Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 2023

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE 2023

Volume 126

December 2023

Our Advertisers 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.

Kenway Tyres Langstane Press FG Burnett Charles Michies Pharmacy Country Ways Brewin Dolphin Scholes Chartered Accountants Cumming & Co Chartered Architects Bain Henry Reid Chartered Accountants XIC (Design, Print and Display)

• Office Supplies • Office Interiors • Workplace Solutions • Print Services • Promotional Products • Healthcare Products

Aberdeen: Tel: 01224 212212

Dundee: Tel: 01382 818885

www.langstane.co.uk

Livingston: Tel: 01506 674520

Aberdeen | Banchory | Online

Prescriptions Medicines & Healthcare Advice Travel Health Clinic & Vaccinations Ear Wax Removal Podiatry Skin Cancer Screening A family of healthcare and retail services since 1921 391 UNION STREET ABERDEEN & BRANCHES ACROSS THE NORTH EAST MICHIES.CO.UK

Barbour Dubarry Holland Cooper Le Chameau Hunt & Hall Ariat Harley Scotland & many more

Country Ways Aberdeen | Banchory | Online

“The economy is uncertain.

You needn’t be.”

Smart advice to help you make the right decisions for your financial future.

Call our Aberdeen office to arrange a free introductory meeting with Barry Shepherd.

Call 01224 267900 or email barry.shepherd@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/aberdeen The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.

RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 139th year No. 261 (New Series 128th year No. 252)

Volume 126

December 2023

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

Interim General Editors and Editors of Notes, etc.

Stuart W. Cummings, David M. Reid and Kirsteen Watt Interim Secretary of the FP Club

Stuart Cummings MA, MSc, PhD Boterbloemenlaan 30, Tervuren, 3080 Belgium

Treasurer of the FP Club

John C.A. Michie, 391 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BX

Interim Membership Secretary of the FP Club

David M. Reid MBE, MBChB, MD, FRCP, FRCPE 25 Friarsfield Road, Cults, Aberdeen AB15 9LB

The General Editor is happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before 31 May 2024.

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.

In order 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 or advise the Membership Secretary promptly of any changes of postal address.

Published by the Aberdeen Grammar School FP Club 1

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

2

Contents School Section Head Teacher’s Prizegiving Speech June 2023 School Office-Bearers 2022-23 Colour Awards School Prizes 2022-23 Senior School (S4-S6) Junior School (S1-S3) Short Story Competition: Day 611 – Recording 1979 by Alexander Dennison Diving Club Report by Noah Penman School Orchestra Blazin’ Fiddles AGS String Ensemble Flute Quartet General Section Introduction A Tribute to Gillian Thomas by her family Lord Byron, George Watt and the Aberdeen Grammar School by Graham Watt Professor John Mcleod and Duthie Park’s Nobel Memorial Statue by Ken McHardy Class Reunions Former Pupils’ Club Section Club Office-Bearers 2023-24 Club Consuls Annual General Meeting President’s Report Presidential Profile Centre Reports Canada Edinburgh Glasgow London Yorkshire Sports Section Reports Cricket Women’s Hockey Aberdeen Grammar Rugby General Data Protection Regulations FP Club Membership Subscription Rates New Members Long Service Members Notes about Former Pupils Death Notices and Obituaries Abstract of Accounts 3

5 7 11 15 20 24 26 28 28 29 30 31 35 43 58 60 62 63 66 68 71 73 74 75 75 76 79 83 85 86 87 88 90 92 93

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

4

School Section

Prizegiving Speech Good afternoon.

Celebrating the success of our young people is always a very special day for the whole school community – particularly this year as we return to an in-person prizegiving. The young people we are recognising today uphold our school values of “Ambition, Growth, Success.”

I firmly believe that education is a young person’s passport to their future. It takes a level of maturity and commitment to recognise the importance of studying hard and taking advantage of opportunities which we provide here at AGS. The young people here today have all shown that maturity and commitment to their studies. Very well done. I am extremely proud of you.

Today is about celebrating the success of the young people who are in receipt of merits, commendations, and prizes; it is also about reflecting on the past year and what we have achieved by working together as a whole school community. Delivering equality of opportunity to ensure all our young people experience success has been a key driver for us this session.

Aberdeen Grammar School helped shape the vision and led the implementation of an initiative called ABZ Campus. ABZ Campus involves schools, colleges and partner organisations working together to provide the widest range of curricular options for young people across our city.

In addition to delivering the full suite of National Qualifications, that is, National 3/4/5 and Higher and Advanced Higher this session, we also offered a range of new qualifications, the uptake for which has been strong. For example – National Progression Awards in Travel and Tourism, Enterprise and Business and Computer Games Development; Foundation Apprenticeships in Social Services; Children and Young People and Social Services; Health Care; HNC in Business. We match the curricular provision on offer to potential growth areas within Scotland’s economy. As a result, we are providing a curriculum which is relevant to the future ambitions and success of every learner in our care.

It is important to us that all young people feel included within our school community. Our young people told us that they felt we needed to do more to celebrate diversity and challenge discrimination. This led to the school starting work to achieve LGBT Charter status. It also led to a review of our prayer spaces. Our Anti-bullying policy and procedures have also been changed to allow for more effective reporting and monitoring of incidents. Moving forward, our Equality and Diversity group will continue to lead work on ensuring wellbeing entitlements and protected characteristics support all young people to maximise their success and achievements. My thanks to our active Parent Council for supporting the school’s work in this important area.

5

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

We live in a time where the cost of living can be a barrier to extending opportunities for all young people. Again, using the Parent Council as a sounding board, we decided to run activity days this year for S1, S2 and S3. A range of activities were offered and, where finance proved to be a barrier, we worked to find a solution. Looking ahead, we hope to return to offering foreign as well as domestic activities next session – that is if my blood pressure can stand it!

Success in school very much depends on the accessibility of learning experiences within classrooms. Our work with teaching and support staff this session has involved staff thinking about how they can make the learning experience accessible for all young people and appropriately challenging. This professional focus will continue into next session. Our successful “Planning for Success” evenings for parent/carers were very well attended and provided advice on how to support your child in their home learning.

As I conclude, I can say that our school is in good heart. Our attainment is very strong in all measures, above both local and national averages and comparator schools. Our success in young people achieving positive destinations is above our comparator schools. We have built back stronger after the pandemic.

I wish to thank my staff for their relentless commitment to providing a first-class learning experience for our young people. I wish to thank our Parent Council, PTA and Former Pupils for their outstanding support and encouragement.

Finally, please join me again in congratulating our prize-winners today.

Alison Murison Head Teacher Aberdeen Grammar School June 2023

6

School Section

School Office-Bearers – Session 2022-2023 Senior Prefect Team School Captains Saba Sitter Zaid Farook

School Vice Captains Lewis Mair Hannah Powell Danielle Dupitas Josie Law

House Captains Byron

Keith & Dun

Melvin

Connor Gardiner

Rachael Dargie

Elizabeth Booth

Rachael Henderson

Helena Kidd

Isobel Deady

Daisy MacCallum

Oliver Macrae

Sherwin Fernandez

Bethan Nicol

Katie MacIver

Ioannis Papavasileiou

S6 Prefects (from S5) Eleanor Barr

Angus Blackwood

Fraser Bruce

Joel Crawford

Skyla Deans

Vanesa Dineva

Cian Gilmour

Kirsty Hogg

Christa Hose

Freya Hughson

Lakshita Jetti

Amer Jodeh

Isla Lappin

Katherine Low

Aurora MacDonald

Finlay MacLean

Jack Marlow

Erin Moir

Maisie Munday

Andrew Nespolo

Moro Olaosebikan

Hannah Pearson

Holly Player

Dylan Reid

Tom Robertson

Snehi Satsangi

Matthew Stevenson

7

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Newly appointed S6 prefects Byron

Keith & Dun

Melvin

Farah Aliyeva

Anisa Ali

Katie Findlay

Managya Bhurtyal

Jamie Buchan

Sara Mahmoud

Gargee Gautam

Saniya Madan

Callum McGregor

Jenny Harrower

Sunisa Morrice

Lydia Miller

Heather Hunter

Sabrina Sojan

Logan Reid

Naomi Jessiman

Kaitlyn Thomson

Caitlin Taylor

Hafsat Kelani

Jakub Werbowy

Iustin Tanase

Disha Nandish

Mahdeen Zaman

Newly appointed S5 prefects Byron

Keith & Dun

Melvin

Charlotte Arthur

Helen Affleck

Callum Angus

Evie Arthur

Karanika Ananthan

Racha Benelkadi

Malek Elewa

Hafsa Begum

Sarah Braisby

Freya Escott

Polly Connell

Ayla Chalmers

Anna Esslemont

Omar Helal

Molly Evans

Jessica Fyfe

Ava Lund

Archie Gibson

Kirsty Harrower

Sam Lynch

Rachel Gibson

Emma Kelsey

Marc Lyon

Akshara Kabra

Greer Kinsler

Anna Seaman

Zahra Malik

Eva Stewart

Niamh McGregor

Bivisha Uprety

Poppy Pinch Yassin Rashwan Fatima Sellami Isabella Smith Molly Walker

8

School Section

School Captains 2022-2023

Saba Sitter

Zaid Farook

9

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Senior Vice Captains 2022-23

Lewis Mair

Hannah Powell

Danielle Dupitas

Josephine Law

10

School Section

Colour Awards March 2023 Name

Year Activity

Level

Ross Moir

S5

Badminton

Bronze

Nicholas Andersen

S4

Concert Band

Bronze

Lily Arthur

S4

Concert Band

Bronze

Amy Robertson

S5

Debating

Bronze

Dylan Pearson

S5

Football

Bronze

Murdo Evans

S4

Hockey

Bronze

James Fraser

S5

Hockey

Bronze

Avnee Kshirsagar

S5

Hockey

Bronze

Mia Murphy

S4

Hockey

Bronze

Rawan Adel

S4

Languages Club

Bronze

Julia Gawlak

S4

Languages Club

Bronze

Dara Olusoji

S4

Languages Club

Bronze

Luna Orlando

S4

Languages Club

Bronze

Andrea Bostock

S4

Netball

Bronze

Jessica Fraser

S4

Netball

Bronze

Francesca Gibson

S4

Netball

Bronze

Morven Maclean

S4

Netball

Bronze

Shima Taleb

S4

Netball

Bronze

Tom Connell

S4

Rugby

Bronze

Kenzy Elewa

S4

Volleyball

Bronze

Ann Mathew

S4

Volleyball

Bronze

Andrew McEwing

S6

Volleyball

Bronze

Taylor Bannister

S5

Young Engineers Club

Bronze

Hannah Mair

S5

Coaching and leading Hockey for primary school pupils

Citizenship

Megan Bruce

S5

Coaching Hockey for P4-P7 pupils at Ashley Road Primary School

Citizenship

11

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Colour Awards June 2023 Name Sereen Nacef Aashika Premkumar Tilly Barlow Aurora Macdonald Rachel Woo Claire Reid Clark Addison Sereen Nacef Sangid Rahman Anna Esslemont Anna Seaman Rachel Gibson Lewis Gibbins Rachel Gibson Ayla Chalmers Calum Angus Polly Connell Evie Arthur Grace Renforth Helen Affleck Sara Falconer Anna Seaman Ayla Chalmers Charlotte Arthur Fatima Sellami Malak Elewa Omar Helal Finlay Taylor Mateusz Adamcio Lewis Mair Matthew Stevenson Elizabeth Booth Eleanor Barr Amy Robertson

Year Activity S4 Basketball S4 Digital Media Club S5 Netball S6 School Show S4 String Orchestra S4 String Orchestra S4 Volleyball S4 Volleyball S4 Volleyball S5 Choir S5 Choir S5 Choir and Show Choir S5 Concert Band S5 Concert Band S5 Face the Music S5 Hockey S5 Languages Club S5 Netball S5 Netball S5 Netball S5 Netball S5 School Show S5 Show Choir S5 String Orchestra S5 String Orchestra S5 Volleyball S5 Volleyball S6 Volleyball S5 Volleyball S6 Face the Music S6 Face the Music S6 Show Choir S6 Netball S4 Baking, shopping, and providing companionship for elderly neighbours

