. This featured later (with myself) in the Guinness Book of Records (1984)].

On the return voyage north, the ship resupplied Deception Base on a remarkable island of that name. Deception I. is the caldera of a once large volcano, the circular crater wall of which is breached by a very narrow gap just large enough for a ship to enter the inner bay. The Base was

at the site of the only whaling station in the Antarctic, abandoned in the late 1920s. The inner black ash beaches periodically emit dense clouds of steam, and the sea becomes scaldingly hot. On the hillsides fumaroles also emit steam and the warm ash around them is colonised by an array of moss species – my introduction to a unique flora found nowhere else south of 60oS. It also yielded some new records to the Antarctic flora. So, that was an interesting deviation that contributed to my pre-PhD research. [There was a major eruption three years later, destroying the Base (just hours after the personnel had been evacuated)].

Unscheduled PhD duties in the south of the Antarctic Peninsula, almost 2000km from Signy. Unloading cargo on sea ice at Adelaide Island Base at 2am (above), and at Stonington Base (left).

Only a couple of days now until I would be back at Signy and buckle down to the proper PhD work. However, yet again, I was thwarted. I found the nival situation not much changed. It would probably be another week at least before I could get my field work underway. Panic was now setting in. Another telex to HQ for advice. “Suggest you go to Powell Island to survey the reported fur seal population there; there may be some vegetation to examine also, if time permits” was the reply. I would be with a geologist, and two assistants to help with the camping arrangements, as we would be there for a day or two, and as a safety precaution, just in case ….). Not quite on my PhD agenda but it sounded like fun, and the island was only 30km away from Signy. Unfortunately, during the landing procedure a gale suddenly arose, our landing boat grounded on a rock, and we had to wade ashore waist deep in ice-cold water, with all our gear. The camp was no sooner pitched on a pebble beach, amongst a multitude of seals and penguins, than we heard on our radio that the ship had been called away to attend to an emergency somewhere and we would probably not be picked up for another two weeks. So, what was to be a couple of days counting seals turned into a fortnight’s ‘make the best of your time there’!

The fur seal survey, conducted the next day, confirmed the existence of a modest breeding population, so we then had to decide how best to occupy the rest of our time. Apart from a few 19th century sealing ships, the island had been visited only briefly twice before, and only one peak climbed – and there were several others around 750m (2500ft) unscaled. So, obviously, that had to be addressed, between undertaking some unscheduled ecological and geological investigations. Now, Powell Island was 90% permanently ice-covered with few exposed rocky areas. I had zero experience of ice-climbing and crossing uncharted crevassed glaciers, but I was

a quick learner. My experienced field guides ensured safe travel, usually in roped-up formation. The outcome of all this pre-PhD activity was my discovery of several plant species, previously unknown in the Antarctic, and several fossil plant species new to science, as well as making some first ascents, albeit mountains of no great altitude – but memorable achievements all the same.

Powell Island. Filling in time waiting for Signy to thaw out and PhD work to commence. A few first ascents and new plant species discovered.

After our rescue two weeks later, I returned to Signy to find the summer melt was well underway and now revealed a kaleidoscope of cryptogamic colour in pristine condition for study. After 121 days since leaving Southampton, and travelling 19,000km to reach the location of my field work, my PhD could at last commence!

PhD Phase 1

Signy is a triangular shaped island lying a few kilometres south of Coronation Island, the largest, highest and most glacierised of the South Orkney Islands. It is like a miniature Antarctica with two glaciers and an ice cap covering about half its 20km2. Numerous hills, separated by valleys, melt streams and lakes, rise to just 200-300m. It has a complex geology giving rise to an unusually diverse flora, vegetation and microfauna. It supports huge populations of seals, penguins and many other sea birds. All but three of Antarctica’s 19 breeding bird species occur on Signy. In short, it is a terrestrial biologist’s paradise. And the scenery is spectacular. There are two seasons: summer of about four months (average air temperature c. 1°C, rarely reaching 5°C, but also with frequent snowfall) and winter (the remainder, average temperature c. -10°C, not infrequently dropping to -25 to -30°C and with frequent snow) when the surrounding sea freezes.

The research station or Base was a modest (by modern standards) pair of buildings. The older wooden hut dated from 1947 and housed the diesel generators, workshop, radio and meteorological offices, storage, etc.), and a spanking new (1963) two-storey prefabricated plastic hut with bunkrooms, kitchen, lounge bar, several laboratories, and bathroom (but with outdoor loo).

My research involved examining every corner of the island and spending hours at a time on my knees, or prostrate, closely examining associations of moss and lichen species, and sampling the diminutive flora and associated soils for later chemical analysis in my lab. To reach these corners meant trekking across the rough terrain, often over the glaciers and scrambling up steep rocky slopes, usually on my own. Health and safety regulations had not been invented then!

Regular chores not usually required of PhD students included the communal Saturday ‘scrubout’ or clean-up of the entire Base and environs, usually to the deafening accompaniment of my gramophone records of ‘The Corries’. In winter, filling the melt tank with blocks of snow or lumps of ice that floated into the cove was essential if we wanted a cherished shower or bath (but the bather had to cut extra snow/ice for that luxury); and, of course, having to dig out access to the door of the outside toilet, or having to negotiate some wallowing elephant seals that were blocking it, had to be done regularly and often at short notice.

My work was no sooner seriously underway when a major disruption occurred. A visiting ship called at the Base with a crew member suffering from appendicitis. By chance we had two doctors (one in transit to another base). The chemistry/microbiology laboratory was commandeered for

Signy Island Research Station. Left: Summer with sea open; Coronation I. in background. Right: Winter with sea frozen and safe for travelling.

Signy Island moss communities. Above: 2m deep moss community forming peat radiocarbon dated as ca. 5000 y old. Right: Moss community on ground saturated by melt water.

an emergency operation, immaculately scrubbed and disinfected from floor to ceiling, and the main bench cleared for the ensuing four-hour proceedings. The operation was successful, and the sailor was reinstated on his ship when it called again some weeks later.

As the summer of 1964-65 drew to a close I began preparing for my winter experiments that would be undertaken in the lab, as field work would cease when winter set in and the vegetation disappear under metres of snow. However, at the last minute before the ship was to make its final call of the season, I received a telex from HQ informing me that Holdgate and Gimingham wanted me to return home. This would, I was informed, allow me to write up and assess what I had achieved so far, and make more detailed plans for the main part of my investigations. That came as a great disappointment, not to mention panic, but made sense. So, after a couple of days terminating the first phase of my PhD work, I embarked on the John Biscoe clutching my data and headed north to warmer climes, via the Falklands and Montevideo.

However, our return home wasn’t that simple. When we reached Stanley, we discovered we had to take a dignitary to the South Georgia Government settlement there. This added a few more days to our journey. What was more alarming was that we were told just before sailing south again that Biscoe was running short of fuel – and food. The voyage to Southampton would have to be direct, with no ports-of-call (>12,000km). If we wanted our customary late-night snacks we should stock up with the requisite supplies (baked beans, biscuits, wine, whisky, etc.) in Stanley (at our own expense!).

PhD Phase 2

Summer back home soon passed, and Phase 2 got under way with new laid plans. This time I sailed south on Biscoe, with the same ports of call as last year, but bypassing South Georgia. No diversions or obstructions this time, so I got off to a flying start. Charles Gimingham joined me for six weeks in mid-season and we did some joint field and lab experiments, from which I benefited greatly. The final ship call at the end of my second summer left only a dozen over-winterers.

Field work in all conditions. Above: Sampling red snow algae on a glacier.

Right: Typical recording posture on a mossy hillside. Top right: On an exposed plateau in winter (or summer).

Winter set in early that year and was to become one of the longest and coldest on record for Signy. Samples for physiological experiments had to be obtained before disappearing under snow. Gradually the sea froze over and in due course was deemed safe for travel – eventually to Coronation Island, several miles away, for recreational days out and longer journeys. However, I managed to continue limited aspects of my field work throughout winter, travelling to my work sites by various means – hiking, skidoo, skiing and paraskiing (having bought a small parachute from an Army & Navy store in Aberdeen for £3, and much used in the Cairngorms during my undergraduate days). In May several of the scientists received a telex from the Director at HQ stating that we were to become assistants to the meteorologist who was having difficulty coping with his workload single-handed. Our normal workday was 12-14 hours, but on days of being ‘on met. rota’ meant we would make our first 3-hourly recordings at 6am and last at 3am next day, extending the workday to 21hrs. Photography was a popular pastime and developing and printing black and white films in the tiny darkroom occupied much of my post-midnight hours.

Dr Charles Gimingham in typical field research mode, and summitting one of Signy's peaks.

Winter water supply obtained by (right) sawing snow blocks and (below) dismembering small ice bergs entering the cove with a pneumatic drill.

During the course of my winter lab studies I made several interesting discoveries – not worldshattering, but exciting to me personally, and a bonus to my mainstream project. I had discovered several species of bryophytes and lichens new to science or not previously recorded from the Antarctic. I had accidentally cultured a species of mushroom, new to science, while culturing some moss for an experiment. Two species of predatory microfungi (curiously, they trap and ‘devour’ nematode worms) were also new to science, and on a paraskiing trip to another island I discovered a new species of enchytraeid worm in a clump of moss. Neither of these life-forms were known previously from the Antarctic. Such ‘eureka’ occasions were morale boosting, although not fully appreciated until identifications were confirmed back home – and duly published.

‘Spring’ was not so much a meteorological phenomenon but rather a biological one, ushered in by the arrival of a multitude of sea birds, and seals giving birth to their pups on the inshore ice. After a winter of unimaginable (to the average PhD student) activities, encounters and experiences, spring was a magical awakening of nature as wildlife returned to their homeland and greenery appeared through the disappearing snow. Thus began my third summer and final phase of my PhD field work.

Laboratory work at Signy research station.

The advent of 'biological spring'. Right: Adelie penguins returning to their breeding colony over the sea ice. Below: Weddell seal with her pup.

PhD Phase 3

My third summer of field research continued much as the previous two summers. The season was late in getting underway in 1967 and the resupply ship had to unload its cargo onto sea ice about 500m from Base and be transported by skidoos and sledges. My work proceeded well and apace. As with the other summers my work took me to all extremities of the small island and all patches of vegetation were examined, with the more extensive and interesting stands and their soils being analysed in detail. Not infrequently I was dive-bombed by Antarctic skuas and terns if I encroached into their breeding territories, or admired close-up by inquisitive penguins.

Above: John Biscoe approaching Signy research station; Coronation I. in background. Left: Unloading cargo onto fast ice for transport to Base by sledge and skidoo.