Level Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Gold Gold Gold Gold Citizenship

Isira Range Bandara Noah Penman Emma Kelsey Malak Elewa

S4 S4 S5 S5

International International International International

Cricket Diving Gymnastics Volleyball 12

School Section

Colour Awards December 2022 Name Angel Rodrigues Kai Hayton Rachel Gibson Ona Onoshakpor Sarah Braisby Callum Warrick Grace Addison Olivia Stratford Aleksandar Jovcic Kirsten Watson Hafsat Kelani Naomi Jessiman Iustin Tanase Zaid Farook Dominik Lagowski Moro Olaosebikan Daisy MacCallum Danielle Dupitas Nicole Stuart Conor Gardiner Kirsty Hogg Danielle Dupitas Naomi Jessiman Daisy MacCallum Jakub Werbowy Fraser Bruce Isobel Deady Josephine Law Katie MacIver Maisie Munday Hannah Pearson Hannah Powell Angus Blackwood Freya Hughson Finlay MacLean Freya Hughson Joe Miller Bivsha Uprety

Year Activity S4 Basketball S4 Concert Band S5 Concert Band S4 Hockey S5 Netball S4 Rugby S4 Ukulele club S4 Ukulele club S6 Athletics S6 Choir S6 Percussion Ensemble S6 Show Choir S6 Volleyball S6 Basketball S6 Basketball S6 Choir S6 Choir S6 Choir and Show Choir S6 Choir and Show Choir S6 Concert Band S6 Concert Band S6 Face The Music S6 Face The Music S6 Face The Music S6 Face The Music S6 Hockey S6 Hockey S6 Netball S6 Netball S6 Netball S6 Netball S6 Netball S6 Percussion Ensemble S6 Rowing S6 Rugby S6 String Orchestra S6 Tennis S5 Volunteering at the NHAS (Nepalese Himalayan Association Scotland)

13

Level Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Gold Citizenship

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Colour Awards December 2022 (cont) Name Laura Clarke

Year Activity S5 Fundraising with NE Scotland Harp and Clarsach Society

Level Citizenship

Sandy Scott

S4

Delivering shopping every week for an elderly woman

Citizenship

Aleksandar Jovcic Molly Evans Charlotte Arthur Freya Hughson

S6 S5 S5 S6

Pentathlon Road and Track Cycling Rowing Rowing

International International International International

14

School Section

Senior School Prizegiving 2022-2023 June 27th 2023 S4 Prize Winners Commendation with Distinction Alice Hammill William Scott Anna Glennie Callan Reid Ruby Notman

Claire Reid Hanania Saji Inka Boyne Jack Rowlands Sarea Vaz

Jack Thom Julia Ulanowska Natalia Grobelna Rebecca Walker Taylor Bannister

Merit with Distinction Alexander Abernethy Averon D’Costa Connor Bretton Freya MacDonald Megan Bruce Noah Penman Sandy Scott Harshit Satsangi

Jamie Ferries Konrad Omenzetter Soleimen Sellami Sylvia De Bari Tamanna Ghatak Yuvan Nanjan Liam Simpson

Commendation & Merit with Distinction Aine Masson Alasdair Thomson Amy Robertson Anshu Duwadi Sereen Nacef

Mariette Pose Milly Henderson Mya Wickham Zoha Khan Amy Robertson

S5 Prize Winners Commendation with Distinction Abbie Quantrell Ethan Smart Lauchlan Gauld

Michael Halim Archie Gibson Dfa Al Daioub

Merit with Distinction Anna Seaman Ashley Johnston Ben Rutherford Bivisha Uprety Freya Escott

Isabel Beattie Akshara Kabra Vusal Ramazanov Quinn Kollmeyer Molly Walker

15

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Commendation & Merit with Distinction Ashish Nath Charlotte Arthur Sam Lynch Fatima Sellami Karanika Ananthan

Sarah Braisby Malak Elewa Racha Benelkadi Emma Kelsey

National 5 Subject Prizes Applications of Mathematics Art & Design Biology Business Management Chemistry Computing Science Drama Engineering Science English French Geography Graphic Communication Humanities Mathematics Modern Studies Music Physical Education Physics Practical Cookery Practical Electronics Practical Metalwork Practical Woodwork Spanish Sport & Recreation Travel & Tourism

Lucia Ogoun Ava MacLennan Amy Robertson Harshit Satsangi Rebecca Walker Soleimen Sellami Callan Reid Mya Wickham Amy Robertson Sylvia De Bari Averon D’Costa Leona Ahmeti Megan Imlach Amy Robertson Averon D’Costa Aiden Saker Aine Masson Konrad Omenzetter Lucia Ogoun Jamie Ferries Hugo Carroll Jaymie Garioch Kasja Ferjancic Clark Addison Letitia Wahedall

16

School Section

Higher and Advanced Higher Subject Prizes Accounting and Finance Applications of Mathematics Art & Design

Business Management Chemistry Computing Science Drama Engineering Science Enterprise & Business English English as a Secondary Language French Geography Graphic Communication Health & Food Technology History Human Biology Leadership (Sport) Mathematics Modern Studies Music Physical Education Physics Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies Spanish Sports Development

John Muir Robertson Memorial Prize (H) Higher Advanced Higher Design Samuel Pope Prize (H) The Hamish Adams Greig Prize (AH) Higher Alba Trophy (H) CNR International Prize (AH) Higher Gordon McMinn Prize (H) Former Pupils’ Club Prize (AH) Higher Former Pupils’ Club Prize (H) Higher Masson Bain Prize (AH) Higher Higher

Bivisha Uprety Nadeem Islam Molly Russell Sam Lynch Amer Jodeh Ashish Nath Katie Findlay Hannah Choi Akshara Kabra Ashish Nath Dani Dupitas Ayla Chalmers Malak Elewa Lucia Ogoun Daisy MacCallum Fatima Sellami Hani Malang

William Brebner Prize (AH) Higher Campbell Connon Prize (H) CNR International Prize (H) Former Pupils’ Club Prize (H) Charles Alexander Walker Prize (AH) Higher Higher Higher J Mortimer McBain Prize (AH) Alexander Thomson Prize (H) Former Pupils’ Club Prize (AH) Higher Gavin Falconer Memorial Prize (AH) Higher Former Pupils’ Club Prize (H) CNR International Prize (AH) Higher Sandy McIlwain Prize (H)

Ella Gozalova Malak Elewa Charlotte Arthur Aroush Azeem Karanika Ananthan Maisie Munday Freya Escott Akshara Kabra Joe Miller Amer Jodeh Ashish Nath Lydia Miller Emma Kelsey Fatima Sellami Ashley Johnston Jenna Laidlaw Vanesa Dineva Freya Escott Ben Rutherford

Former Pupils’ Club Prize (AH) Higher Higher

Josephine Law Fatima Sellami Caitlin Taylor

17

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Sports Prizes AGS Badminton Shield Dr Morland Simpson Cup for Swimming

Disha Nandish Tom Robertson

Inter House Competition Awards Inter House Basketball Trophy Boys Inter House Basketball Trophy Girls Inter House Volleyball Trophy Inter House Quiz Cup Inter House Singing Inter House Challenge Cup

Melvin Keith & Dun Melvin Melvin Melvin Melvin

Additional Prizes The Caritas Cup for Contribution to Charities Group Activities

Aurora Macdonald

The AGS Concert Band Award for Outstanding Contribution

Angus Blackwood & Conor Gardiner

Concert Band Player of the Year

Moro Olaosebikan

The Montgomery Trophy for House Captain of the Year

Rachael Dargie

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

Naomi Jessiman

The AGS Dramatic Society Award for Drama

Dani Dupitas

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

Amy Robertson

Prefect of the Year

Jakub Werbowy

Jamie Blair Fiddes Award for Success in Overcoming Challenges

Anisa Ali

Brian Robertson Prize for Commitment to the School

Daisy McCallum

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

Saba Sitter

The Philip Love Trophy for bringing credit to the School

Freya Hughson

18

School Section

Wider Achievement Prizes The Hopkin Cup for Wider Achievement in STEM

Darcie Banks & Conor Gardiner

The Joyce Tease Award for Wider Achievement in Languages & Literature

Fatima Sellami

Donald Paton Prize for Wider Achievement in the Arts

Emmie Coull

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

Corey-James Alexander

The H Cup for Wider Achievement in Health and Wellbeing Fraser Bruce

The All-Round Award Winners The Edith and David Ritchie Bishop Prize, S4

Mariette Pose

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Prize, S5

Charlotte Arthur

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

Dani Dupitas

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

Lewis Mair

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy for Girls

Daisy MacCallum

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy and The John Ivo Dawson Prize for Boys

Conor Gardiner

Dux Award Josephine Law

19

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Junior School Prizegiving 2022-2023 June 28th 2023 S1 Prize Winners Commendation with Distinction Penny Patton

Matthew Lovie

Alec Mackay

Eleanor Budge

Kirsty Taylor

Milo Briones Diez

James McGregor

Georgie Quinn Skolnik

Enzo Brooke

Calum Tulloch

Kenadie McKenzie

Markus Selim

Sanjit Sahoo

Alexandros Anagnostopoulos-Martzoukos

Merit with Distinction Connor Rowlands

Ariana Chalmers

Elliot Anderson

Nikita Singh

Mia Murphy

Zephan Ndibueze

Commendation & Merit with Distinction Falak Karol

Jawaad Ahmmad

Madeleine Chesher

Jessica Strong

Annemarie Sommerlade

Daisy Bagnall

Alexandros Morrison

Jessica Macrae

Annabel Bostock

Clodagh Duggan

Jamie Addison

Ralph MacDougall

Charlotte Andersen

Vera Akwuewanbhor

Liam Burke

Ryan Mason

Parineeta Roy

Moses Wai Cheung

20

School Section

S2 Prize Winners Commendation with Distinction Tayibah Firdaus

Tilly Pose

Juan Harcus Garcia

Sean McKee

Mathieu Hollis

Joyce James

Rebecca Ryce

Mairi Bell

James Macadie

Owen Wright

Leona Shijo

Isla Robertson

Melina Zangelidou

Precious Mise

April Chan

Connie Taylor

Connor McCormick

Lauren Sombi Akeze

Charlie Dalziel

Merit with Distinction Ali Solkar

Daniel Manoj

Prayuj Patel

Arthur Beck

Eilidh Melvin

Tilly Pose

Aseel Alwawi

Laura Reid

Tim Bacciotti

Catherine Angus

Robbie Brown

Sienna Madan

Commendation & Merit with Distinction Archie Rough

Danimi Dagogo

Jana Attia

Callum Vargesson

Isla Esslemont

Sadie Robertson

Isla Strachan

Karma Moharram

Ava Forsyth Vincent

Katie Hillhouse

Millie Hardie

Isla Downie-Burns

Aaliyah Babatunde

Hannah Yau

Matt Nicoll

Alastair Cormack

Angelica Gultiano

Christo James

Alba Briones Diez

Ella Gibson

Ana Hernandes Mujica

Avah Reid

21

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

S3 Prize Winners Commendation with Distinction Aaliyah Babatunde

Angelica Gultiano

Jimmy Cameron

Alastair Cormack

Ella Gibson

Finlay Balfour

Alba Briones Diez

Avah Reid

Hugo Lefort

Ana Hernandes Mujica

Christo James

Innes Angus

Ella Dillon

Lily Arthur

Mae Drummond

Jagoda Slezak

Olivia Candy

Ruben Lam

Alba Briones Diez

Rawan Adel

Sanumitha Ambepitiya

Valonia Rodrigues

Avah Reid

Merit with Distinction Alistair Christie

Katie Kelman

Samy Benelkadi

Yehia Nassar

John Forbes

Dylan Bunney

Commendation & Merit with Distinction Alexander Denison

Jessica Fraser

Annabelle Johnston

Mandisa Mueller Cameron Hirth

Joe Walker

Nicholas Andersen

Ishaan Kalyanasundaram

Manas Nath

Andrea Bostock

Manuel Merida Aguilera

Michelle Tse

Favour Anozie

Evelina Anagnostopoulou-Martzoukou

Sports Prizes The Fowlie Cup for Swimming

Charlotte Cheyne

The W J Johnston Quaich for Overall Sports Champion

Connor Rowlands

The Damien Reidy Rugby Trophy

Zain Malik

The Isobel O Anderson Award for Swimming

Iona Reekie-Ayala

The Luther and Muriel Smith Golf Trophy

Joe Inglis

The Arthur McCombie Golf Trophy

Owen Wright

The David Swanson Golf Trophy

Owen Wright

22

School Section

Inter House Competition Awards Inter House Basketball – Boys

Melvin

Inter House basketball – Girls

Byron

Inter House Quiz Cup

Melvin

Inter House Music

Keith & Dun

Inter House Table Tennis

Melvin

Inter House Chess

Keith & Dun

The Rubislaw Jubilee Cup

Keith & Dun

Inter House Challenge Cup

Melvin

The All-Round Award Winners The Dr Alexander Cormack Prize, S1

Falak Karol

The David Alexander Irvine-Fortesque Prize, S2

Isla Downie-Burns

The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize, S3

Manas Nath

23

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Short Story Competition Day 611 – Recording 1979 “The plants that were growing in their space station were behaving strangely. It’s like life has…”

-BZZZZZZ“This is Houston. Ridley I told you not to keep using this line for your stupid recordings. You’re a botanist, not the Royal Shakespeare Company. Over” “Well, I do sincerely apologise, but if you were stuck in a metal can that stinks of 8 other humans’ blood, sweat and tears then you might want to make your day a little more thrilling. Plus the plants are acting very strangely, they’re all shrivelling up. I need to check the scans; it must be reacting to the change of pressure we had...”

-BZZZZZ. A piercing buzz comes through the earpiece, propelling the Botanist into a tumble as he smashed his head against the wall.“What the hell! Jesus, you almost caused me to rupture section 5. Look, stop messing around.

For an uptight guy you’re really a...”

-KNOCK-A knock clattered against the wall of the laboratory. Ridley stared at it, still dazed but a sense of fear started crawling up his trouser leg.-KNOCK-KNOCK-Again, it knocked. Rocks: potentially. Debris: Most likely. And yet it didn’t feel like that, the knocks felt confident, they felt alive. But it’s space. No air, freezing temperatures, not even a glimmer of hope for the strangest of living beings. However, the Botanist still felt that he needed to leave.-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK24

School Section

-Breathing intensifies, sweat spat out his skin before floating around him. Oh he was so scared, especially when he realised that feeling of fear crawling up his leg. Except it wasn’t fear: it was me.“AAAGGGHHH....”

-There was a struggle but then I found this wonderful thing, this device. Whoever’s listening, watching, reading…“I was outside, but now I’m in. And I’m coming......”

-BZZZZZZZ“For you.” [end of recording] Alexander Denison S3

25

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Diving Club My name is Noah Penman and I have just begun S5 at Aberdeen Grammar School. I am a member of Aberdeen Diving Club and, this summer, I was selected to represent Team GB at both senior and junior competitions after what has been a very busy year of training and travelling to national and international competitions.

It all started for me in November 2022 when I became Scottish Junior Champion on the 3m Board and Scottish Senior Champion on the 1m Board. As a result of these successes, I travelled to Canada with Team England to represent Scotland at the CAMO Junior Championship in Montreal.

I was the only Scottish diver on the team and won both the 1m and 3m titles for Scotland, which was a great experience.

In the Easter holidays, I travelled to Plymouth to compete in the GB Junior Elite Championships, coming away with a bronze medal on the 3m Board and winning gold in Platform Synchro with Jordan, my synchro partner from Dive London.

At the start of my National 5 exams in May, I was in Dresden for another international competition, representing Team GB. I had to sit my first SQA exam ever from my hostel room in Germany!

Immediately after my last exam, I headed straight to Sheffield to compete at the British National Diving Championships. This is the highest-level competition for senior divers in GB so it was quite nerve-wracking. First up was the Men’s 3m event. I did some decent dives to finish 9th, just missing out on the final. I then competed in the men’s 1m Board where I executed pretty much my best ever dives to qualify for the 1m final, finishing 5th, which I was really pleased with.

26

School Section

It was this result which ensured qualification for Team GB in the European Games. This was an unbelievably exciting opportunity for me and was my first senior event for Team GB. I was in Rzeszow, Poland, for two weeks. It was a great experience. I took part in the 10m Platform Mixed Synchro event with Maisie, a diver from Sheffield. We were the youngest pair in the competition.

European Games 2023 – (european-games.org).

Over the summer, I have been twice to Reika in Croatia. The first time I attended the Croatian Open for Aberdeen Diving Club. I came away with a gold on the 1m Board and bronze on the 3m, both in the 16–18-year-old category. The second time was in August for the Junior European Championships, representing Team GB. I achieved a silver medal in the A/B Boys Platform Synchro, competing with Jordan from Dive London. I also competed in the 1m Board where I came 5th with a score of 467.85 points – a personal best for me in junior competitions.

Aberdeen Diver Noah Penman (centre in the picture) ends season with silverware in Rijeka | Scottish Swimming

I will have another busy year ahead, combining diving with studying for my Highers. AGS has already set out how they will help me fit it all in and I am very grateful. The teachers and management team at school really helped me to keep up with my schoolwork and complete my eight National 5s. Hopefully I can do the same this year.

Noah Penman S5

27

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Orchestra Blazin’ Fiddles String pupils across the city were invited to play as the supporting act to the Blazin’ Fiddles as they were on tour with their new album celebrating 25 years as a band. The pupils were brought together from four different secondary schools for two rehearsals before opening the show to a packed crowd in the Music Hall. Charlotte Cheyne (S2), Sam Lynch (S6), Fatima Sellami (S6), and Hadiza Shehu (S6) all gave up two days of their holidays for the rehearsals and performed excellently in the concert.

AGS String Ensemble AGS String Ensemble performed in the Music Hall as part of the Light the Blue Festival in June.

This festival celebrates the creativity of young people across Aberdeen. The festival took place over eight days, and included theatre, dance, film and music and the AGS String Ensemble performed on the final night of the festival directed by Kerry.

28

School Section

Flute Quartet Our Senior Brass Ensemble, Flute Quartet & soloists played in the Aberdeen City Music Service Dee Locality Concert on Tuesday 10th October at Lochside Academy. James Macadie (Trumpet-S3), John Forbes (Tuba-S4) & Grace Addison (Voice-S5) all performed solos. This concert celebrated some of the progress that young people across the Dee locality had made in Term 1.

All of the young people from AGS in the Lochside concert participated in our own concert on Wednesday 11th October. Choir had a significant increase in numbers with 40 young people participating, as well as Percussion Ensemble playing for the first time with all new members.

Face the Music also did a preview of Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat by performing Joseph’s Dreams, led by Alexander Denison and Ayla Chalmers. The cast, band and behind the scenes teams worked very hard and made excellent progress ahead of the shows on 14th, 15th & 16th November.

Some of our young people performed in a lunchtime concert at the Cowdray Hall on Thursday 23rd November 12.45pm-1.30pm.

(Flute Quartet – Rachel Gibson, Mariette Pose, Eva Stewart & Eilidh Melvin)

29

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

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. Earlier this year, we began to share articles submitted by former pupils in a more timely manner via the monthly Newsletters and this practice continues.

As a consequence, many articles that would have appeared in the Magazine have already been published in the monthly Newsletters and are now archived on the Club website. In addition to original articles published in the General Section, the table below provides links to articles previously published in the monthly Newsletters. These articles can be accessed by clicking on the tile of the article. Once accessed, the user also has the option to print off the article if they so desire.

Journeys with Maps - Homage to Graeme Greene - in Africa; An account of two journeys in Africa some 40 years apart

by Michael G. King (1951-1960)

Where were you on 2nd July 1986 – The School Fire?

by Iain Hopkin (1962-1968)

A Tribute to Prof Sir Duncan Rice (1949-60) - reproduced with permission from the University Magazine, Aberdeen Introduced by Ronald Lewis-Smith (1946-1960)

The Story of William Hepburn – Father of Aberdeen Veterinary Surgeons

by Cameron Weir (1942-1957)

The Origin of the Four School Houses: Byron, Dun, Keith, Melvin

by Iain Hopkin (1962-1968)

The Luther Kitson Bequest

by Nigel G.M. Watt (1963-1969)

James Scout Marr - Explorer

by Andy Martin (1964-1967)

BBC Archives and Aberdeen Grammar School

by Hamish McLennan (1966-1972)

Primary School Pupils Reunited - A Tale of two Davids

by David Brown (1950-1964) and David Browne (1953-1958)

30

General Section

A Tribute to Gillian Anne Thomas

By Gillian’s Daughters – Lyndsey Pitchford, Jenna Argyriou and Meghan Rakowski Gillian Anne Thomas (1975-80) passed away suddenly on August 12th 2023 in Calgary, Canada.

Gillian was born on February 27th 1963 to parents Brian (1934-46) and Joyce Crookshanks in Aberdeen, Scotland. She was the second of three children, older sister Alison and younger brother Gordon (1979-85). They all grew up together on Fountainhall Road. It was a beautiful family home where a lifetime of memories was created. She attended Mile End Primary School, followed by the Aberdeen Grammar School from 1975 to 1980. She played tennis, badminton and hockey, and was a keen member of the hill walking club. She attended the Aberdeen College of Education and graduated as a teacher of primary education in 1983.

In 1983 Gillian married and emigrated to Canada less than 2 months later. Gillian embarked on the biggest adventure of her life – she was in a new country and thousands of miles from her family. She quickly forged new friendships with people in Calgary and started to build her new life there. In 1986 Gillian welcomed her first daughter, Lyndsey Jane. Gillian quickly settled into life as a mother, and it was the start of a lifetime of dedication to her children. In 1989 Gillian welcomed her second daughter, Jenna Claire, and in 1993 she welcomed her third daughter, Meghan Nicole.

Shortly after Meghan’s arrival the family moved to Aden, Yemen for a new job posting. The family lived in a compound in Aden with other families that had kids of similar ages. It was a fantastic community that developed, and Gillian did everything she could to care for her family. She learnt to improvise with cooking due to the minimal ingredients available and baked the most wonderful homemade bread. Unfortunately, the time in Yemen ended abruptly when a civil war broke out in May 1994. Gillian was on her own in Yemen at the time, so she had to evacuate three very young children by herself. The evacuation was quite traumatic due to the airport in Aden having been bombed, leaving the only option to escape on a fishing vessel. Halfway across the Red Sea the evacuees were transferred onto a French naval ship and taken to Djibouti, Africa. Gillian remained calm and poised throughout this frightening ordeal and fiercely protected her three girls. The family safely returned to Aberdeen to stay with family because all their possessions had been lost in the war.

The adventures didn’t end there – a short time after arriving back in Aberdeen the family were posted to Jakarta, Indonesia. Then in 1996 the family was relocated back to Calgary and in 1997 they moved to the UK. Gillian stepped up to the challenges of moving overseas in every way, making each transition as easy as it could be on the girls. In 2003 the family made their final transatlantic move back to Calgary.

31

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In 2011, after the last of her girls left home for university, Gillian searched for a new focus in her life and discovered a passion for cycling. On one of her many rides around Calgary, she spotted a sign for The Ride to Conquer Cancer and it sparked her interest. She thought it would be a way to put all of her cycling to good use. She was initially intimidated by the minimum donation of $2,500 that was required to ride, so she knew she had to get creative, and so began her many years providing acts of service for donation. She started by offering friends the occasional ride to the airport in exchange for a donation. This quickly took off and airport runs became such a frequent occurrence that she affectionately named her vehicle the R2CC limo. Through word of mouth, Gillian eventually secured her first big driving opportunity to transport a vehicle back from Palm Springs and over the years she ended up transporting over 30 vehicles to support snowbirds1. Gillian was an incredible source of inspiration for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Most, if not every year, she would be seen sporting the distinguished polka dot jersey symbolizing the first ten riders to reach $15,000 of fundraising – an unmistakable symbol of determination and perseverance. In her 11 years doing the ride she personally raised over $300,000 – we will truly never know the value of her hard work and the contributions that her donations have made to cancer research.