As the field season drew to a close, I was offered the opportunity of travelling south on the Biscoe via several other BAS research stations before making the long voyage home. This gave me another chance to see and, in some instances, make landings at botanically interestinglooking sites along the western coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula. By the time I finally sailed north I probably had the most experience and understanding of anyone of Antarctic vegetation, and I made the most of this in my eventual PhD thesis back in the University Botany Department.

On the voyage north from the southern extremity of the Antarctic Peninsula Biscoe called briefly at Signy again, then onwards to Grytviken in South Georgia, the former main whaling station on South Georgia, where the doctor had fallen ill and had to be taken to Stanley in the Falklands. He would be replaced by another doctor and the delay allowed me, with a couple of other Signy biologists, to remain at Grytviken for two weeks to study the vegetation there and assess how sub-Antarctic and Antarctic ecosystems compare (or don’t). From South Georgia we headed back to Stanley for a few days then, finally, northwards via Montevideo and home.

The voyage was uneventful, rather boring but allowed plenty time to unwind and sunbathe. Since departing Signy the homeward voyage, with all its detours, was ca. 21,000km and took 101 days. A few days after docking at Southampton and being interrogated by numerous press reporters, including the Aberdeen Press & Journal, I was back in the Botany Department. Once ensconced in the seclusion of my office high in The Tower, I settled down for the summer of

1967 to complete the analyses of my data and the task of putting it all together in a logical order for my thesis. I was duly awarded my Degree the following year. [I was later informed that it was the first British biological PhD awarded for a topic conducted entirely in Antarctica. A few years later it was published.]

There followed the dilemma of what career to follow as my BAS contract had now ended. I applied for several jobs at home and abroad but failed to secure any of them. It was while in London attending the last of these that I was asked by the BAS Personnel Officer if I could ‘drop into the Office’ to formalise my end-of-contract. Once again, over a cup of coffee and biscuits, and my debrief completed, I was asked casually “Would you consider leading a small team of ecologists, as part of an international programme, at South Georgia; BAS is establishing a new research station at Grytviken next year”. This was a serendipitous offer I couldn’t refuse. It was the start of my life career, diversifying my research and conservation interests and working throughout the Antarctic, even extending beyond retirement. Wonderful experiences.

For the record, to achieve my PhD field research I covered ca. 70,000km at sea and about 2000km on foot and ski over land and ice – a bit more than originally intended. Two years later I married Elinor – a North Orcadian!

The outcome of my endeavours. Above: My PhD thesis (1968, 228 pp.). Right: The published version (1972, 124 pp.).

Class Reunions

Class of 1959 – 65-year Class Reunion

“Our class reunion in October was a wonderful way to mark 65 years since leaving school. Over the weeks and months before our reunion, Ian Logan and I planned the lunch, encouraged and persuaded classmates to attend, and looked forward to seeing many people on the day. Even though some people were unable to attend, it was wonderful to be in touch with them by email.

Very unfortunately, after all the careful planning Ian had put towards the lunch, he contracted Covid – “I won’t be able to attend – it’s over to you now, Peter”, he said. Having flown from Victoria, BC, it occurred to me that it would be wise to test. Positive. So…the evening before the reunion, I called Ken Hutcheon and asked him to take over. Ken was amazing – we arranged to meet (outside, masked, and at a distance) the next morning, so that I could hand over name badges, photos, lists, and Ian’s speech. He took it all completely in his stride, and by all accounts he did a really excellent job. We are all very grateful to Ken for taking this on at very short notice and for presiding over the lunch with his usual energy and good humour.

Needless to say, it was a great disappointment to Judy and me, and Marlo and Ian, that we were not able to attend the reunion. However, it was wonderful to be in touch with so many classmates prior to the reunion, to receive emails after the event, and to read Ken’s enthusiastic account of the day.

I would like to thank Ian Logan for all he did to make the reunion a success, and for making the co-organization so enjoyable. Here’s to the next time – when Ian and I will join you!”

Peter M Jeffrey (1944-1959)

“After meeting with Peter that morning, I arrived at the Deeside Golf Club only minutes before the first arrivals and managed to set out the photos and name badges which he had prepared. He had organized the class photos with cunning logic whereby attendees could check the team or class photo they were in and take that photo home with them.

Eighteen of the Class of 1959 gathered to greet classmates – some live locally, and others had travelled from further afield – Charlie Flynn from Yorkshire, John Sinclair from Bedford and Ian Yates all the way from London.

After welcoming everyone, we took a few minutes to think about those 77 Classmates who were no longer with us. Peter and Ian were given a round of applause for organizing the reunion, and Peter for his work in setting up the database of information about former pupils.

I took ideas from the speech that Ian was going to present, while emphasizing that the resulting speech was mine alone. Thanks to Ian’s meticulous planning – and the excellent service from the staff of Deeside Golf Club – the lunch was a great success, enjoyed by all.

Many people helped to make sure that everything went smoothly. Indeed, it was only with the friendly participation of all those attended that the event went so well. One example was the group photo – how to organize that, and get everyone in the same place at the same time? My thanks to Fiona Begg, Maggie Wood, Charlie Flynn and others. Several people commented on their enjoyment of this reunion. While hoping for a future reunion, we are cognizant of the fact that we are getting older…and that we shouldn’t wait for five years – maybe 2026? I personally really enjoyed the reunion and enjoyed chatting with as many people as possible.”

Ken Hutcheon (1947-1959)

Attendees: Begg, Roderick: Edinburgh, Birkbeck, David: Fortrose, Inverness, Ducat, Nick: Aberdeen, Fettes, Doug: Dalkeith Midlothian, Flynn, Charles: Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, Henderson, David: Aberdeen, Hutcheon, Ken: Aberdeen, Hutcheson, John: Aberdeen, Lamb, Bob: Aberdeen, Murray-Smith, David: Bearsden, Glasgow, Parkinson, David: Aberdeen, Robertson, Alastair: Moulin, Pitlochry, Silver, Alan: Aberdeen, Sinclair, John: Bedford, Stevenson, Peter: Banchory, Stewart, Clem: Stonehaven, Wood, Mike: Aberdeen, Yeats, Ian: London, Lyon, Sheila: Aberdeen

Apologies were received from: Auld, Michael: Hertfordshire, Cox, Derek: Quebec, Canada, Donald, Jack: Chesterfield, Elder, Peter: Loughborough, Goodall, Pat: Portland, Oregon, USA, Hardie, Mike: Ottawa, Canada, Hyland, Jeff: Elgin, Massie, Gordon: Romsey, Hants, Mulvey, Charles: East Perth, Australia, Pirie, Kenneth: Vancouver Island, Canada, Pratt, Simon: Garton-on Wolds, East Yorkshire, Smith, Forbie: Victoria, Australia, Spiby, Ian: Livingston, Walker, Mike: Edinburgh

Reunion – Aberdeen Grammar School, Year of ’65

In the summer of ’25, members of the AGS year of ’65 met over the weekend of June 27-29 to renew friendships, discuss matters of great importance and compare health issues and ailments.

For those who wished an early catch-up – and that turned out to be most of us – a drinks session with wives and partners was arranged on the Friday evening in ‘Sugarbird Wines on the Terrace – Sugarbird with a View,’ an intimate section of the wine bar overlooking the recently revamped Union Terrace Gardens.

On Saturday morning, those who survived the previous evening’s festivities met at the recently revamped Aberdeen Art Gallery for a coffee and a stroll round the current exhibition. During this visit, and sadly nothing to do with the organisers, the group was entertained by a stirring pipe band march past. Tears were shed.

The main event, the ‘65ers Reunion dinner, was held on Saturday evening at the Royal Northern and University Club. Speeches were to be kept to a minimum and Harry Millar’s welcome was short and succinct while Russell Gray’s enthusiastic ‘couple of words about the old School’ lasted a full 30 minutes and one second and included a powerful diatribe on the Dun/Keith house merger scandal. A copy of the video can be had from Roddy McDonald. A parallel dinner in the Club for wives and partners was hosted by Gill Sherriffs and after eating, the two groups joined in the bar for a most convivial gathering. A brunch on Sunday lunchtime at the Palm Court Hotel concluded the programme and we departed on our various ways promising the next reunion would not be so far off.

Those participating enjoyed a memorable and fun reunion weekend and it was a pleasure spending time with so many old friends. It takes a considerable effort for some to attend but happily, we were all rewarded by some incredible weather and truly great company. For those who unfortunately couldn’t be present through family commitments, health or other reasons, we remembered them during the dinner in a toast to ‘absent friends.’

I received an email from Sugarbird Wines on the Terrace – our Friday evening venue – and I was pleased, but not surprised, to read that the minimum spend had been far exceeded and that my deposit was safe. I knew it was never in doubt.

Among the many emails of thanks that I have received, I think Malcolm Rennie eloquently summed up our feelings when he wrote ‘You can take the boy out of Aberdeen…etc…but for all of us the School and the City remain the place where our roots are.’

Those attending the ‘65ers dinner: Roddy Anderson, Neil Borthwick, Bill Cameron, Alistair Clark, Mike Colvin, Bruce Drummond, George Farquhar, Russell Gray, Sandy Hardie, Roger Houghton, Donald Lamont, George Letts, Alisdair Mackenzie, Roddy Mcdonald, Harry Millar, Hamish Norbrook, Richard Rae, Richard Reece, Malcolm Rennie, Murdoch Sherriffs, Richard Sherriffs, Dave Smith, Alan Thomson.

Those attending the Wives and Partners dinner: Carol, Elane, Gillian, Lynda, Margaret, Michelle, Paivi, Tammy.

Colvin For the Committee – Bill Cameron, Bruce Drummond, Russell Gray, Harry

Mike

Millar

AGS “Class Of 1980” Reunion in Aberdeen

A small gathering of AGS former pupils met at the end of June in Aberdeen’s Silver Darling to celebrate “45 years” since leaving school. Having kept in contact “virtually” for a few years, we decided a meet-in-person would be great idea, because for many it had been several decades since they last met the others, and waiting for “50 years” was simply too far in the future!

Despite being a small and informal affair, a great evening was had by all: catching up with old acquaintances; exchanging memories of “the good, the bad and the ugly” times; trying to remember the names and faces from a wide selection of school class, prefect, hill walking, rugby and hockey team photographs; and of course who got the “skud” from whom, when and what for…... The “icing on the cake” was the delicious sponge cake we had for dessert, which was adorned with the school coat of arms (it was almost too good to eat!).

Mark Quirie and Jan Kees van Baaren were unfortunately unable to attend.