Gillian cycling in the Ride to Conquer Cancer

1 northerners who move to warmer summer states in the winter 32

General Section

Despite spending most of her adult years in Calgary, Gillian always remained closely tied to her home in Scotland. She made regular visits to visit her family and she also remained closely connected to The Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club. Gillian was a valued member of the Canadian Centre of the FP club, and her engaging and compassionate personality was incredibly vital in connecting a predominantly male contingent of FPs who were distributed from west coast to east coast. She was elected President of the Centre in 2003, the first female President of any centre. She then held the position of Secretary from 2010 to 2019 where she played an active role in communicating with members, maintaining records, sharing news of the School and most notably organising Canadian Centre reunions. Because of her trans-Atlantic connections, she was an invaluable conduit between the Canada Centre and the Club, in fact Canada became the most important centre of the Club outside Britain.

Prominent among Gillian’s duties was participation in organising gifts to the School. These included the Canada Chairs project which saw two unique wooden platform chairs designed and built in Alberta, presented to the School in 2013 and which now accompany the historical platform chairs of 1934 that are used for special School events such as prize-giving. In January 2018 Gillian presented a cheque for £2,750 to the school on behalf of the Canadian Centre members for the creation of a Senior Pupils Study Area. The project provides a quiet study area for senior pupils. Gillian was a key contact with the school and had a principal involvement with the fundraising from the Canadian Membership.

In 2017 Gillian became the President of the AGSFP Parent Club in Aberdeen. She was President from 2017-2018 and again from 2018-2019. In this role she achieved three firsts: First daughter of a former President First overseas member to attain this office First president to be elected for a second successive term Gillian performed an admirable job by attending many of the reunions at the various locations (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Yorkshire, etc.) and by the end of her term she had estimated that she had travelled over 100,000 km in spreading and enhancing the relationship between the Club and the School. The selection of Gillian to be the President by the Club’s Executive speaks volumes of the enormous respect that was held for her when she was residing on the other side of the Atlantic.

Most recently, Gillian was appointed to be the School Liaison Officer and she was really looking forward to working directly with the School and its pupils. She had several exciting ideas for new initiatives to help support the School.

Further to her FP connections to Aberdeen, Gillian also remained interested in keeping up with former classmates. It was through her contacts that she was reconnected with Derek Dargie (1975-79) when he reached out to donate to one of her bike rides. They were kindred spirits with their love for Scotland and they enjoyed reminiscing of the old days and the many shared connections that they had. They were their happiest when they were traveling and experiencing

33

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

new places together; South Africa, Portugal, and Alabama to name a few. Gillian and Derek particularly cherished time with their children and grandchildren.

Gillian was a person who cared deeply about others, and she was happiest when she was able to care for others or give back in some way. She particularly loved opportunities for family and friends to come together, most recently at her surprise 60th Birthday weekend and at family weddings. With the birth of her first grandson, Nico, Gillian was delighted to become a grandma and to watch her daughter Jenna navigate motherhood. She wanted to be present for everything from the first stroller walk, to nappy changes, and everything in between. With the arrival of her second grandson, Levi, Gillian was overjoyed to experience new-born snuggles again and to watch him grow and change every day.

Gillian had an incredible zest for life, a wicked sense of humour, and she radiated beauty inside and out. Her loss will be felt deeply for years to come by those who knew and loved her. Her legacy will live on through her adoring girls, who are the women they have become because of Gillian’s endless love and devotion.

Gillian with her father, Brian Crookshanks (1934-46)

34

General Section

Lord Byron, George Watt and the Aberdeen Grammar School Graham Watt (1957-70) MD, FRCGP, FMedSci, FRSE, CBE By some distance the most famous former pupil of Aberdeen Grammar School is George Byron Gordon who in 1798, aged ten, inherited a baronetcy and became Lord Byron. When the headmaster invited him into his study for cake and wine, it was an early sign that his life was going to change.

On 14th September 1923 the statue of Lord Byron which stands in front of the current school buildings (opened in 1863, seventy-five years after Byron left the old school in Schoolhill) was unveiled for the first time.

It had taken over two decades for the idea of a statue to get to this point for, then as now, Byron was a controversial figure, with a litany of bad behaviour to set against his achievements and it was only by a vote of eight to seven that the School Board decided to go ahead. Morland Simpson, Rector of the School from 1893-1920, was staunchly in favour but did not live to see his plan realised.

35

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Exactly one hundred years after the unveiling, a small ceremony was held in front of the statue to mark its centenary, the brainchild of Callum Stuart, a former teacher at the School who imagined, coordinated and hosted the event. As an investigative local historian, he had researched the story of the statue, discovering in the process that immediately after the unveiling a wreath had been laid on behalf of the School by ten-year old George Theodore Robertson Watt. In tracing George Watt’s surviving relatives so that they could be present at the ceremony Callum uncovered an untold story of remarkable coincidence and poignancy.

From left to right, Iain Hopkin, Ex-Editor of the AGS FP Magazine; Nuala Watt, George Watt’s great niece; Graham Watt, George Watt’s nephew; Carolyn Davies (nee Gray), Hector Gray’s daughter; Duncan Eddie, Minister of Fountainhall Church; Neil Lawrie, President of the AGS FP Club; Callum Stuart, former AGS teacher and host of the event.

36

General Section

A recent biographer of the poet John Keats contrasted the working-class origins of her subject with the privileged and aristocratic backgrounds of Percy Shelley and Lord Byron. That Byron spent his first ten years in Aberdeen, in his words, “born half a Scot but bred a whole one,” had escaped her notice. But these years were important, and formative in many ways.

Byron didn’t just have one emotionally unstable parent – he had two, Catherine Gordon and “Mad Jack” Byron – an explanation perhaps for his restlessness, impetuous outbursts and inconstancy. However, there was more to him than that. Sir Walter Scott, not the most obvious of supporters, wrote several times of Byron’s generosity, his loyalty to friends and dependents and other fine qualities.

He was born with a deformed right foot, resulting in a sliding gait and limp, with little improvement from wearing painful wooden splints. Byron resented his disability and did not like it being mentioned. Then and now, attending a mainstream school with a disability is tough, and often a prescription for social isolation, ridicule and even cruelty from peers. As the only child of an impoverished single parent living in the Broad Street, there was nothing special about him at that time. Byron found solace and company in reading. He read voraciously in his Aberdeen years, laying foundations for the mastery and facility with language that he was to display in years to come.

In 1798, after a fortuitous sequence of family deaths, he was catapulted into English society as a Lord. Even by today’s low standards of ennoblement that was social mobility on a gigantic, exhilarating scale. Byron revelled in the position, means and opportunities that his new status provided. People who would have looked down on him now looked up. But he remained an outsider, a thorn in the side of convention and the Regency establishment, perhaps one of the reasons why his poems were so popular. Byron sold more books in an afternoon than Keats and Shelley sold in their lifetimes.

The Unveiling Ceremony On the 14th of September 1923, in a ceremony which began with speeches in the old school hall in front of subscribers, school staff, senior pupils and former pupils, the company moved outside for the unveiling of the statue. Designed by the King’s Sculptor, James Pittendrigh-Macgillivray, the bronze statue stands on a pedestal of granite from the Inver quarry, halfway between Crathie and Braemar.

On behalf of the school a wreath was laid by pupil George Theodore Robertson Watt, with an inscription from the French literary critic Sainte-Bauve; “There are only three great poets – Byron, Milton and Pindar” – an epithet that was outdated even then (Sainte-Bauve was writing before 1850) and is certainly outdated now.

37

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

George Watt was ten years old, the eldest son of Theodore Watt, Secretary and Treasurer of the AGS FP Club for 27 years, Editor of its magazine for 39 years and the first of three generations of Presidents of the Club, followed by his son Alan C R Watt (1975-76) and grandson Nigel G M Watt (2012-13).

George Watt in a 1923 class photo, standing in the centre of the back row

George attended the school from 1918 to 1931, was active in the school’s 9th cub pack and scout troop, and a prefect in his final year. Three brothers and a cousin were fellow pupils, two of them Senior Prefects.

George Watt as a member of the 9th Aberdeen Cub Pack

38

General Section

George Watt as an older pupil of Aberdeen Grammar School

George Gordon and George Watt had something else in common. Aged 11 in 1924, George climbed Lochnagar with four family members and over a hundred others for the unveiling of the Cairngorm Club indicator. Aged 15 in 1803, Byron also climbed Lochnagar, with lots of stops, while re-visiting the North-East and staying at Invercauld. Years later he would write a poem about “Dark Lochnagar” and remember the mountain while overviewing the plains of Troy. For George it was the beginning of a passion for climbing the Cairngorms and Scottish hills, enjoying the freedom of “tramping the heather”.

George studied medicine at Aberdeen University, graduated in 1936, and moved to work as an assistant in general practice at Insch in Aberdeenshire. After a house job at the Aberdeen Maternity Hospital under Professor Sir Dugald Baird, he moved to hospital jobs in London and Sheffield to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynaecology. His references describe a doctor who was careful, conscientious, calm and reliable in an emergency, popular with colleagues, loyal to his seniors, tactful with patients, and showing sound clinical judgment allied to good common sense. He had a promising career ahead.

George’s school friend and frequent hillwalking companion Hector Gray (1917-29) recalled relaxing on a brae above Loch Ewe in Wester Ross in the late 1930s. War was imminent. They discussed what they would do when the war was over.

39

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

“Meet you here, if you like” was George’s suggestion, and as Hector wrote later, “The tryst was made”. But it was not to be.

When war broke out, George joined the navy and was posted as a Surgeon-Lieutenant serving on HMS Wryneck, a destroyer operating out of Alexandria in Egypt, with many voyages transferring troops across the Eastern Mediterranean.

Surgeon-Lieutenant George Watt

40

General Section

On 27th April 1941, HMS Wryneck was attacked and sunk by German bombers, while evacuating British troops from mainland Greece. Survivors on rafts were strafed by machine gun. An eyewitness told George’s parents that he had died instantly in the ship’s medical station. His resting place is a war grave in the Aegean Sea, midway between Greece and Crete. He was 28.

George was one of 194 Aberdeen Grammar School former pupils who died in active service in World War 2. Their average age was 27. Ninety-two were aged under 25. Most were single men.

There were nine sets of brothers. In the School’s Roll of Honour, they are not just names or statistics but individuals with photographs and pen portraits of lives cut short.

Graham Watt and Nuala Watt laying a wreath at the Byron Statue Picture credit: Kath Flannery, DC Thomson

On 14th September 2023, George Watt’s nephew Graham Watt, Emeritus Professor of General Practice at the University of Glasgow (and brother of Nigel Watt), and great niece Nuala Watt, one of Scotland’s leading young poets, laid a wreath and photograph at the foot of the Byron statue. Both Byron and George Watt had died fighting for freedom in Greece. The statue is a reminder, therefore, not only of Byron’s fame as a poet but also the sacrifice made by him and by others. The inscription with the wreath read: “In memory of those who gave their lives fighting the cause of freedom in countries other than their own”.

41

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Following the laying of the wreath, Nuala Watt (like Byron, “a disabled poet obsessed with books in her school years”) read a short poem: So, we’ll go no more a roving So, we’ll go no more a roving So late into the night, Though the heart be still as loving, And the moon be still as bright.

For the sword outwears its sheath, And the soul wears out the breast, And the heart must pause to breathe, And love itself have rest.

Though the night was made for loving, And the day returns too soon, Yet we’ll go no more a roving By the light of the moon.

Lord George Gordon Byron (1788-1824) See also the Press & Journal coverage at: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/past-times/6141094/aberdeen-grammar-school-marks100-years-of-lord-byron-statue/

42

General Section

Professor John Macleod and Duthie Park’s Nobel Centenary Statue Ken McHardy [Retired Aberdeen Diabetes Physician; Hon Senior Lecturer University of Aberdeen; AGS 1964-73; AGSFP President 2022-23] Who would imagine that a story can be simultaneously 147 years and two years in the making?

Well, let me explain how Aberdeen Grammar School’s brightest star reached a new zenith in the Granite City’s Duthie Park in October 2023. I will begin with the longer story.

The Life and Achievements of JJR Macleod It was on the eve of her first wedding anniversary, in the early autumn of 1876, that Jane Macleod gave birth to her first child in a Free Kirk manse in Perthshire. Her husband, Rev. Robert, hailed from Caithness via the University of Aberdeen. When, in due course, their son was christened, John James Rickard Macleod, they could have had no inkling of how famous that name would be one day. Shortly after young Jack’s seventh birthday – he was always known as Jack by family and friends – the family moved to Aberdeen as his father began over 30 years of service as minister in Gerrard Street. The family lived in Rosemount Place and Jack attended the nearby Grammar School from 1884 to 1893.

Earliest surviving picture of Jack Macleod, aged 9, with AGS class in 1885-6 (©AGS Magazine)

43

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

A very able scholar, he proceeded to join the University of Aberdeen medical class at Marischal College from where he graduated with honourable distinction and a string of prizes when barely 22 in 1898.

Having been impressed by his physiology teacher, Professor John MacWilliam, Jack Macleod decided to follow him into a career in physiology and medical education. He won a scholarship and spent a year in Leipzig, returned to Aberdeen for a spell working between Marischal and the new Woolmanhill laboratory, then had three years at the London Hospital Medical College.

Over five years he gained experience in various experimental techniques, including new methods in physiological chemistry, and developed his skills as a lecturer. He had early success in oral and written presentations of his research and by 1902 co-authored the first of many textbooks.

His early successes soon saw him appointed as Professor of Physiology at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where he took up post as he turned 27. In 15 productive years there his research became focused on the physiology of carbohydrate metabolism resulting, for example, in his 1913 book, ‘Diabetes: Its Pathological Physiology’ which established his place as an international leader in the field.

In 1918 he moved to become Professor of Physiology in the well-equipped laboratories of the ambitious University of Toronto. His research, publications and teaching saw him receiving a number of prestigious accolades at home and abroad. Over the years 1921-23, he led the team that gave the world its first clinically useful insulin which saved the lives of those hitherto hopeless and untreatable cases of what we now know as Type 1 diabetes. He used all of his great experience and expertise as a scientist, educator, administrator and diplomat to ensure that insulin’s physiological properties, ethical large-scale production and availability around the world were shared as efficiently and expediently as possible. In what is still the earliest recognition of its kind for a medical breakthrough, the Nobel Committee announced on 25th October 1923 that the Prize for Medicine or Physiology would be shared by Frederick Banting and John Macleod of the Toronto team. The two award winners shared their prize money, Banting with student Charles Best and Macleod with visiting Professor of Biochemistry James B Collip; the latter had purified the crude Toronto extract to make it suitable for use in diabetes patients.

44

General Section

The young professor at Western Reserve University, Cleveland ca 1906 (©Case Western Reserve University)

Professor of Physiology at the University of Toronto ca 1918 (©UoT)

Aberdeen Press & Journal 13th April 1928: Announcing the Aberdeen appointment.

(Clipping held in Aberdeen Central library Collections)

University of Aberdeen Regius Professor of Physiology ca 1928 (©UoA)

Sadly, disputes emerged about who really deserved the credit for the insulin breakthrough, and for a complicated series of reasons, Banting, was heavily favoured with local and national awards, titles and funding. Worse still, Banting and his supporters repeatedly asserted that Macleod was unworthy of recognition, oblivious to the fact that without the latter’s hard-won skills and years of endeavour in the field, nothing would have come of Banting’s flawed ideas. Macleod continued with his excellent research work, writing and teaching but now under the recurrent gloom of Banting’s sniping. He was undoubtedly delighted when, in 1928, he was invited back to Aberdeen to replace MacWilliam as Regius Professor of Physiology. This meant he could leave the Toronto bickering behind him and, while the Aberdeen press reported that Macleod had shared a Nobel Prize, the professor routinely preferred to avoid speaking about the subject.

He continued productive research with colleagues at the Rowett Institute and in his own laboratory at Marischal College, now behind its superb granite frontage, added in the early years of the century. He edited, published, had local and national advisory roles and received further awards and lectureships on both sides of the Atlantic. His ability to travel, and then work, was progressively restricted by rheumatoid disease and he died, while still in his University post, in his 59th year. Various obituary notices endorsed his enormous achievements recording how he had authored or co-authored several successful books and some 200 original scientific papers, as well having his contributions acknowledged in perhaps 100 more produced by younger scientists that he had supported. On a personal level, his Glasgow counterpart, Professor Edward Cathcart described him as an honest, loyal, affectionate, enthusiastic, optimistic, courageous man with an engaging personality whose serene and happy spirit triumphed despite his painful and crippling disabilities.

45

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Macleod’s headstone at Allenvale cemetery (Photograph by KMcH after 2023 restoration)

46

General Section

Macleod’s Reputation – Long Forgotten…but not entirely The inscription on Macleod’s gravestone, in Allenvale cemetery, includes ‘Co-Discoverer of Insulin’, yet the reputation of the University of Aberdeen’s only ‘home-grown’ Nobel laureate was effectively forgotten for almost 50 years. In 1982 that changed when Canadian history professor, Michael Bliss, wrote his book, ‘The Discovery of Insulin’. Bliss’s painstaking searches through many old letters, records and laboratory notebooks, and his conversations with survivors of the time or subsequent associates of the main players, informed his construction of a whole new narrative on this major medical breakthrough. Bliss concluded that the coming together of Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod was fortuitous and, indeed, essential to the breakthrough being made in Toronto at that time. It was also clear to him, that history had been most unkind to Macleod.

Michael Bliss spent the remaining 35 years of his life working to restore Macleod’s reputation, including three lecture trips to Aberdeen and opening the JJR Macleod Diabetes Centre at Foresterhill in November 2013. He also encouraged Aberdeen diabetes consultant, the late Dr Michael Williams, to write the only biography of Macleod, completed in 1993. It should be noted that despite being Aberdonian, a Grammar School pupil (1936-45), local medical graduate and diabetes consultant in his home city, Williams had not heard of Macleod until he read Bliss’s book!

University of Toronto Historian, Professor Michael Bliss and his best-selling book (Portrait ©Bliss Family)

47

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Dr Michael Williams (AGS 1936-45) and his 1993 Macleod Biography (Portrait ©UoA)

With the centenary of the discovery of insulin in 2022, a number of other attempts were made to raise Macleod’s profile including a virtual exhibition and insulin walking trail (aagm.co.uk and search ‘insulin’), a dedicated website (jjrmacleod.org), a civic reception and display of the Nobel medal at Provost Skene’s House. However, 147 years after his birth, all of these tributes and more have now been emphatically eclipsed – which brings us on to the promised two-year story.

Remembering Macleod: How to access i) Virtual Exhibition and ii) Website

48

General Section

Aberdeen Insulin Trail (accessible via 100 years of Insulin: The Aberdeen Story)

The Macleod Memorial Statue Society – from aspiration to realisation John Otto, an Aberdeen businessman who developed Type 1 diabetes in childhood, had located Professor Macleod’s grave in Allenvale cemetery in the late 1980s, having recently seen a labelled portrait displayed in the local Diabetes Clinic. He thought the headstone, nice though it was, made an underwhelming tribute to a local man whose heroic work had contributed to saving so many lives – his own included. There and then, John resolved to one day do something about that. That ‘one day’ arrived when, with insulin’s 100th birthday imminent, John was invited in 2021 to attend the unveiling in Strathaven of a statue for a celebrated war dog, Rifleman Khan. The invitation, which came via John’s partner and successful children’s author, Kimberlie Hamilton, was a timely trigger. John accessed the new JJR Macleod website then contacted me via software developer, (and AGS parent!), Andy Gaskell, with whom I had compiled it. John’s first request for a meeting came, coincidentally, on 25th October 2021 – exactly 98 years to the day of Macleod’s Nobel Prize announcement. We met within two days when I offered my support to the cause as a ‘Macleod historian’. That initial meeting set John and Kimberlie on the road to an intense period of 102 weeks of relentless commitment and endeavour to realise their ambition of erecting a permanent monument to Macleod in Aberdeen. A vast amount of work would be required between idea and reality. A crucial early – and essential – success came when John met Turnberry-based sculptor, John McKenna, at the Rifleman Khan event in early November ’21; the sculptor, immediately excited by the Macleod proposal, agreed to take it on and was soon at work doing preliminary research and drawings.

49

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Aberdonian John Otto sporting a determined look and a Macleod of Harris tie!

(Picture by Neil Gordon @ aberdeenphoto.com)

Ayrshire-based sculptor John McKenna and his preliminary artwork (Portrait ©STV News)

Various traditional statue designs were considered but the outright favourite was a more creative and engaging life-sized figure seated on a bench – effectively inviting visitors to sit with him. By December the JJR Macleod Memorial Statue Society was inaugurated with a committee, bearing various requisite skill sets including in publicity, legal matters and accounting.

Original illustration of Macleod seated on bronze bench (©J. McKenna) FIG 13: ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION OF MACLEOD SEATED ON BRONZE BENCH © J MCKENNA

The City Council were supportive of offering a site in Duthie Park (across Great Southern Road from Macleod’s grave) and, in due course, the initial proposal was moved and enlarged to include 50

General Section

a pathway into the statue with adjacent areas of decorative planting. An obvious early question on how to fund the project was addressed by developing the concept of sponsors having their names carved into a mosaic of pavers comprising a terrace of local granite. The City Council kindly donated pre-used granite from their stores. The grey Kemnay and Rubislaw granite had been kept from buildings demolished in George Street 35 years earlier; the contrasting pink Corrennie granite had been retained following the remodelling of the façade of the Art Gallery in 2015-19.

John’s son, Kevin, produced the detailed design drawings of the terrace with its intricate mosaic of grey and 12-sided pink ‘cells’ – and, as interest grew, adding a parapet behind the statue affording further opportunities for sponsorship via embedded bronze plaques.

Evolving design of granite plinth by Kevin Otto

A further idea was to make the monument Scotland’s first storytelling statue. Accessing a QR code at the statue triggers a call comprising a two-minute monologue delivered by ‘Professor Macleod’. The talking technology had been developed by Dane, David Peter Fox and Macleod’s ‘voice’ was provided by Aberdeen-born actor, David Rintoul.

Aberdeen-born actor David Rintoul recording the ‘voice’ of Macleod (portrait ©D. Rintoul)

51

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

This grand project would only be realised by raising substantial amounts of sponsorship money.

But the little-known story of Macleod’s marginalised magnificence, pitched so passionately and energetically by John, held great appeal. Soon the generosity of a range of sponsors, with or without particular experience of diabetes, saw funds rolling in and the memorial project speedily moving beyond aspiration. The Former Pupils of Macleod’s old school feature extensively in the sponsorship lists. In February ’23, the FP Club held a supper meeting which gave me the opportunity to speak on Macleod’s achievements and shortly afterwards, the Executive confirmed a ‘silver sponsor’ donation of £5k which would buy an engraved granite paver. In due course, FPs would also purchase three bronze plaques in the respective names of the Canada Centre, the 1958 leavers and a consortium of FP members who made individual contributions.

AGSFP-engraved paver on plinth and two of bronze medallions on back wall (Picture KMcH)

The ground-breaking at Macleod’s Corner on 18th July (Picture by Neil Gordon @aberdeenphoto.com)

52

General Section

Work in Progress: cut granite pieces at Fyfe Glenrock & Ali Anderson assembling the terrace in Macleod’s Corner (Picture Kimberlie Hamilton)

The statue on-site but under wraps with 5 days to spare! (Picture Kimberlie Hamilton)

The project also attracted generous in-kind donations relating to the construction and other aspects of the monument, (and, indeed, to certain elements of the celebratory event). October 2023 was selected for the unveiling of the statue in the month of the Nobel Prize centenary.