A big thanks to Martin and Mike for making it all happen!

All FPs from the class of 1980 are reminded to keep their diaries free for 2030, for the big “50 year” celebration (which we all agreed will be much more inclusive

The FP’s who made the gathering were (from Left to Right): Peter Clark, Dominic Midgley, Gordon Smith, Norman Bain, Colin Milne, Martin Hardy, Mike Reid, Jeremy Wood, Peter Grieve.

Aberdeen Grammar Former Pupils’ Club

Founded 11 September 1893

Club Office-Bearers, 2025-2026

Honorary President

ALISON MURISON MA (Head Teacher)

Honorary Vice-Presidents:

A. KEITH CAMPBELL (1944-53), TEng (CEI), FInst AEA (President, 1992-93)

DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE (1950-64) MBChB, FRCPsych (President, 2002-03)

IAN H. McLEOD (1951-55) (President, 2004-05)

GORDON G. MILNE (1950-61) MBChB (President, 2005-06)

DAVID L. ALLAN (1945-58) QPM, LL.B, MPhil, FCMI (President, 2006-07)

GARY J.G. ALLAN (1963-76) KC, LL.B (President, 2007-08)

JAMES M. CLARK (1947-59) (President, 2008-09)

NEIL M. BORTHWICK (1952-65) BSc, PhD (President, 2009-10)

DONALD A. LAMONT (1952-65) MA (President, 2010-11)

TRACEY J.H. MENZIES (1981-87) MBE, DCH, LL.B (President, 2011-12)

NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69) LL.B, WS (President, 2012-13)

J. MARTIN JEFFREY (1942-57) BSc (President, 2013-14)

MARGERY G. TAYLOR (1975-81) BEd (President, 2014-15)

DOUGLAS R. HARPER (1944-58) MBChB, MD, FRCSE, FRCS (President, 2016-17)

IAIN S. HOPKIN (1962-68) MA, FCCA (President, 2019-20)

ALAN W. MARR (1969-75) CA (President, 2020-21)

STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-1969) MA, MSc, PhD (President, 2021-22)

KENNETH C. McHARDY 1964-73) MD, FRCPE, FAcadMEd (President, 2022-23)

NEIL J.G. LAWRIE (President, 2023-24)

GRAHAM M. THOMSON MA, MBA (1979-1984)

(Specially Elected)

J. PETER JEFFREY (1944-59) MSc (Eng) (Elected 2010)

H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56) (Elected 2012)

GRAHAM LEGGE BEd, MEd, (Rector 2004-15) (Elected 2016)

President

DOUGLAS M. WATSON LL.B (1979-85)

President-Elect

TBD

Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive

Prof. DAVID M. REID (1959-69) MBE, MBChB, MD, FRCP, FRCPE

Secretary

STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-69) MA, MSc, PhD

Treasurer

BRIAN P. DAVIDSON MA, CA (1968-74)

General & Notes Editors of Magazine

STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-69) and KIRSTEEN WATT (1976-82)

Regional Centres

Edinburgh: President – NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69)

Acting Secretary – NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69) ngmwatt77@gmail.com

Glasgow: President – MALCOLM GAULD

Secretary – MARGERY TAYLOR (1975-81) marg7ery@ntlworld.com

London: President – SANDY NICOL (1962-71)

Secretary – GRAHAM M. THOMSON (1979-83) grahamsally501@btinternet.com

Yorkshire: President – VACANT

Secretary – DAVID GALLOWAY (1976-82) davegalloway1964@hotmail.com

Canada: President – ROBERT C. SCACE (1954-60)

Secretary – MICHAEL G. KING (1951-60) michaelking806@comcast.net

Secretaries of Sports Sections

Cricket – GEOFFREY E. MORRISON (1992-98) geoff@aberdeencricket.com

Men’s Hockey – DUNCAN HARRIS (1985-91) dharris@technip.com

Women’s Hockey – EMMA A. MAIR (1985-91) emma.mair@gmail.com

Executive Committee

Chairman

Prof. DAVID M. REID (1959-69)

Vice-Chairman

STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-69)

The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiis The Head Teacher of the School, ex officio

Ordinary Members of the Executive Committee

FERGUS KENNEDY (2012-18)

EMMA A. MAIR (1985-91)

BRIAN P. DAVIDSON (1968-74)

GEOFFREY E. MORRISON (1992-98)

GRAHAM M. THOMSON (1979-84)

KIRSTEEN WATT (1976-82)

NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69)

DAVID C. WHYTE (1962-68)

WENDY WATSON (1984-90)

In Attendance: CLUB PRESIDENT – DOUGLAS M. WATSON (1979-85)

Section Representatives

Sport – GEOFFREY E. MORRISON (1992-98) Staff – JANET C. ADAMS (1980-86)

Auditors

Messrs. SCHOLES Inc. BOWER & SMITH, C.A. Club Consuls

Australia – JIM W. HOWISON (1937-50), 98A Hull Road, West Pennant Hills, New South Wales 2125, Australia. E-mail: howison@tech2u.com.au

Tel. 00 61-2-9875-1296

Australia – Dr. FORBES J. SMITH (1945-57) 1/18 Verdon St., Dromana, Victoria 3936, Australia. E-mail: forbessmith@pac.com.au

Tel. 0061 408 100 215

Canada – GORDON B. SINGER (1949-50), 2421 Erlton Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2S 2V9. E-mail: singsing@shaw.ca

Tel. 00 1-403-266-6448

Canada – DAVID R. AULD (1947-61), 2187 Lafayette Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, V8S 2P2. E-mail: davidauld@shaw.ca

Tel. 001-250-595-0616

Corsica – IAIN WARES (1941-52), Via G.M. Angioy 34, Cagliari 09124, Sardinia, Italy. Tel. 0039-070-652508

New Zealand – DAVID C. WHYTE (1962-68) 157 Mahoenui Valley Road, RD 3 Albany, Auckland 0793, New Zealand. E-mail: david@dcwhyte.com Tel. 0064 021406767

United States – MICHAEL G. KING (1951-60), 1640 Williamsburg Way, Eugene, Oregon 974017836 USA. E-mail: michaelking806@comcast.net Tel. 1-541-344-8931

Annual General Meeting

Minutes of the 122nd AGM of the

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils Club

Meeting held by Zoom on Monday, March 31st, 2025

Welcome and Introduction

The chairman Prof. David Reid opened the meeting by welcoming those present and thanking them for their attendance.

The following 35 Members attended the AGM via Zoom:

David Allan, Gary Allan, William Barlow, Derek Buchan, Karin Clark, Stuart Cummings, Brian Davidson, John Duncan, Garth Glentworth, Douglas Harper, Jock Hendry, Iain Hopkin, Martin Jeffrey, Fergus Kennedy, Mike King, Alisdair Mackenzie, Alan Martin, Emma Mair, Robert Mann, Ian Massie, Roddy McDonald, Ken McHardy, John Michie, Geoff Morrison, Sandy Nicol, David Reid, Robert Scace, Robert Scott, Wilson Taylor, Graham Thomson, Doug Watson, Wendy Watson, Kirsteen Watt, Nigel Watt, David Whyte.

Apologies for Absence Apologies were received from:

Brian Angus, Mike Beattie, Gordon Benton, Gordon Buchan, Morgan Butler, David Galloway, Stuart Glover, Donald Grant, Alan Hamilton, Peter Jeffrey, Ronald Lewis-Smith, Ken Mackie, Neil Mackie, John MacLennan, Ray Masson, Nigel Matthews, Gavin McEwen, David Miller, Gordon Milne, John Munro, Michael Murray, Karen Petrie, Murray Pittock, Richard Reece, Iain Reid, Henry Roe, Ivor Sutherland.

Approval of Minutes of the 121st AGM of the Club held on March 25th, 2024

David Reid noted that, as is the tradition, the minutes of the 2024 AGM had been approved at the April 2024 Executive Meeting. He then apologised for omitting to include the minute of the previous AGM in the papers that were issued for the present meeting. This was corrected earlier in the evening, but it was recognised that most attendees would not have had the opportunity to read then prior to the meeting. Those present were invited to do so and to send any comments to the Secretary, Stuart Cummings.

Post meeting note: No comments were received.

Chairman’s Report – David Reid

David introduced his chairman’s report which had been submitted with the AGM papers, highlighting the latest developments with respect to the Rubislaw Field Agreement (RFA) and discussion with Aberdeen City Council (ACC), and the success of the Informal Supper Clubs. He also paid tribute to Iain Hopkin and Robert Cook for their ongoing efforts to research and catalogue the Club archive. This includes a lot of hard copy material as well as memorabilia which

is principally stored at Michie’s office in Union Street, Aberdeen with some additional material held at the School.

David concluded his report by summarising the current work being undertaken to transition the Club to Charitable status (SCIO), noting that that the Club has engaged a legal expert in charitable law to articulate the aims of the intended SCIO, to clarify the benefits or such a move and, to define the process and the steps required to achieve this goal. Some changes to the existing Club Constitution will be needed. Members will be updated on progress on a regular basis and any final decision to transition to a SCIO will be taken at a SGM later in the year.

During the discussion of the Chairman’s report, the following points were raised:

John Michie expressed concern that ACC were pursuing their own agenda which could potentially jeopardise the principles set out in the RFA.

Geoff Morrison stated that we should maintain a healthy level of scepticism as to ACC’s intentions given the proposed changes at Harlaw, which include an artificial rugby pitch and redevelopment of the Harlaw Pavilion.

Gary Allan questioned why we were engaging with ACC at this time and argued that perhaps it was best just to maintain the status quo.

David Reid responded that we need to first hear from ACC what their plans are regarding the Rubislaw playing field. Geoff Morrison supported this position stating that a meeting with ACC is needed to achieve clarity going forward. He noted that meeting with Martin Greig of ACC to include David Reid, Geoff Morrison and Doug Watson will be arranged in the coming weeks. David Reid also stressed that ACC can do nothing that impacts the RFA without the Club’s agreement.

Secretary’s

Report – Stuart Cummings

Stuart referred to his written report submitted with the AGM papers, noting that he was concerned about the low number of members (just over 100) who had accessed last year’s online School Magazine. A lot of effort goes in to collating, editing and publishing the Magazine and it is disappointing that it is not more widely read. He also noted that although the School Section of the report last year comprised more than 60 pages it is regrettable that neither the staff nor the pupils who contributed many articles can access the Magazine. He suggested that changes may be necessary to restructure the Magazine to encourage greater access by members and improve accessibility, particularly amongst those who recently left the School.

Treasurer’s

Report – Brian Davidson

Brian referred to his written report and the unaudited accounts for the year ending December 31st, 2024, that were submitted with the AGM papers. He emphasised the distinction between restricted and unrestricted funds noting both accounts had generated a healthy level of interest income during 2024. There were no comments or questions from the floor. Acceptance of the accounts was proposed by Iain Hopkin, seconded by John Michie and approved unanimously by those present.

Men’s Hockey – Geoff Morrison

The Club is running one XI this season. Numbers dwindled post-Covid and there has been an exodus of older stalwarts as well as younger adults mainly due, in part, to work and family commitments. The current AGS S6 players have been a great set and have helped the Club field a good XI weekly. The men’s coaches continue to support hockey at the school.

Women’s Hockey – Emma Mair

The Club boasts three XIs again this season. The 1st XI is going particularly well and are so far undefeated in the North District Division One. The 2nd and 3rd XIs have worked tirelessly to field as many players as the club needs weekly. The club has more than 75 women and girls on the books with an age range of 14-82 years and it is a joy to watch the blend of youth and experience play in the same teams weekly. The coaching group does an amazing job to have members of the Club playing hockey six days out of seven, every week!

Cricket – Geoff Morrison

Aberdeen Grammar FPs Cricket Club had an eventful and successful 2024 season, with notable performances across all grades. The 1st XI finished their Grade 1 season with a dramatic tie against Cults, which was enough to ensure they stayed in Grade 1. The 2nd XI secured promotion to Grade 1. The 3rd XI faced challenges and were relegated from Grade 2. We face the ongoing challenge of facilities with most other Aberdeen sides having a better outfield and the lack of attention to it is now a real safety risk. We are installing a new pitch at our cost for next season but the grass cutting and maintenance remains a real concern. There is also now regular youth coaching on a Sunday that we plan to continue during 2025.

General remark: Geoff noted that, for cricket, there does not seem to be the same school loyalty as there was in the past noting that some AGS former pupils choose other clubs, e.g. Gordonians who offer better facilities. This sentiment was echoed by Emma who stated that both hockey sections also face challenges with some players especially those who started their sporting careers before they get to AGS switching to other clubs.

President’s Report – Graham Thomson

Graham commented on his written report submitted to the AGM highlighting his delight in reconnecting with the School, being a member of the committee choosing the All-Round Trophy winners and attending the Senior School Prizegiving.

John Michie asked whether it might be possible to arrange for more FPs to attend the School Prizegiving and whether the School would be open to Former Pupils visiting the School as guest lecturers by way of further strengthening the connection between the Club and the School. These ideas will be discussed with the Head Teacher, Alison Murison.

Graham went on to report that he had attended the Gordonian Association dinner in Aberdeen in early March which was attended by more than 140 RGC former pupils. Following the dinner, Graham has written a briefing note exploring how the Club might learn from the Gordonian model.

David Reid indicated he will meet with the Gordonian Secretary, Alan Adie, to further research Graham’s observations.

Graham noted that together with London President, Sandy Nicol, he was hopeful of organising one or two London events during the coming year to which all FP members will be invited.

In conclusion Graham noted that he had now passed on the Presidential medal to the incoming President, Doug Watson and wished him well during his term of Office.

Luther Kitson Smith Bequest

Nigel Watt reported that the weekly Tuesday training sessions at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre are now fully subscribed and that a second training session is to be organised. It was encouraging to see that 10 girls are now enrolled in the training programme. Nigel noted that the success of the training is largely due to the excellence of the coaching staff and the enthusiasm of Iain Stanger, the staff member assigned to the programme. Pupils not only benefit from the golf coaching but also use the training sessions as a vehicle for personal development. This year’s tournament will be held on Tuesday June 10th at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre.

School Liaison Report (Emma Mair)

Emma Mair invited comments on her written report submitted to the meeting.

John Michie asked if the loss of traditional external venues to host School activities e.g. St Machar’s Cathedral and the Music Hall, due to cost was in some way limiting the potential of pupils at the School.

Emma responded by stating that pupils do have access to external buildings and facilities on a need basis, but the issue is more to do with teacher availability after hours. Brian Davidson and David Reid will review this question with the Head Teacher Alison Murison, and they have already encouraged her at a recent meeting to ask the Club for help if needed to improve access for extra-curricular activities.

Centre Reports

Mike King gave a verbal report on behalf of the Canada Centre. He noted that most Canadian members are now retired and that getting around North America is increasingly a challenge. He highlighted the recent article in the Canada Centre Newsletter on FP connections with businesses in Union Street. David Reid commended Mike and the Canada Centre President, Bob Scace for their continued efforts to produce high quality Canada Centre Newsletters twice a year.

Appointment of Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members

David Reid (Chairman), Brian Davidson (Treasurer) and Stuart Cummings (Secretary) have offered to remain in office for the year 2025/2026.

The proposal to accept the nominated Office Bearers was proposed by John Michie seconded by Gary Allan and approved unanimously by those in attendance.

All current Executive ordinary members have also agreed to continue and, in addition, Graham Thomson, last year’s Club President, who was previously a member of the Executive, will rejoin an ordinary member. Accordingly, the following members of the Executive were appointed: Fergus Kennedy, Emma Mair (School Liaison Officer), Geoff Morrison (Sports Representative), Graham Thomson, Wendy Watson, Kirsteen Watt, Nigel Watt, David Whyte.

The following individuals have observer status at Executive Committee Meetings: Doug Watson (President 2025/2026), Richard Steele (Administration Officer) and Janet Adams (Staff Representative).

AGSFP Club President 2025/2026

David Reid officially welcomed Doug Watson as the New Club President for 2025/2026. In his remarks. Doug accepted this honour with humility and expressed his thanks to all in attendance and paid tribute to the work done by Graham Thomson the outgoing Club President.

AOCB

David Reid repeated his statement earlier in the meeting that moving to a SCIO would result in increased opportunities for current and future pupils of the School as well as Former pupils.

Conclusion of the AGM

The meeting closed at 9.15pm with a vote of thanks to the chair, David Reid, proposed by Iain Hopkin.

Stuart Cummings, Secretary AGSFP Club

April 25th, 2025

Chairman’s Annual Report 2024-2025

David M Reid

This is my second opportunity to write an annual report of the activities of AGSFP Club for our Digital Magazine.

I want to start by expressing my heart-felt thanks to the Executive Committee who have each contributed their own individual wisdom and expertise to our work. In particular, I wish to thank my two co-Office Bearers and other Executive members who have specific roles.

• Stuart Cummings was elected to the role of Interim Secretary at the 121st AGM in March last year. He has been an exceptional support and wise counsel to me and of course has taken the lead in providing us all with the regular monthly Newsletters and, along with the support of Kirsteen Watt produced the second (Digital) Magazine in September 2024. I am truly grateful to Stuart for recently agreeing to drop the word Interim from his title and he now serves as Secretary.

• Brian Davidson was elected as our new Treasurer at the March 2024 AGM. He has worked tirelessly to update our financial reporting practices, and the results of his diligent work will be seen summarised in the unaudited Annual Accounts and Treasurer’s report submitted as papers for this year’s AGM. I am personally grateful to Brian for the gentle fashion in which he corrects my many financial and other errors.

• Nigel Watt has continued in his exemplary work in overseeing the annual Luther Kitson Smith (LKS) golf tournament which last held on June 12th, 2025.

• Emma Mair who has worked tirelessly in managing the day-to-day interactions with the School in her role as School Liaison Officer.

I also wish to pay tribute to three other FPs who attend the Executive meetings as observers. The 2024-2025 President, Graham Thomson who represented the Club at a number of school and other events during his year in office, the 2025-2026 President, Douglas Watson, who has brought his expertise on charity law to the table and Richard Steele our part-time administrator whose contributions to managing the membership database and our communications with members has been fantastic.

Those members who are assiduous readers of the monthly newsletters may wish to drop out now as the following is largely a precis of my recent monthly updates to the newsletter but first, I want to provide an update on an item covered in my 2024 Chairman’s report.

Rubislaw Field Agreement (RFA) and the Canada Clock

Unfortunately, there has been limited formal progress with Aberdeen City Council (ACC) regarding an update of the century old RFA which gives the Club historical rights to use the Rubislaw field free of charge in perpetuity for a number of sporting activities including rugby, cricket and hockey

and the use of the original Pavilion building which was opened in 1924. ACC wished to delay further discussions on a new RFA until the outcome of an application by Aberdeen Grammar Rugby to the Scottish Rugby Union for financial support. The application, centred on building an all-weather pitch on the adjacent Harlaw playing fields has now been approved in principle.

Recently the Executive have been made aware that Sport Aberdeen https://www.sportaberdeen. co.uk have been asked by ACC to commission a report by an external agency on the future sporting use of the Harlaw and Rubislaw playing fields. In view of the historical rights of access which AGSFP Club have for Rubislaw under the RFA the Executive considered it imperative that AGSFP Club were consulted and accordingly 2 other Executive members and I have been nominated to be interviewed as part of the production of the external agency’s report. Future updates on the results of the consultation will be published in the AGSFP Club newsletters.

As mentioned in my 2024 report the Pavilion is of course the home of the Canada Clock which was so generously donated by our Canada Centre and installed in 2009. One of my pledges on appointment to the role of Chairman was to ensure that the clock was repaired as it has been stopped for around 8 years. I reported in March 2024 that the pledge had been met in part as the clock was running but about 2.5 hours ahead of real-time. With the repair of the clock the Canada Centre turned their attention to the dilapidated state of the plaque recognising their original donation of the clock. The Centre have arranged and install a new plaque now resplendent on the wall of the pavilion.

School Liaison Activities

As mentioned above, Emma Mair has continued to fulfil the role of School Liaison Officer and is in regular contact with Janet Adams, the Deputy School Head who has responsibility for liaison with the Club. Emma has reported regularly to the Executive on the mechanisms by which the annual FP-funded Amenities Fund is allocated and spent. These monies of just over £5,000 are given by the Club to support extracurricular activities at the School It is now being stressed how important it that events that are organised by the various clubs and groups who receive funds acknowledge the Club’s support and also submit reports for inclusion in the Magazine. It is pleasing to see results of these efforts appearing in the 2025 Magazine.

Emma and Janet have also been working together on managing the support the Club gives for annual school prizes and trophies that bear the name of the Club, including a few new subject prizes that were first awarded at School Prize Giving in June 2024. The support for 2023/2024 amounted to £2,850 and a slightly higher sum has been budgeted for the academic year 2024/2025. It has also been recommended that the winners of the All-Round trophies be invited to submit articles to be included in the School Magazine as a way of demonstrating continued progress in building the relationship between Club and School.