Much of the work began offsite but with the scheduled ‘launch date’ barely 3 months hence, a ground-breaking event took place at Macleod’s Corner in mid-July.

Posters on the perimeter fence served to engage the curiosity of park users wondering what was afoot as building progressed. Civil Engineers, WM Donald Ltd of Netherley took on the construction of Macleod’s Corner, covering all of the labour costs. The terrace assembly was sub-contracted to master mason Alistair Anderson using the granite pieces that had been cut and prepared by Fyfe Glenrock, part of Leiths Group, in Oldmeldrum. Deeside Road Construction installed the resin-bound perimeter path (which will in due course provide an opportunity for installation of further fund-raising bronze plaques). A tremendous amount of organisation was required to prepare for the great event and, shortly before the 11th hour, the bronze statue arrived from a Welsh foundry on the back of a Colin Lawson Transport Hiab Truck and was lifted into place on October 7th.

53

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Big Reveal and the Big Tent Thursday 12th October dawned to reveal a calm, mild, sunny day destined to become memorable in the long history of Duthie Park. A large marquee had been erected adjacent to Macleod’s Corner and the Granite City Pipe Band played as some 300 guests and sponsors gathered at around mid-day. Twelve members of Professor and Mrs Macleod’s extended family, spanning three generations, included no fewer than 5 great-nieces and great nephews. The contingent on the AGSFP table included current President, Neil Lawrie, past Presidents Doug Harper and Iain Hopkin, Executive Chairman, Professor David Reid, John Cruickshank VC, School Depute Head Janet Adams, and, representing the Canada Section, Bob Scace who had flown in from Calgary.

FP stalwart and current Treasurer, John Michie, was also present at a table sponsored by his family business.

The Granite City Pipe Band was there under a glorious October sky to welcome guests to the marquee for the unveiling celebration in Duthie Park (Picture Anne Reid)

Presenter and Comedian Fred MacAulay called the company to attention. John Otto made some introductory remarks acknowledging those present and showing a short film from Macleod’s induction in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame featuring the late Professor Bliss. Then Professor John Dirks, Emeritus Professor and former Medical Dean of the University of Toronto was introduced as a former colleague and friend of Bliss, and invited to acknowledge Macleod’s place in Toronto, and world, medical history.

The company then moved out of the marquee towards the covered statue and those invited to be part of the unveiling party arranged themselves around the sheet covering the main attraction.

The pipes and drums played Macleod’s Theme; a new tune written by Ian Dallas for the occasion.

After a few words from the sculptor, John formally handed the monument over to Lord Provost David Cameron on behalf of Aberdeen City Council; the latter cut a ceremonial ribbon allowing the unveiling party to do their work and effect the big reveal.

54

General Section

Standing L to R: Ken McHardy, Sylvia Halkerston (Lord Dean of Guild), Claire McKenna (sculptor’s wife & studio assistant), Kevin Otto (Architectural Technologist), Hazel Cameron (Lady Provost), George Boyne (University Principal), David Cameron (Lord Provost), John McKenna (sculptor).

Seated L to R: Kimberlie Hamilton (Co-Founder JJR Macleod Memorial Statue Society), John Otto (Co-Founder & Chairman JJR Macleod Memorial Statue Society).

(Picture by Neil Gordon @aberdeenphoto.com)

A round of spontaneous applause broke out at the magnificent sight of Jack Macleod looking relaxed and resplendent on his bronze bench atop the grey and pink, liberally engraved granite mosaic, sheltered to the rear by a wall emblazoned with bronze medallions.

All then returned to the tent where I had the honour and privilege of proposing a toast to Professor Macleod who had preceded me at school and university by 80 years, and as AGSFP President by 92! The company were then treated to an excellent dinner of three courses and coffee, once again featuring several local donations in kind. During the afternoon, and indeed between courses, STV’s Norman Macleod took over compere duties and we had short talks on their respective contributions from David Peter Fox (Talking Statues App), David Rintoul (actor and ‘voice of Macleod’) and Richard Burke of Page Break Media whose company had made a short film of the statue story which was played to the company (and is also accessible via the QR code).

55

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School representatives: Janet Adams (Depute Head Teacher) & Dr Karen MacLeod with S6 Insulin video makers – Sam Lynch, Marc Lyons & Emma Kelsey (Picture John Michie)

The compere also introduced the AGS Sixth Year pupils – Emma Kelsey, Sam Lynch and Marc Lyons and their teacher, Dr Karen MacLeod – who had recently completed a video of JJR’s story for the school. University of Aberdeen Principal, Professor George Boyne (AGS 1967-73), endorsed the achievements of the University’s only ‘home-grown’ Nobel laureate and, indeed, expressed his own personal thanks as an insulin user since school days. Nearing the conclusion of formalities, I was called back to the stage to channel my former professional persona. After explaining a little about the ongoing challenges of living with insulin for those with diabetes, my final duty and further pleasure, accompanied by Diabetes UK (DUK) representatives, was to formally present John Otto with a Nabarro Medal. This is awarded by DUK to those who have lived 50 years with diabetes, a milestone that John achieved a matter of weeks before the statue unveiling. ‘Steady as you go’ was the call as in due course, he could be eligible for DUK’s Macleod medal which is awarded to those living 70 years with diabetes!

Nabarro Medal Presentation: (L to R) John Kinnear (National Director, Diabetes Scotland), Alison Grant (Health System Manager, Diabetes Scotland), Nabarro Medal recipient, John Otto and Ken McHardy (retired diabetes consultant) (Picture by Neil Gordon @aberdeenphoto.com)

56

General Section

John concluded proceedings with a generous vote of thanks to all those many individuals and organisations, and particularly Kimberlie, for their contributions that had enabled the Macleod memorial statue to become a reality. He chose to share a further video clip of the late Michael Bliss expressing dogged determination, similar to his own, when facing challenges to his writing the authoritative book that finally told the true story of what happened in Toronto. John concluded by mentioning that fund-raising is still ongoing and outlined the evolving ambition to start a Macleod Foundation with any additional sponsorship.

The compere finally announced the opening of Jack’s Bar within the marquee, courtesy of OGV Tap Room, where such customised delights as the Macleod Nine Cocktail, a Jack and Coke or a Banting Sour were on offer. The school video was played as attendees were able to chat over a wind-down drink and compare individual notes at the end of a wonderful day. As we all reflected on this spectacular Aberdeen project – each of us was able to return the gaze of Professor Macleod, in situ in bronze on granite, where he will now be able to tell his own glorious story for many years to come.

Guest of honour, Professor JJR Macleod, surveying his new outlook (Picture Darrell Benns, DC Thomson)

57

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Reunion Events 1. Class of Newcomers 1963 – September 2023 Richard Steele (1963-76) writes: A reunion of the Class of 1963-76 was held at the beginning of September 2023 to mark 60 years since we were left in various stages of distress at the pegs outside the classroom in the Lower School building of Aberdeen Grammar School. There were 25 attendees, most of whom attended the Lower School.

Left to right: Logan Steele, Tony Gibson, Callum McDonald, Rod Malloch, David Mitchell Forbes McLennan, Peter Gogolinski, Alistair Marshall, Alan Cowie, John Kay, Leslie Forsyth, Richard Steele, Ian Strachan, Jim Rickaby, Gary Allan and Clark Cruickshank

Also attending but not pictured were Alistair Gall, Chris Morrison, Iain C Strachan and Neil Davidson.

Attending the dinner, were our very special guests, our Lower School teacher Phyllis Mackay, and our Upper School teacher, and all-round Grammarian Russell Gray. Russell gave a fantastic speech about his history with the school and shared some of his memories and anecdotes.

All agreed that we had a wonderful weekend reminiscing and catching up with our classmates from back then. Thanks to FP Graham Truscott and his staff for providing the accommodation and food for the weekend – great service.

58

General Section

It has been suggested that going forward, we have an annual dinner at a restaurant in Aberdeen, so if anyone else from our year who has not been contacted previously and would be interested in attending, please contact me at richard@steelser.com. The plan is to have another formal reunion in five years’ time if there are any of us left!

2. Class of 1984 – April 2024 Graham Thomson is organising a 40-year reunion for his 1978-1984 year-group. A Facebook group has been set up Aberdeen Grammar 1978-1984 40 Year Reunion (2024) | Facebook and 50 FPs have joined so far. We’re looking for more to join and in particular more of the lads because they are heavily outnumbered so far!! If you know of anyone in this year-group, please pass on the message. The date of the reunion is still to be finalised but is likely to be around Friday 5th or Saturday 6th April 2024. Graham can be contacted on: grahamsally501@btinternet.com

3. Class of 1969 – June 2024 Stuart Cummings is organising a 55-year reunion for his year group (Class of 1969) over the weekend of June 14th and 15th in 2024. This will be the 5th reunion following events held after 30, 40, 45 and 50 years since leaving the School. An informal reception will be held on the Friday evening followed by a dinner at the RNUC on the Saturday evening. If there is sufficient interest, we are also looking to organise a golf event on the Saturday afternoon. More than 50 FPs have so far expressed interest in joining the reunion. Stuart can be contacted on stuart.cummings@ skynet.be

59

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Former Pupils’ Club Founded 11 September 1893 Club Office-Bearers, 2023-2024 Honorary President: ALISON MURISON MA (Head Teacher) Honorary Vice-Presidents: Prof. PHILIP N. LOVE (1952-58), CBE, DL, MA, LL.B, LL.D (President, 1987-88) 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) (President 2014-15) DOUGLAS R. HARPER (1944-58) MB, ChB, 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 (1965-69) MA, MSc, PhD (President (2021-2022) KENNETH C. McHARDY 1964-73) MD, FRCPE, FAcadMEd (President 2022-2023) (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 NEIL J.G. LAWRIE (1961-74) President-Elect GRAHAM M. THOMSON (1979-83) Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive Prof. DAVID M. REID (1959-69) MBE, MBChB, MD, FRCP, FRCPE 60

Former Pupils’ Section

Interim Secretary STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-69) MA, MSc, PhD Treasurer JOHN C.A. MICHIE (1944-58) Interim General & Notes Editors of Magazine STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-69) DAVID M. REID (1959-69) 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

61

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Ordinary Members of the Executive Committee FERGUS KENNEDY (2012-18)

GRAHAM M. THOMSON (1979-83)

NEIL J.G. LAWRIE (1961-74)

KIRSTEEN WATT (1976-82)

EMMA A. MAIR (1985-91)

NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69)

JOHN C.A. MICHIE (1944-58)

DAVID WHYTE (1962-68)

GEOFFREY E. MORRISON (1992-98) 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

62

Former Pupils’ Section

Annual General Meeting for Year to 27 March 2023 The One-hundred and twentieth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held on Monday 27th March 2023 with Alan Campbell, the Vice President, in the Chair. The Chairman reported as follows:

Chairman’s Annual Report As I write this, my eighth and final report as Chair and Vice President of the Club, it seems the case that no year now is merely “business as usual”! A number of important and far-reaching matters have been agreed by the Executive Committee which, with other recent changes, will have a significant and positive impact on the future of the FP Club. Principally these relate to communication with members and management arrangements.

Following the death of Brian K. Crookshanks in January 2022, Iain ‘Hoppy’ Hopkin stepped into the principal editor role for one year to ensure that the Magazine for 2022 was produced. He set about the task with characteristic gusto and the result was a comprehensive volume with a wide variety of interesting articles. Thank you, Hoppy.

The future of The Magazine in this digital age had been under general consideration by the Executive for some time and especially since the advent of our digital platform. As a result of detailed consideration, the decision has been taken to cease publication of the traditional paper copy Magazine. Given the magnificent history of the Magazine going back to the 1890s this decision was not reached lightly. However, in line with many other organisations, it is felt that the digital platform is the right way to communicate news and information to members of the Club throughout the year at appropriate times in line with current expectations. An ‘annual timetable’ of news items and features is being devised and together with plans to enhance the Club’s capabilities in this direction with part-time professional support I am confident that the end product will be a fitting continuation of the commitment and vision of the founding fathers of The Magazine.