In addition to the work of Emma and Janet I can report that there are now regular meetings, with Alison Murison the School Head which I and the Club Treasurer, Brian Davidson attend. Topics discussed at these strategy meetings include budget planning for the annual allocation of funds from the Luther Kitson Smith Golf legacy and reporting updates on other initiatives supported

by the Club, specifically the STEM project which has been kick-started by an extremely generous donation from an anonymous Club member. At our spring 2025 meeting we were able to update Alison on progress with regard to the potential transition of the Club towards charitable status (see below) and garnered her support for conducting an online survey amongst 2025 school leavers on what they would look for from an FP Club after leaving school and also encourage the young people to join us. The analysis of the survey will appear elsewhere but the encouragement to join us has brought in over 25 new young members into our club.

JJR Macleod Memorial Statue

In my 2024 report I noted that the statue in the Duthie Park was unveiled on 12th October 2023. One year on, two events were held in Aberdeen on Friday 6th September 2024 to celebrate the contribution that Professor John James Rickard Macleod (President of AGSFP Club 193031) as part of the team in Toronto who discovered insulin. These events including the unveiling of a new plaque at Macleod Way acknowledging the Toronto Four whose work jointly lead to the discovery was followed by a symposium at the University of Aberdeen when distinguished lecturers from Toronto and the Nobel Committee along with ex-president of the Club, Ken McHardy gave a series of excellent lectures about the roles of the individual members of the team – a true collaborative effort.

Supper Clubs

It is now some years since the Club last held the annual dinner which for so long was the main Club event. Covid further compounded the planning of such dinners in Aberdeen and there seems to be little enthusiasm to revive these events. Instead, I have organised informal supper clubs two of which have been or will have been held in the 2024-2025 Club year.

On 4th October 2024 a special celebration supper club was held at the Bieldside Inn in Aberdeen specifically to acknowledge the efforts of our past treasurer John Michie and his “batman” Iain (Hoppy) Hopkin’s long contribution to the Club. Twenty-five members and guests including Peter Jeffrey, a stalwart of the Canada Centre, and his wife Judy. John, Hoppy and Peter received celebration jumpers specifically designed for the event.

A further supper club was held in the slightly more formal setting of the Royal Northern University Club on 26th March 2025. Details of further supper clubs will be published on the AGSFP Event Page.

Archiving of Club Records and Memorabilia

During the last year Iain (Hoppy) Hopkin, our unofficial archivist, and Robert Cook have been trawling through the wealth of Club archive materials that are held at John Michie’s office in Aberdeen. Recently they have been joined in their endeavours by Ross Baird. The archive comprises an assortment of physical memorabilia e.g. trophies, photographs, plaques, etc. as well as many written materials including Club records and old Magazines. Additionally, there is some material in a couple of small storage rooms at the School. ‘Hoppy’, Robert and Ross are creating an inventory of physical items and cataloguing the written materials with a view to photographing and subsequently digitising a selection of these documents and uploading them

to the Club website. Plans are being drawn up to digitise copies of all 127 Volumes of the AGS Magazine.

The Potential Move to Charitable Status

The Club is currently an unincorporated association operating under a constitution last approved by the members of the Club at its AGM on 25 March 2019. That constitution reiterates that “The objects of the Club shall be to promote educational and social intercourse among the Former Pupils, to keep them in touch with the School, and to assist Former Pupils and the School in whatever way may be deemed advisable…”

The Executive consider that the best way of ensuring the long-term viability of the Club to meet its stated objects is to apply for charitable status which would give preferential tax treatment on income (relief from income and corporate taxes) and donations (Gift Aid and Inheritance Tax). The “badge” of charitable status ensures public trust and increased transparency of the use of funds.

As assiduous readers of the monthly Newsletter will be aware, the Executive and a working group have spent many hours considering options as to whether transitioning the Club to a charity would give a fair chance of long-term survival. As I have reported in the Newsletters, it is the view of the Executive that we should formally consider the merits of changing the legal form of our venerable Club to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). As part of this exercise, we are defining new aims and objectives designed to support extra-curricular sporting and educational activities for school pupils and FPs while also providing charitable support as required to all FPs. A lawyer who specialises in charity law has drawn up a new constitution in draft form which will shortly be shared with all members of the Club via the monthly Newsletter and the web platform. A full consultation with members will then take place prior to taking the new constitution to a Special General Meeting (SGM) later in the year.

President’s Report 2023-2024

Graham M. Thomson (1979-1983)

It has been a real pleasure and honour to fulfil the role of AGSFP Club President for 2024/25. I’ve been a member of the FP club since leaving school in 1983 and have become more actively involved with the organisation of the Club over recent years both as London Centre Secretary and as a member of the Executive Committee. I believe I’m the first London based FP to hold the position since Donald Lamont back in 2010/11.

The highlight of my year as President was undoubtedly going back to the School for the senior prize giving in June. This brought back many happy memories as it was the first time that I’ve have set foot in the hall since 1983 (not much had changed)! It was very rewarding to see so many successful pupils being recognised for their academic, sporting, musical and dramatic accomplishments with their proud parents looking on. It was also great to see the All-Round Trophies that have been renamed in memory of Gillian Thomas and Alan Campbell. Also, by way of continuing to strengthen the link between the Club and the School, the Prizegiving Programme included a write up about the Club and a QR code to link pupils to the Membership page.

Picture caption: Here I am on the left with my predecessor, Neil Lawrie handing over the President’s medal in March 2024 under Bryon’s gaze!

Back in April 2024, I also organised a 40-year reunion for my class of 1984 (I left the school in 1983 after 5th year). Around 35 of my classmates gathered in the Dutch Mill for a very convivial evening of drinking and reminiscing! We had attendees from as far afield as Texas, the Netherlands and Spain and were joined by our special guest, Neill Montgomery who taught us Chemistry. It was a brilliant evening and brought back many happy memories.

Other notable events that I’ve attended during the year have included:

• Informal Drinks Evening in September 2024 for Edinburgh Centre FPs at the Café Royale that I helped to organise with Centre Secretary, Nigel Watt – the first event in Edinburgh for some years

• Enjoyable FP Supper Club outing at the Bieldside Inn in October organised by chairman David Reid and attended by 25 Members and their guests. The supper was arranged specifically to acknowledge John Michie’s and Iain (Hoppy) Hopkin’s long-standing contribution to the Club.

• Being a guest of honour at the Gordonian Association Dinner on 7th March 2025 at the Marcliffe Hotel attended by over 140 of their FPs aged from 18 to 88! We can definitely learn a few things from them on how to connect with more recent school leavers!

Sadly, there was no Glasgow Centre dinner this year and I’ve been a bit lax in organising any events in London.

Being located down south has restricted the number of events I have been able to attend somewhat. However, I was pleased that President Elect, Douglas Watson (1979-1985) was able to attend a recent Aberdeen High School/Harlaw Academy FP Club Quiz Evening on my behalf. This event marked their 125th anniversary as an FP Club – our club was formed in 1893 so we can say we beat them to it by 7 years! Albyn School FP Club have also invited representatives from our Club to attend a quiz evening towards the end of March.

So, all in all it has been a very enjoyable year as President. I feel safe in the knowledge that I’m handing over the baton to another FP Stalwart Douglas Watson and wish him all the best for this year in office!

Graham Thomson (1979-1983)

Club President 2025-2026

Douglas M. Watson (1979-85)

Douglas left Aberdeen Grammar School in 1985. In his last year at School, he was Head Boy, Captain of the 1st XV, President of the Debating Society, and the recipient of Former Pupils’ AllRound Trophy.

Doug qualified LLB from Aberdeen University in 1988 and obtained his Diploma in Legal Practice in 1989. He completed his traineeship with the Edinburgh firm, Menzies Dougal in 1991, before returning to Aberdeen to take up the position of assistant solicitor with Adam Cochran, remaining with the firm until 2011, after 18 years as a Partner. In 2011, Doug joined the Aberdeen legal firm of Ledingham Chalmers as a Partner, and latterly as a Consultant, before retiring from practice on the 31st of March 2025.

Following his time at the School, Douglas became a member of the Club Centre Committee and FP Club Committee, becoming Chairman of the Club Centre from 2000 to 2006; and Chairman of the FP Executive Committee from 2007 to 2009, followed by two years as Membership Secretary. He also served as Secretary of the FP Rugby Section from 1996 until 2000.

Douglas M. Watson (1979-85)

Doug’s pastimes include golf along with following his interest in rugby. He is a member and past captain of Deeside GC and also a member of Royal Aberdeen, and Ballater Golf Clubs. As a result of an injury while playing for the School team, Doug took up refereeing, which he continued for 10 years, achieving National Division 2 status. He returned to play FP Rugby for the 2nd and 3rd XVs for a couple of years. Following his period as Secretary of the FP Rugby Section, Doug became a district representative on the North District and a member of the Caledonian Reds Executive Committee, in interesting times, as the game turned professional. His rugby interest now is limited to following Scotland and Aberdeen Grammar Rugby whenever possible.

Douglas is married to Lesley (née Carson) (1981-85), former Head Girl; and they have two daughters Lauren and Kirsten. Douglas is the younger son of the late Melville F Watson (194255), former President of the Club in 1995; and brother of the late M. Stuart Watson (1979-83) who was also Head Boy and All-Round Trophy recipient.

In accepting his nomination as President of the Club for 2025/26, Doug said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be nominated as President of the Club, following in my father’s footsteps and those of so many other prominent FPs.”

School Liaison Update – Session 2024-2025

Emma A. Mair

Our sincere thanks must once again go to Janet Adams (Depute Head Teacher) for her continued support of The AGSFP Club. The school has an ever-growing number of pupils and finding the time to address their needs while adhering to all the rules and regulations associated with operating a secondary school in the 21st century is no easy task.

The AGSFP Club continues to support AGS through the Amenities Fund and this year I thought you might all like to read a little list of the groups from within the school who benefited from our donations this school session.

Janet received applications for funds from about 20 groups and funds were granted for 14 of them as follows:

Group Name What they needed…

Face The Music Stage Treads

Activities Week ‘25

Funds to cover ‘free’ activities

Young Enterprise Entry fees and resources

Netball Club New netball dresses

Concert Band Percussion instruments

Junior Football Teams New goals and balls

Young Engineers 3D Printer

Recorder Ensemble Recorders

S1 Science Club LED Microscope

Outdoor Learning Paint for planters in grounds

Garden Force Galvanised vegetable planters

Junior Book Club Books!

Art Club Materials

S6 Prom Ticket support

Those whose applications were not granted in this last year are always actively encouraged to apply again next session. The AGSFP Club also continues to provide funds to cover the cost of engraving and prizes for the annual Prize Giving events. This year the system of sending funds to the school has been streamlined in order for the school to receive the funds in advance of the events. The school is still reviewing all the awards made and the AGSFP Club will continue to support the school as best it can.

The School has, as ever, been very grateful for all the support provided this year.

Emma Mair AGSFP Executive – School Liaison Office

Centre Reports

Canada Centre

Since the publication of the last Magazine the Canada Centre has kept its members informed through four quarterly newsletters. Each of these newsletters has been posted on the Parent Club monthly newsletters and the web site. Sadly, we have entered an era when can no longer organise annual gatherings for our Canadian (North American) membership so there are no formal gatherings of FPs to report in the past year. However, we are aware that a few FPs have been able to meet occasionally where they live in close geographical proximity.

One year ago, we reported that the Canada Clock at Rubislaw was once again fully functional thanks mainly to the efforts of David Reid and which we greatly appreciate. We have recently been made aware that the wall plaque at the pavilion commemorating the clock is in poor condition. This matter has been taken under advisement by our Canada Centre members Ross Baird and Peter Jeffrey, and we hope to announce that a new weather plaque has been installed sometime later this year.

One of the main events of the year for the Club in Aberdeen was the installation of additional plaques at the JJR Macleod memorial in the Duthie Park. These plaques were installed as an act of reconciliation with the Toronto Four who discovered the efficacious treatment of diabetes with insulin. The Canada Centre received an invitation to the event but in the absence of an official representative from Canada we have to thank Ken McHardy for being the Maple Leaf presence. Ross Baird, our Canada Centre FP based in Aberdeen, continued to honour the memory of Robert Combe, VC, and other FPs who made the ultimate sacrifice in war by placing a white cross embossed with a poppy on Combe’s grave in Allenvale cemetery.

Each of our newsletters has contained vignettes prepared by Bob Scace on the contributions of FPs to Canada. Bob has now prepared 24 sets of vignettes (more to come). In the last year Bob cited the efforts of approximately (there is some duplication) 81 FPs in architecture, forest use, police, law and education to add to the hundreds of FPs already noted since the first Vignettes were published. Some of these vignettes relate to FPs who lived as far back as the late 18th century and makes the preservation of the archives in Aberdeen imperative in making this an ongoing activity.

Finally, on business matters the Canada Centre provided input to the Parent Club on its membership growth plans. As of July, the membership of the Canada Centre stands at 60, of whom 49 live in Canada and 11 in the US. We have 35 members who are also members of the Parent Club and a further 25 being on our newsletter circulation list. We also send our newsletters to a few “friends” who are for the most part related to deceased Canada Centre FPs.

In the past year we have not added any members, and we have reported the death of one member.

Michael

G. King (1951-60)

Edinburgh Centre

The Centre held an informal get together in September at the Café Royal to meet with Club President Graham Thomson. Six other FPs attended and are featured in the attached photographs.

There is a willingness within the committee to facilitate social gatherings of FPs which will command sufficient support from the local membership and to this end, FPs are respectfully invited to be in touch with the acting Hon Secretary (contact details below) with views on what type of gathering might be of interest to them, or indeed to indicate that they have no interest in such.

At present, like the Parent Club, there is no Annual Dinner of the Edinburgh Centre planned for 2025, but another informal get-together will be arranged in the autumn.

In the absence of a formal AGM, which is traditionally held during the Annual Dinner, Nigel Watt continues as the Edinburgh Centre President and is also acting Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.

Any Former Pupil who is in the Edinburgh area, defined as the geographical boundary south of the River Tay and east of Stirling all the way south to the English border, or has recently arrived there and has not received any communication from the Centre is invited to get in touch with Nigel G.M. Watt, 10 Ware Road, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4BN | Tel. 01620 890305, Mobile 07802 404056, ngmwatt77@gmail.com.

Nigel G.M. Watt (1963-69) Edinburgh Secretary ngmwatt77@gmail.com

Glasgow Centre

As another year flies by, the Glasgow Centre Committee decided to organise a Tour of the Burrell Collection in Pollok Park for those members and friends wishing to attend. We settled for a date in April and although it did not suit those members still working, we were able to arrange for 12 members and friends to attend this event. We were met by our Guide, Ed Johnson, who was able to show us round the Burrell Collection and give an excellent description of some of the more exotic pieces and the painting which was the most valued object in the building. We all stood under the Hornby Castle portal from Yorkshire, which features various coats of arms from the ‘Conyers’ family dating from 1400s to 1600s. After our Tour, we all enjoyed lunch at the Benugo Cafe, within the building. This gave us all a chance to catch up with other members of Aberdeen Grammar School and our friends. A very successful occasion and hopefully we will be able to repeat a similar venture in the future.

The Glasgow Centre Committee consists of our President, Malcolm Gauld (1947-61), members Gary Allan (1963-76), Malcolm Daniel (1975-81), Stefan Colling (1990-96) and Secretary, Margery Taylor (1975-81).

Left to right: Margery Taylor (1975-81), Malcolm Daniel (1975-81), Wendy Justice, Gerald Taylor, Ron Malcolm (1943-56), David McLeod (1973-79), Gill McLeod (1975-81), Rick Rennie (1950-64), Babs Brockie, Colin Brockie (1955-60) and Mags McTavish.

Margery Taylor (1975-81)

Glasgow Secretary margerytaylor5@gmail.com

London Centre

The London Centre currently has around 100 members making it the largest centre outside of Aberdeen and we try to organise at least one social event per year. Typically we have 10-20 FPs and guests turning out for our various events which have included trips to the theatre and informal wine bar evenings. We also have an active Facebook group (Aberdeen Grammar School FPs – London Centre) with an additional 30 FPs where we can swap stories of our time at the Grammar or share updates on events that could be of interest to other members.

On June 28th this year, we held a very pleasant London Centre lunch at a suitably Scottish restaurant – Boisdale of Belgravia. We had a private room and the 11 FPs and 3 guests that attended had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of reminiscing and catching up on more recent developments at the School and the Club.

FPs in attendance were (in order of leaving date): David Smith (1947 Junior school only), Willie Rae (1958), Nigel Matthews (1961), Ian Reid (1964), Bob Mann (1969), Edward Ogilvie (1970), Sandy Nicol (1971 London Centre President), David Sweeney (1972), Ian Strachan (1976), Mike Stobbie (1976) and Graham Thomson (1983, London Centre Secretary).

Our thanks go out to the Parent Club and London Centre coffers for providing some financial support for this event which meant that we could keep the costs for our members to a manageable level whilst enjoying some excellent food and wine in a special venue!

If any London members would like to get in touch with suggestions for events in 2025/2026, then please do send me an email.

Graham Thomson (1979-83)

London Secretary and President of the AGSFP Club

Email: grahamsally501@btinternet.com

Yorkshire Centre

2024-25 saw the FP Yorkshire Section, once again, in abeyance, and sadly, there does not seem to be enough local members to resurrect the group. If anyone feels they were able to take over the Section and get it running again, or there is a way in which we could have a group meeting this coming year, then please get in touch through the FP website or through my email.

David Galloway (1976-82)

Secretary Yorkshire Centre davegalloway1964@hotmail.com

The Luther Kitson Smith Bequest

Nigel G.M. Watt (1963-69)

Luther Kitson Smith (1928-40) died in 2015 and in his will bequeathed a sum in excess of £500,000 to The Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club. The Club did not receive the funds until early in 2019.

The terms of the will were very specific. The funds were to be paid to the AGSFP Club to be kept separate from the Club’s ordinary funds and are to be used specifically to create golf competitions, comprising both match-play and stroke-play, for the schoolboys and schoolgirls of The School with handicaps of 15 and over, and to be named “The Luther and Muriel Smith Competitions”.

After due consideration it was decided to approach the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in mid-2019 to ascertain whether it would be possible to set up regular coaching for the schoolboys and schoolgirls of The School. The Centre was very enthusiastic to be involved and dedicated one of its teaching professionals, Alan Stewart, to the task and he has been involved ever since overseeing coaching sessions on a weekly basis usually on Wednesday afternoons. Alan is an FP and has proved to be outstanding in the role.

Iain Stanger, Principal Teacher Faculty Health and Wellbeing, has been the teacher in charge from the start and has been present at all the coaching sessions in a supervising capacity as well as conveying the pupils to and from the Golf Centre in the School minibus.

The Club Executive appointed Past President Nigel Watt to liaise with the School in view of his considerable experience in the golfing world. Nigel has been in regular contact with Iain Stanger and has attended coaching sessions.

The third playing of the Luther and Muriel Smith Trophy took place on Tuesday 10 June 2025 on the delightful and challenging nine-hole par three golf course at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre on a sunny morning with a testing breeze. Parent Club President Doug Watson, Past President Ken McHardy and John Michie were enthusiastic spectators.

There was again a healthy increase in participation compared to the first two events with thirty-one pupils, all boys, competing and as last year it was decided to hold three separate competitions reflecting the abilities of those involved. A scratch competition to cater for the pupils with handicaps lower than 15, a flag competition for those very new to the game and finally a nine-hole stableford handicap competition for those of handicap 15 and over playing for the trophy. Alan Stewart, Iain Stanger, his assistants Calum Innes, Tom Flaherty and Will James and Nigel Watt were all on course to help run the competitions.

The trophy, as can be seen from the photographs, is in the form of the Claret Jug and was won by Robbie Brown with an excellent score of 17 points. Blake Lamb won the scratch competition

(McCombie Quaich) with a gross score of 32. The Flag Competition (Dave Swanson Shield) was won by Harry Stuart.

All the competitors received a bronze medal, and Robbie also received a silver medal as the third winner of the Luther and Muriel Smith Trophy.

Sports Section Reports

Cricket – Mid Term Report 2025

Aberdeen Grammar Cricket Club – 2025 Season Summary (So Far)

The 2025 season has been a dynamic and eventful one for Grammar Cricket, with all three senior teams—1st XI, 2nd XI, and 3rd XI—experiencing a mix of triumphs, setbacks, and standout individual performances. The club has shown resilience and depth, with several players stepping up across formats and fixtures.

1st XI – Competitive Spirit and Individual Brilliance

The 1st XI has had a season filled with close contests, high-scoring encounters, and flashes of brilliance. While results have been mixed, the team has demonstrated fighting spirit and the ability to challenge top sides. Unfortunately, as it stands it is fairly likely the 1st’s will be relegated to Grade 2.