I mentioned in the previous paragraph the need for some professional support on a part-time basis. I have referred to this need at recent AGMs. We are now in a position financially to take this forward and I’m delighted to report that the new Executive to be appointed at the AGM are to consider proposals from the current Executive on a way of achieving this by appointing a part-time Development Officer whose role would focus on communication with members and support of managerial tasks but may also include communication with senior students at the School.

The Luther Kitson Smith golf bequest for the promotion of golf at the School amongst highhandicap players has been enthusiastically embraced by the School and Head of Sport. Our Nigel Watt is the FP liaison person on this subject, and he brings energy, expertise and commitment

63

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

such that the collective drive probably exceeds the generous benefactor’s aspirations! During the year a contribution of £19k was made from the bequest towards the purchase of a used minibus in recognition of the role it plays in ferrying school golfers to and from the golf centre.

In my previous Annual Report reference was made to the adoption of a new management structure for the Executive. Given that a number of office bearers are standing down this year, including the Vice Chair and Chair I am now setting out for information and for adoption, if agreed, at the appropriate point on the agenda, a list of positions and nominees. You will recall that the whole membership have been invited on at least three occasions over the last 6 months to consider how they might assist the Club. This table includes those who have responded to that invitation, volunteered and maintained an interest even after dialogue with current officials!

Ordinary Members of the Executive Committee: Chair

Prof. David Reid

Vice Chair

Stuart Cummings

Secretary

Vacancy

Treasurer

John Michie

Sports Representative

Geoff Morrison

‘Magazine’

Vacancy

Executive Members currently four nominees for seven vacancies: Fergus Kennedy Graham Thomson Nigel Watt David Whyte Observer at the Executive-Neil Lawrie, President Named, non-Executive Management Positions, yet to be fully defined and filled by one or more members: Website Manager Membership Secretary School Liaison Officer-Gillian Thomas Social Secretary Fundraising Officer Archive Manager

64

Former Pupils’ Section

Centenary of Award of Joint Nobel Prize to Prof John Macleod for discovery of insulin in the treatment of diabetes A highlight of the year was President Ken McHardy’s presentation on AGS’s Insulin Pioneers.

A Supper and Talk was held in Aberdeen in February to which all members of the Club were invited. Ken entertained the audience with his fascinating insights into a little-known part of social history. An “active” memorial in the form of a bronze representation of Macleod is to be unveiled in the Duthie Park in Autumn 2023. The Executive welcomed this initiative which will publicise Macleod and the importance of his work. The Executive agreed to make a contribution of £5,000 to the public appeal which would include a granite paver acknowledging Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils at the new memorial site.

Appreciation In this my final meeting I would like to put on record my thanks to those office bearers who have worked very hard over these last eight difficult years and given freely of their time and talents to get us to the positive position we are in as of March 2023. The Club is considerably in their debt as we pass on the baton.

Alan G Campbell Chair of the Executive Committee (2015-2023)

65

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

President’s Report 2022-2023 It has been a great honour and privilege to have served as AGS FP Club President for 2022-23, following on from Stuart Cummings (class of ’69), and handing over to Neil Lawrie who was a year behind me during our school days.

My term as President has been complicated by the fact that I have also continued as Vice Chair of the Club Executive in the absence of anyone to take over that role. As well as involvement in all of the ongoing business of the FP Club, this has particularly involved me in ongoing efforts to refresh club management and attract some new contributors. In the more ceremonial or representative roles expected of the President, I have been into the School on a few occasions meeting the Head Teacher, meeting senior pupils with a potential FP benefactor and attending a book launch on a biography of former pupil, Francis Metcalfe.

I have also had meetings in the school in relation to my major interest in the history of the discovery of insulin and am hopeful that a long-delayed offer to help pupils with associated projects will eventually come to fruition after the forthcoming SQA examinations. I have had numerous opportunities in recent times to speak and write about Aberdeen’s eminent role in the discovery and early use of insulin and had the opportunity at a supper meeting in February to tell FP Club members about Jack Macleod (1884-93; co-discoverer of insulin 1922 and Nobel laureate 1923) and Robin Lawrence (1900-09; saved from imminent death by insulin and a leading champion in diabetes care in Europe and beyond for 45 years thereafter). During my Presidency, I have been able to promote the position of the School in the insulin story at meetings hosted by The Toronto Medical Historical Club (May), The Scottish Society for the History of Medicine (May), The Bon Accord Rotary Club (July), the Garioch Probus Club (Aug), the Deeside Probus Club (Oct), The Aberdeen City Burgesses (Nov), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (Feb) and the meeting of the Order of Scottish Samurai (Mar) at which a posthumous honour will be accorded to Professor Macleod. I have contributed a review article to the Canadian Journal of Health History to be published autumn ’23 and I have submitted for publication a refreshed version of biography of JJR Macleod first written in 1993 by my former tutor, mentor, colleague, friend and fellow-Grammarian, Dr Michael Williams (1936-45) who died last summer aged 91.

Finally, on the insulin trail, I have provided historical support to the group planning to erect a memorial to JJR Macleod in Duthie Park later this year.

I contributed four pieces to the AGS Magazine published last December including a personal biography, a memoir of my time in the School Pipe Band (1967-73) and obituaries for Dr Williams and my former English teacher, David Northcroft who I had assisted lately in producing his two Aberdeen Lives oral history volumes.

66

Former Pupils’ Section

I accepted two recent invitations as President attending an evening event run by Harlaw Academy/High School for Girls Former Pupils in February, and the annual dinner of the Gordonian Association in March; on the latter occasion I was required to propose the toast to my hosts during which I was able to commend them for developing and maintaining their highly successful former pupils’ association.

As I demit office (and simultaneously leave my role on the Executive) I would like to thank all members who support the activities of the Club and its Executive and express my gratitude to those who have helped me in my efforts to make some contribution towards ensuring that our Club can flourish in the years ahead. I should also like to offer my very best wishes to my successor, Neil Lawrie and hope that he enjoys his year as President as much as I have.

Ken McHardy, President (2022-2023) March 2023

67

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Club President 2023-2024

NEIL J.G. LAWRIE (1961-74) Neil was born on the 13th March 1956 at the nursing home then at 55 Queens Road. His first family home was in Ashvale Place, in close proximity to the original Ashvale Fish and Chip shop and Holburn Ices, which may have left a lasting impression on his dietary priorities. He remained there until 1971 when attainment of the requisite council housing points permitted a move to Hazlehead.

Due to the vagaries of school admission dates, he spent his first six months in education at Broomhill Primary School before being admitted to the Grammar kindergarten at age five (and a bit) before progressing to the Lower School where the influences of Miss Mathieson, Miss Stewart and Miss Valentine had varying degrees of success. He was not exactly an academic, spending most of his time at the front of Miss Stewart’s class, under her watchful eye. She and Miss Valentine apparently shared a rubber stamp for “must try harder” for his report cards, which he still possesses! Messrs Morrison and Niddrie were the head teachers of the day.

Neil survived secondary education with his customary lack of enthusiasm for many achievements on paper, but undoubtedly benefitted from the cerebral environment. Perhaps the influence of his 1st year French teacher, who was always late for the first class on a Monday, and whose Mini Cooper could be heard screeching into school at the last minute, influenced him! Neil still owns a (real) Mini Cooper 35.

68

Former Pupils’ Section

Other influences were music, by way of choral singing, and art, by way of the photographic club. Neil was, and is, not a natural sportsman, although he did represent the school on the rugby field occasionally (No. 8) and once brought down the legendary Ian Spence in a heap on a Monday afternoon while he was “going for the line”, when a fortuitous opportunity to tackle him presented itself. His preference for sliding down snowy slopes on two bits of stick did not please the PE department, despite their promotion of the introductory course at the new dry slope at Kaimhill, run by PE teachers from “other schools”. He had a prefect’s locker in The Howff, during his final year at School.

One lifelong influence to which he was introduced at School was Scouting. Responding to a circulated invitation to join the 17th (Aberdeen Grammar School) Cub Pack, he was placed on their waiting list due to a vast oversubscription of prospective members. However, the 9th (Aberdeen Grammar School) Cub pack offered him a place, and he is still there, as Group Scout Leader, 59 years later. He, along with fellow Grammarian, Brian Davidson, represented Aberdeen Scouting at the 13th World Scout Jamboree, on the foothills of Mount Fuji in 1971. They survived extreme heat, Japanese gastronomic “delicacies” (now called sushi!) whilst proudly representing Scotland at daily festival celebrations, and Typhoon Olive! Performing an eightsome reel at the opening ceremony in front of an audience of 17,000 was memorable, as was his first ever curry, eaten in the buffet car of the “Bullet” Train, travelling at over 120 miles an hour! At that time, aforesaid Jimmy Morrison, his former Lower School Headmaster, was Scout District Commissioner. Participation in many Scout Gang Shows continued his musical interests.

In 1975 Neil met Carol Ann Beaton, from the High School, at her end of exams party, hosted by another fellow Grammarian, John Lamont. John would be his best man at their wedding three years later. Carol Ann, having graduated as a mathematician, worked as an auditor, and was Cub Scout Leader for over 30 years in “The Ninth”, along with many other Scouting roles. Sadly, Carol Ann lost her fight with breast cancer in September 2021. As Neil (too) often says, they had no children of their own, just hundreds of everyone else’s!

On leaving School, Neil was a Police Cadet for 9 months, along with several other Grammarians, then a Police Officer with Grampian Police for 30 years. Whilst doing his share of operational policing, exclusively in Aberdeen City, he was a specialist for most of his service. Initially after his two-year probationary period (ironic term?), he was a local bobby at Hazlehead. Subsequently, he worked in the Communications and Traffic departments before taking up the role of Road Safety Officer for nine years. He was a signed-up member of The Tufty Club, a friend of Berty Beacon, hosted Dave Prowse to dinner when the Green Cross man came to town, a promoter of the Schools Traffic Education Programme and local Chief Instructor of “Star Rider (!!!). He still uses the camera tripod presented to him by the Aberdeen Motorcycle Training Scheme.

His Divisional Commander once ended an early annual appraisal with the words “You are going to be a communicator” and he was right. Those English Speaking Board certificates in public speaking, gained every year at school (a paper qualification!) were to come in handy at last. After a posting to the Force Control Room, he followed in the footsteps of Grammarian, and nationally acknowledged PNC (Police National Computer) expert, the late sergeant Graham Deans, to

69

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

become one of its instructors. This led to Neil being appointed as the support officer and “super user” for PNC and the computerised Command and Control System, called STORM. He retired in 2005 having successfully maintained the same rank throughout his service, enjoying many fascinating experiences assisting other Forces throughout the UK, and the single Force (!) serving Sweden when they signed up to STORM. Neil has been a member of the FP Club and Centre since leaving School. The Club Centre at 86 Queens Road was the natural gathering place for the leaders of the three Grammar Troops on a Friday night after Scouts, and at other times, but a move to Westhill in 1978 and the necessity for PC Lawrie to drive there sober, began to restrict those attendances and he became a “lapsed” life member of the Club until he was “volunteered” (by the late Brian Crookshanks) to be the annual dinner organiser. The chair of the Executive at that time was Douglas McAllister, who was the head boy in his year, so how could he refuse?

In retirement, scouting, gardening, socialising and Rascal (his cat) occupy his time – Oh and the Mini Cooper 35 – and the Hillman Imp awaiting restoration and………..

As he sets out on his year as President, at a time of many changes in the Club, Neil would like to be an ambassador for its entire membership, to encourage innovation and greater participation by a wider cross section of FPs of all ages.

70

Former Pupils’ Section

Centre Reports Canada Centre For the first report for the new digital format for the Magazine, I thought it might be informative to provide an overview on the founding of the Canada Centre in 1993, its succeeding activities through 2022, where it now stands and its future direction.

The Canada Centre was formed in 1993 thanks to the efforts of Douglas Menzies (1933-44) and Peter Jeffrey (1944-59) who were convinced there was a sufficient body of FPs in Canada to warrant the feasibility of annual reunions. Accordingly, the first reunion took place in Edmonton AB in the fall of 1993. The first gathering was followed by 26 consecutive reunion weekends, alternating between Western and Central Canada, at a total of seven locations until 2019. The Covid pandemic broke the streak but a 28th reunion was held again in Vancouver BC in 2022.