Key Matches & Performances

• May 3 vs Mannofield: Despite Mannofield posting 291/8, Grammar responded with 261 all out. D’Costa’s century (100) and Murray’s 42 kept the chase alive, but Grammar could not get over the line.

• May 10 vs Masterblasters: Grammar struggled, bowled out for 118 chasing 188. Haider topscored with 29, while Prash (3-37) and Javaid (2-27) impressed with the ball but again a lack of consistency cost the team.

• May 17 vs Inverurie: A high-scoring thriller saw Grammar post 277/7, thanks to Bashir’s century (100) and Swiergon’s 74. Inverurie chased successfully with 280/5, which was highly impressive and felt a real missed opportunity.

• May 24 vs Crescent: Grammar scored 213/8, with Haider (63) and Avash (50) leading the charge but again poor bowling was costly for Grammar

• May 31 vs Knightriders: Grammar posted 167/9, Garwood contributing 61. Knightriders chased comfortably, reaching 168/3

• June 15 – Aberdeenshire Cup vs Masterblasters: Masterblaster won via DLS, posting 185/9 (Bashir 69, Keith 26). Masterblasters managed 136/5, with Prash taking 2-43 and Grammar were extremely unlucky when the game was abandoned.

• June 21 vs Bon Accord: Grammar were bowled out for 149 (Prash 52), and Bon Accord chased with ease, scoring 150/1.

• June 28 vs Gordonians: Grammar posted 180, with Swiergon (43) and Morrison (33*) contributing. Gordonians chased successfully, losing just one wicket as the lack of bowling cost Grammar.

• July 5 vs Mannofield: Grammar scored 202/7, led by Keith (54) and Bashir (48). Mannofield fell short at 176/9, with Bin Khalid (4-32) and Hassaan (3-16) starring.

• July 12 vs Masterblasters: Grammar fell short chasing 240, bowled out for 221. Keith’s 77 and Mapplebeck’s 25 were notable. Javaid (3-33) and Haider (2-39) led the bowling effort

Player Highlights

• Alex Keith: Consistent top-order contributions, including scores of 77, 54, and 26.

• Rasib Bashir: A century and multiple fifties, proving vital at the top of the order and also bowling extremely well. He is also the standout fielder in the side.

• Rob Swiergon: Reliable with the bat, contributing to several matches and single handedly defeating Crescent last weekend with 91 not out.

• Hasnain Javaid & Prash: Leading wicket-takers, often breaking partnerships and controlling run flow.

• Agha Haider: All-round contributions with bat and ball as well as leading the side.

Summary

The 1st’s have struggled badly with bowling injuries and have struggled to defend any score and perhaps overall don’t score fast enough. 1s have competed all season but struggled to turn good positions into wins.

2nd XI – Building for Future

The 2nd XI has had a season of rebuilding and experimentation, with several players gaining valuable experience. While results have varied, the team has shown glimpses of potential. It was always going to be a big ask to have 2 teams in the top league and in many ways, it has been counterproductive for both as at times selection has been confused. Skipper Hassan Malik is 2nd top scorer in the league, but the team sadly is already consigned to relegation.

3rd XI – Grit and Growth Amidst Challenges

The 3rd XI has faced a tough season, often up against more experienced opposition. However, the team has shown grit and a commitment to growth, using each match as a learning opportunity. However, the 3rd XI continues to be a vital part of the club’s structure, offering match experience to developing players and maintaining competitive spirit. Their resilience and team ethos are commendable. They will also be relegated but at least to a level which is more in keeping with their talents and should make 2026 more enjoyable.

Overall Club Performance

Strengths

• Individual Batting Quality: Multiple centuries and fifties across teams but too few contributions.

• Bowling Variety: lots of bowling options but a slight lack of quality.

• Team Spirit: Strong camaraderie and commitment across all levels.

Areas for Improvement

• Fielding Discipline: Reducing extras and improving catching – too many catches have gone down and players in general have not trained enough.

• Chasing Strategy: Better planning and execution in second innings, there has been a tendency to go to hard when it’s not been needed.

• Consistency: Building momentum across consecutive matches and within matches, all sides have struggled to put a complete performance together.

Looking Ahead

With four games remaining and 2nds and 3rds all but relegated, it is imperative 1st’s do all they can to stay in Grade 1, albeit it is odds on they will be relegated. Going forward it is imperative that Grammar do the following:

• Secure wins in tight contests.

• Developing younger players through 2nd and 3rd XI exposure.

• Maintaining fitness and availability across squads.

• Targeting cup success and league stability in 2026.

• Try and improve facilities.

• Maintain the great work done in 2024 and 2025 with youth players and get them into senior matches.

Geoff Morrison Secretary Geoff@aberdeencricket.com

Women’s Hockey: 2024-2025

AGSFP Women’s Hockey had a wonderful season 2024-25. As we approach the hockey ‘girls’ 39th season of competitive North District hockey (season 2025-26) we can reflect on another successful year of competition, friendships and commitment. The Club was delighted to run three XI’s again for the season and the three Captains did an amazing job ensuring all the right people were at the right pitches on the right days. Well done and thanks to Helen Bruce (1st XI Captain), Emma Williams (2nd XI Captain) and Hannah Mair (3rd XI Captain) on fulfilling their roles for another year. The Club is very grateful for all you have done during the season.

North District hockey continues to battle outside challenges like the closing of hockey grade astro pitches (mostly being relaid as football grade astros) and with that the overall number of hockey clubs has been sadly diminishing. Happily, AGSFP Women’s Hockey can confirm that our players numbers have risen again this season. We communicate through the week on What’s App (gone are the team notices posted at 86 Queens Road!) and we also use an app for schoolgirl hockey communications. The additional pressures of ensuring all associated adults have their PVG certificates through Disclosure Scotland and also keeping our coaches up to date on their training (hockey related, safety and first aid are all regulated and require refreshing regularly) are not easy things to maintain.

Scottish Hockey has a new system in place for governance and the additional efforts to keep all the right documentation valid have taken countless hours. Our Club is run entirely by volunteers and a few of our Committee members deserve special mentions for the volume of additional work they have had to undertake this season. Ny Leonard is our expert on Safeguarding and has battled through the bureaucracy (and won!) so we can continue to coach and support the Club, thanks Ny. Emma Mair has tirelessly overseen the player registration process, policy documentation, attended meetings, covered much of the coaching work for AGS and while playing for the 1st XI she has also played a supporting role in most of the 3rd XI matches allowing some of younger players to get some experience in the adult hockey leagues. Emma was sincerely thanked at the recent Club AGM. Julia Stenhouse has been doing a sterling job as the Club Treasurer. Her attention to detail and commitment to the cause have really helped and we thank you Julia!

FP’s playing in our 1st XI (playing in North District Division One) this season were: Helen Bruce, Wendy Bradford, Alexandria Grant, Morag Rose and Emma Mair. Happily, the older guard were ably supported by some of the AGS girls. Megan Bruce (S6), Hannah Mair (S6), Corah Taylor (S6), Elle Gibson (S5) and Connie Taylor (S4) were all in the 1st XI squad. Rob Bruce completed the family story and performed the role of coach for the 1st XI with Fraser Bruce also helping with umpiring through the season. Thanks to all Team Bruce – for everything! The 1st XI only lost one match all season and it proved very costly. They lost the second last match of the season in a rearranged midweek fixture (never have we enjoyed Tuesday evening matches!). They came second in the league having finished on the same points and goal difference! Second place came down to the number of goals scored ‘for’ and AGSFP’s scored fewer than the Champions, obviously AGSFP’s can also therefore claim the best defence in the league as in fact we let in fewer goals than the

winners. As far as we can make out it is the tightest league finish in history and while we were obviously disappointed to lose the League by such a small margin, we recognise how competitive the League was and therefore are very proud of the second place finish. Well done to all.

The 2nd XI and 3rd XI played in the North District Development League. Again, having two teams in the same league can be tricky but the girls have managed the situation well. Both teams enjoyed their hockey and the camaraderie associated with blending older players with the schoolgirls on the pitch. Effectively the youngsters do all the running, and the older players try to ‘make the ball do the work!’. Highlights of the season continue to be helping our youngsters get an early positive experience of playing adult league hockey. Players performing in the 2nd XI and 3rd XI for the Club from AGS were as follows:

S6 – Jessica Ahmeti; Zane Basko; Natalia Grobelna; Avnee Kshirsaga

S5 – Maggie Murphy; Mia Murphy; Holly Low; Bonna Hose

S4 – Violet Bavidge; Mairi Bell; Lauren Gaskell; Mya Hayton; Annabella Hutcheon; Olivia Kelsey; Cora Menzies; Tilly Pose; Sadie Robertson; Keanna Tomkins; Liza Urbanavicute; Megan Williams; Melina Zangelidou

S3 – Charlotte Andersen; Ariana Chalmers; Clodagh Duggan; Jessica Hutcheon; Katie Hutcheon; Penny Patton

FP’s performing in the 2nd and 3rd XI: Julie Stenhouse; Caitlin Taylor and Gillian Graham (who also umpired a rear deal – thank you Gillian!)

Emma Williams continues in her role as 2nd XI Captain for the coming season, so we know they are in good hands. Hannah Mair has stepped down as 3rd XI Captain after three seasons, she has played for the 1st XI while looking after the 3rd XI. Hannah has stepped up to umpire for the 3rd XI for most of the matches this season which has greatly helped our Umpire Secretary (Gillian Bain). The Club wishes her well for her future. It has been amazing to see a youngster take on the position of responsibility and we are excited that two S5 girls are going to run the 3rd XI in the coming year. Both the 2nd XI and 3rd XI found the start of the season tough but rallied towards the end of the season and played some exciting hockey which bodes well for the coming season.

Indoor Hockey this season continued at Inverurie Academy. We entered a team in Division 1 and a team in Division 2. Indoor facilities continue to be a challenge to access. Facilities can be astronomically expensive or simply unavailable and we do require specialist hockey boards and goals which are not always readily available. The 1st VI had a tough season with some significant injuries during critical matches. They finished runners up in Division One and the winners were outdoor National League players, so our girls did well to beat them in one of the fixtures.

Sincere thanks to all the umpires, coaches and Committee members as without you the Club could not exist. Gillian Bain arranges umpires and as ever we thank them all for their efforts. Thanks to all those who regularly coach or volunteer: Rob Bruce; Helen Bruce; Emma Mair; Emma Williams; Lisa Tomkins; James Williams; Erica Taylor; Caitlin Taylor; Julia Stenhouse; Hannah Mair; Megan Bruce; Sadie Robertson; Keanna Tomkins and Annabelle Hutcheon.

Helen Bruce continues to play for a Scotland Masters XI. She is looking forward to the European Championships in England later in 2025. Our players range in age from 13-82 years this season, and it is marvellous to see our older players inspiring our youngsters week in, week out.

Finally good wishes to all the girls moving on to University this season. This group of players have been a large cohort with girls from various schools, and they will be greatly missed. If ever you find yourselves back in Aberdeen, always know we will be thrilled to have you back at the Club!

If you (or someone you know) are keen to take up hockey again or have never played before you are very welcome to come along to training. Training is on Tuesday evenings at Rubislaw from 7.00pm-8.30pm. This coming season the usual youth session (any school) P6/P7/S1/S2 is 5-6pm on Mondays. Various AGS sessions will resume, and the Ashley Road/Mile-End sessions will be in their usual Monday slot.

For further information, contact:

Emma Mair

Secretary emma.mair14@gmail.com

The AGSFP President’s XI v AGS – June 2025

AGSFP 1st XI 2024-2025

General Data Protection Regulation

The attention of Club members is drawn to the following abbreviated Privacy Statement in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation which came into force on 25 May 2018. The full Privacy Statement can be found on the Club website, www.agsfp.com.

About Us

The Aberdeen Grammar School F.P. Club is a small not-for-profit organisation. No officials receive a salary. Any reimbursement is on a receipt only basis.

The Information We Collect

The only information held about you will be names, postal and e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and years at school if you have provided this information.

The basis on which we hold this information is “Legitimate interests”.

Information about you will only be held for the following reasons:

1. To communicate with you regarding membership and subscriptions;

2. To communicate with you about FP Club or School events;

3. To enable FP Club Newsletter and Magazine distribution.

Telephone Calls

You may be contacted from time to time for the purpose of informing you of Club and School events or for maintaining your membership subscription.

Requesting Your Data

You may request details of personal data which we hold about you. You have the right to request that your personal data is erased from the records if you are no longer a member of the FP Club.

Amendments to our Policy

Any information found to be incorrect will be corrected as soon as possible.

Any amendments necessary will be intimated at the AGM or in future communications to you.

New Life Members of the Club

1 October 2024 to 31 July 2025

Name Age School Years

Ian Cormack 80 1951-1963

Stuart Glover 77 1960-1966

New Annual Members of the Club

1 October 2024 to 31 July 2025

Name Age School Years

Matthew Byrne 35 2001-2007

Dennis D'Arcy 73 1964-1970

Cameron Gibb 48 1989-1995

Alistair Hutcheon 58 1979-1985

Archie Knowles 71 1966-1972

Lucy McLeod 26 2010-2016

Mike Stobbie 67 1963-1976

New Under-23 Members of the Club

1 October 2024 to 31 July 2025

Name Age School Years

Zarif Ahmed 18 2018-2024

Faiyaz Ara Rashid 17 2018-2024

Mitchell Collinson 17 2018-2024

Kasja Ferjancic 17 2018-2024

Alec Gaskell 18 2018-2024

Kai Hayton 18 2018-2024

Kieran Herron 18 2018-2024

Freya Inglis 17 2019-2024

Yahya Khan 18 2018-2024

Arman Lamont 18 2017-2023

Oliver Lappin 17 2018-2024

Mitchell McCluskey 18 2018-2024

Rihenna Mennie 18 2018-2024

Yuvan Nanjan 17 2018-2024

Omar Omar 17 2021-2025

Aashika Premkumar 18 N/A

Aidan Saker 17 2021-2025

Harshit Satsangi 18 N/A

Sandy Scott 17 2019-2025

William Scott 18 2019-2025

Sampanna Tiwari 18 2019-2025

Rebecca Walker 18 2019-2025

Ethan Wood 16 N/A

Long Service Members

Congratulations to the following members of the Club who have or have attained or are expected to attain the age of 75 during 2025 and so will become Long Service Members on 1st January 2026.

Name Age School Years

William Anderson 75 1955-1968

Gordon Anderson 75 1955-1968

Graeme Archibald 75 1962-1968

David Colvin 74 1954-1968

Robert Cranston 75 1962-1968

Pat Findlay 75 1966-1968

James Flett 74 1963-1969

Ian Fraser 74 1963-1969

Alistair Garvie 74 1960-1969

Robin Grant 75 1955-1968

Iain Hopkin 75 1962-1968

Derek Marsden 74 1964-1968

Kenneth McEwen 75 1962-1968

Robert Muir 75 1962-1968

Ewen Rennie 75 1955-1968

Peter Robinson 75 1955-1965

John Shearer 75 1955-1968

Graeme Thain 75 1962-1967

William Urquhart 74 1955-1969

Alan Watson 74 1962-1967

Nigel Watt 74 1963-1969

David Whyte 75 1962-1968

Long Service Members who have attained 90 years

For several years now we have published the names of our Nonagenarians. Sadly, three of these died in the past year, but eight others have been added to the list who have attained the remarkable age of 90 or will do so later this year. We have two Centenarians in our ranks. We congratulate them all and thank them for their continuing interest and support. The full list, is as follows:

Name

George Hadden 105 1925-1937

Eric Sangster 103 1927-1939

Ellis Philip 99 1937-1943

Mike Littlejohn 99 1939-1943

James Matheson 98 1939-1945

Ian Stuart 97 1933-1946

Leonard Bird 96 1936-1946

Bob Walker 95 1940-1946

William Coutts 95 1935-1946

Alastair Hume 94 1936-1947

Arthur Tough 94 1946-1949

Brian Gray 94 1943-1949

Campbell Murray 94 1943-1949

Dennis Ritchie 94 1943-1946

John Eddison 94 1939-1948

Martin Wagrel 94 1943-1949

Moray Slater 94 1935-1947

Edwin Grieve 93 1944-1950

Frederick Lynch 93 1936-1949

Gordon Benton 93 1946-1950

James Milne 93 1944-1950

Murray Smith 93 1937-1946

Neil Simpson 93 1947-1951

Sandy Cromar 93 1944-1950

George Chalmers 92 1946-1951

Hamish Duncan 92 1941-1950

Ian MacDonald 92 1943-1945

Peter Murphy 92 1945-1951

Bill Guthrie 91 1939-1951

Don Ritchie 91 1943-1949

Donald Stephen 91 1946-1952

Gordon Philip 91 1939-1949

Jim Walker 91 1941-1949

John Wilson 91 1949-1953

Les Forbes 91 1938-1951

Robert Gauld 91 1949

Tom Craig 91 1949

Bill Broomfield 90 1945

Charles Skene 90 1940

Graeme Nicol 90 1939

Ian Creswell 90 1946

John Stephen 90 1946

Lessel Rennie 90 1946

Ron McPherson 90 1946

Ronald Pyle 90 1948

Derek Marnoch 89 1940

Henry Roe 89 1940

Death Notices and Obituaries

Between September 2024 and mid-August 2025, the Club has been notified of the deaths of the following former pupils. Obituary notices have been received for those names highlighted in blue and can be accessed by clicking on the name of the individual.

Quintin Aitken

James A. Banks

George Beedie

December 24th 2024 98 1939-1945

October 20th 2024 79 1958-1963

June 17th 2025 68 1969-1975

Graeme Burnett April 2025 66 1963-1976

Ian Buxton

March 27th 2025 75 1947-1954

Brian John Carrie March 4th 2025 78 1959-1964

Richard (Dick) Cowling

Alan Craig

July 5th 2024 77 1958-1965

October 19th 2022 93 1933-1946

John Cruickshank August 16th 2025 105 1932-1933

Steve Esson April 25th 2025 78 1952-1965

Tom Graham November 5th 2022 87 1939-1952

Dennis Hay June 15th 2025 84 1952-1959

James Huner

John Garvie Hunter

David Johnson

Robert (Bob) Johnstone

Harry Kenneth Sinclair Kinghorn

Frederic Ivor Lloyd

Bertram Andrew Lyon

Sam Lynch

Bruce MacDonald

Arthur Main

June 18th 2023 92 1936-1947

June 21st 2025 67 1963-1976

May 2nd 2025 77 1960-1966

May 13th 2025 74 1963-1969

June 28th 2022 84 1943-1956

April 18th 2025 79 1957-1964

October 12th 2024 82 1954-1960

August 31st 2024 18 2018-2024

November 22nd 2024 69 1966-1972

December 14th 2024 96 1939-1945

Callum Anderson McDonald

Len McKay

James Campbell Milne

Robert (Bob) Paton

Mike Rhind

Neil Scott

Richard Windsor Youngson

July 6th 2025 67 1963-1976

December 5th 2024 79 1959-1964

December 10th 2024 93 1944-1950

July 17th 2024 65 1971-1976

November 2nd 2024 55 1982-1988

August 5th 2024 87 1942-1955

May 24th 2025 82 1946-1960

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club

UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS

31st December 2024

Statement from Treasurer Regarding Unaudited Accounts for year ended 31 December 2024

These accounts have been prepared to report the Income & Expenditure of the FP Club for the year ended 31 December 2024 and the Balance Sheet of the organisation as of 31 December 2024.

The prior year Income & Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet have been restated from the accounts presented to the 2024 AGM to consolidate the Luther & Muriel Kitson Smith Legacy and unbundle from Creditors the other Reserves not then separately reported. The presentation format is one that approximates to how the FP Club accounts might look were we to be a charity rather than an unincorporated association.

Members should note that as an unincorporated association, we are not required to have these accounts audited.

These accounts were approved by the Executive Committee at its meeting on 12 February 2025

Brian P. Davidson Treasurer 12 February 2025

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club BALANCE SHEET

YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024

1,330,160 1,325,510

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNT as of year ending December 31st 2023

NOTE 1 – INVESTMENTS

The balances reflect the three equities gifted to the Club at their market value

NOTE 2 – INVESTMENT BANK ACCOUNTS

These are monies accumulated from either the liquidation of the Club Centre at Queens Road, Aberdeen or from Legacies made to the Club. The intention is for these to ultimately be invested via an appropriately qualified Investment Manager to provide the Club over a long timeframe with a suitable annual income to enable the Club to meet its costs, including meeting the terms of the Legacies made to the Club

NOTE 3 – BANK SHORT-TERM DEPOSITS

Funds which are withdrawn from the Investment Bank Accounts are held on deposit for a short period of time. As of 31 December 2024, there were 3 deposits with maturity dates in January 2025. The funds will be used to meet the liabilities of the Club as they fall due in 2025.

NOTE 4 – RESTRICTED RESERVES

NOTE 5 – UNRESTRICTED RESERVES