The reunions took the format of a three-day weekend with a formal dinner on the Saturday sandwiched between two informal mixers on the days on either side of the dinner. The reason for the multi day event was to acknowledge the vast geography of Canada which required many attendees to travel overnight to a reunion either by car or by plane. (On a personal note, the shortest distance I travelled to a reunion was 200 miles and the longest 2500 miles).

The travel demands of Canada required novel solutions to ensure reunions were successfully attended. First it was decided that spouses and partners of FPs would be invited to attend the reunions since the FP would be away from home for at least three days. Secondly, it was also realised that the limited number of FPs in Canada provided an opportunity for members who lived in the USA also to be invited to join the Canada Centre and be eligible to attend the reunions.

Thirdly, and most ground-breaking, was the decision to allow FPs living in North America who were not active members of the Parent Club to be members of the Canada Centre. Currently the Canada Centre has 38 members of the Parent Club and 28 members who are not. Two members of the latter category have been appointed President of the Canada Centre.

It should also be noted that until 2019 the presidency was an honorary appointment with the principal task of proposing the toast to the School and the Club at the formal dinner following an appropriate speech. The work of keeping the Canada Centre running was done by the very able secretaries of the Centre during that time. Now we operate with both an active President and Secretary throughout the year. One challenge that the Canada Centre faced in the time of the reunions was tracking down FPs who moved to Canada and the USA and encouraging them to become active members. Since the early 1980s far fewer FPs have crossed the Atlantic perhaps due in part to the much greater opportunities now afforded in the European Union. We are hoping that modern databases maintained by the Parent Club will assist us in locating new members.

71

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Covid pandemic has resulted in significant changes for the Canada Centre. When travel restrictions were lifted, we were able to organise a two-day reunion in Vancouver BC which was attended by 10 FPs (+ spouses and partners). We were also able to keep up what had become a tradition of hosting either the Parent Club President or Past President (most recently Stuart Cummings who travelled from Belgium). It should be noted the reunion was a most enjoyable event. However, the challenges in organizing the 2022 reunion clearly indicate that the parameters have moved to new dynamic. The average age of the North American attendees was over 80, epitomised by the number of previously regular reunion attending FPs who now decline to travel considerable distances for health reasons. It has become clear that organizing either three- or two-day reunions in Canada is no longer feasible and no attempt has been made to have a reunion this year thus ending our near 30-year streak.

So where does the Canada Centre go now? Since 2019 we have taken advantage of digital technology to morph our irregular newsletters with occasional news into a regular quarterly update on matters of interest to North American FPs. As an example, please note our recent fund-raising effort for the JJR Macleod statue in Duthie Park. We hope that this regular communication with our members will also facilitate contacts between FPs who live in close geographical proximity for spontaneous meetings from time to time in certain cluster locations such as Calgary. Ottawa and Vancouver Island.

As we are doing this, we are watching with great interest the transition of Parent Club communications to the website. We observe their posting of a monthly newsletter to be followed it is assumed by a digital Magazine with detailed reports on all FP activities (school reports, note on FPs, articles of interest, obituaries, sports sections, etc.) which formerly appeared in the print Magazine.

We look forward to coordinating with the Parent Club as they continue with their makeover on how to keep the news flowing, to working on encouraging school leavers to become active FPs and to using the website to re-energise the Club.

Michael G. King (1951-60) Secretary AGSFP Canada Centre Michaelking806@comcast.net

72

Former Pupils’ Section

Edinburgh Centre The Centre has now been inactive for five years which apart from World War 2 has been the only such period since its inception in 1932. Other Centres, notably London and Glasgow, have gone through a similar experience but have been resuscitated.

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. A similar plea in last two Magazines has elicited a zero response!

At present, there is no Annual Dinner of the Edinburgh Centre planned for 2023 but it is hoped to organise an informal get-together in the autumn similar to the one which had to be cancelled at short notice in March 2020.

In the absence of a formal AGM, which is traditionally held during the Annual Dinner, Nigel Watt continues as the acting 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 07802404056, Nigel G.M. Watt (1963-69) Secretary AGSFP Edinburgh Centre ngmwatt77@gmail.com

73

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Glasgow Centre Since Covid-19, we have been unable to host our Annual Dinner and it was this year that we felt that it was time to host a Glasgow Centre Dinner for the AGSFPs. Gary Allan was able to source a new venue, the Bothy, off Byres Road. Our President, Malcolm Gauld, sent out the invites and we had a group of 18 people attending. Unfortunately, due to the extreme weather conditions down the east coast of Scotland, the School Depute Teacher, Alan Martin and the Head Girl, Fatima Sellami and Head Boy, Sam Lynch were unable to attend as their train was cancelled the day of the Dinner.

The evening was a great success, Malcolm Gauld chaired the order of events, and we held a very short AGM before Gary, as a Past President of the Parent Club, proposed the Toast to the School and the Club and then Stefan Colling and Margery Taylor read out the replies from the School.

Our main speaker was, Neil Lawrie, current President of The Parent Club. He has been behind the scenes for many years and has organised past AGSFP’s Dinners. Neil spoke of his fond school memories and how he was the Ambassador for Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils Club.

He rekindled an old friendship with Brian Davidson, who had accompanied him to Japan in 1971, as Aberdeen representatives to the 13th World Scout Jamboree. They had not seen each other since they left school in 1974. Neil served in the Police and was keen to meet David Allan, as a past President of the Parent Club and as Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde who worked abroad as a UK Government Strategic Police Advisor and had been known as ‘The Legend’. Neil completed his speech of the past, the present and the future of the FP Club & Centre and Malcolm Daniel was able to give a vote of thanks to everyone who contributed to this event.

Overall, a great evening for the Former Pupils and friends to meet up and rekindle friendships and interests. The food was excellent, and the company had time before and after the meal to speak to each other and reminisce on memories of Aberdeen Grammar School, back in the day. Many thanks to all those who attended and a special thanks to those who travelled to attend this special occasion.

The Glasgow Centre lost James Peter Cairns in December last year. He was a founding member of the Glasgow Centre of the FP Club from its resurrection in 1980. He was the Treasurer of the Centre and with a professional life in banking he was able to assist in establishing the new Bank of Zambia.

He enjoyed sailing and spent many happy trips exploring the Hebrides. Peter was an intrepid and enthusiastic traveller throughout the world. Peter fought serious illness for many years with great determination and he died peacefully after contracting sepsis in hospital. He is survived by Lesley, his wife of 53 years and by his daughters Helen, Gill and Joanna and by his beloved grandchildren.

He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.

If any Former Pupils are in Glasgow, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary, Margery Taylor.

Margery Taylor (1975-81) Secretary AGSFP Glasgow Centre margerytaylor5@gmail.com

74

Former Pupils’ Section

London Centre The London Centre has had a quieter year following the success of the House of Commons dinner in the summer of 2022. We had planned a Sunday lunch in November, but we didn’t receive sufficient interest. It is hoped that we can organise some more regular events in 2024.

Currently we have 124 members which makes us the largest Centre outside of Aberdeen and typically we have 15-20 FPs plus Partners turning out for our various events. We also have a Facebook group (Aberdeen Grammar School FPs – London Centre) with around 30 additional FPs who have not yet signed up to be members of the Club (something for us to work on!).

In June 23, our London Centre President Sandy Nicol had the pleasure of accepting a guest invitation to the Gordonian Association London Branch annual dinner at Ognisko in South Kensington. Sandy commented afterwards in his thank you note: “The dinner was brilliant, and I really enjoyed the evening – the people, the organisation, the venue and the food. I’m very glad to see London Gordonians in such rude health and to be able to attract over sixty people to the dinner. Long may it continue. I hope that we are able to develop stronger links between our clubs in the future”.

I’m pleased to say that in April 2024, I will have the honour of taking up the role of FP Club President. In doing so I will be the first London Centre FP to hold this position since Donald Lamont in 2010/11. I’ll also be organising a Year Group reunion for the 40th anniversary of the class of 1984 so I look forward to some more frequent trips to Aberdeen next year.

If any London members would like to get in touch with suggestions for events in 2024, then please do send me an email.

Graham Thomson (1979-83) Secretary AGSFP London Centre Email: grahamsally501@btinternet.com

Yorkshire Centre The Yorkshire Section has not been very active recently, as there have not been many FPs actively involved in the FP Club in the area. However, Yorkshire Secretary Dave Galloway will be getting in touch with Yorkshire-based members soon, to see if we can arrange a get-together of some sort in the near future and would be happy to hear from any FPs who are in the area.

David Galloway (1976-82) Secretary AGSFP Yorkshire Centre davegalloway1964@hotmail.com

75

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Section Reports Cricket – 2023

FP cricket had a very successful 2023 season. Having won Grade 1 and the Aberdeenshire Cup in 2021, the loss of many key players led to relegation in 2022. After seven years of captaincy Rob Swiergon stood down and was replaced by Agha Haider who has spent many years with the club. Under his stewardship, FPs won 13 games out of 17, marching to the Grade 2 title in the process. FPs completed the cup double hammering Abergreen in the final at Mannofield to lift the Bon Accord Cup. The team had fairly low expectations for the season but at the halfway stage it became apparent FPs had a real chance of heading straight back to Grade 1. Having started the season despatching Huntly for just 30 as Prash picked up 5 for 11, FPs faced a tougher game at Banchory in the second week of the season eventually winning by 13 runs thanks to another five wickets from Prash (5/24) to back up the batters who had made 203 for 7 with twin 49s from Alex Keith, Agha Haider and 48 from Rob Swiergon. Haider averaged 70.1 with 561 runs and a best of 88 not out against 2nd Grampian He was supported by stalwart Alex Keith who amassed 552 at 46 and Rob Swirgon with 296 at 26.9. Unfortunately, Karan Anand who is a gun batsman was seldom available but did still manage to make two unbeaten centuries in his five innings.

Hasnain Javaid also made a thrilling if rather unexpected century, 108 against Fraserburgh.

Prash was again top bowler with 30 wickets at 9.5, while the unheralded bowling of Rob Swiergon was a revelation with 25 wickets at 14. Hasnain Javaid’s bowling has improved throughout the season, and he grabbed 25 victims at 18.5 including 4 for 20 in the cup final. Skipper Agha Haider claimed 21 at 18.2 and extreme part timer Geoff Morrison picked up many unlikely but

76

Former Pupils’ Section

vital wickets, taking 10 at 15.6. Given he was the main wicketkeeper it was a rather unlikely occurrence.

The most amazing bowling feat occurred at much fancied Ellon as Mahesh Challa who had returned after a season away at rivals Knightriders took 8 for 10 in an incredible spell as a strong Ellon line-up crumbled for a barely believable 28. The run of 5 wicket hauls continued against Knightriders, this time the returning Sean Harrower claiming 6 for 13 in an 8-wicket win.

FPs then had a very tough cup quarter final slumping to 41 for 4 in the 6th over, before a stand of 89 between skipper Agha Haider (49no) and wicketkeeper Geoff Morrison (31) helped FPs to a useful 133 for 6 in their 20 overs. Some strong bowling and brilliant fielding helped FPs to a six-run win. In the next round FPs despatched Ellon thanks to some tight bowling. FPs then met Abergreen and Man of the Match Alex Keith rolled back the years with an unbeaten 77 as FPs roared to victory.

At the start of June, FPs made history taking part in the ever game at Inverdee and had an enjoyable day out making 256 for 4. After a long time out of the team Karan Anand returned with a trademark innings smashing 109 not out including 11 sixes, his blistering knock rather outshining Alex Keith’s classy 73. Wickets were shared between Rob Swiergon, Geoff Morrison and Prash is a comfortable win. These six wins setups a top of the table clash with Methlick but yet another half century from Agha Haider and 60 from Alex Keith saw FPs to a very comfortable win.

The captaincy had clearly had a positive effect on Agha Haider as in the next game against Ellon he made another composed unbeaten 50, his fourth of the season to go with two 49s as FPs made short work of Ellon’s 102 all out, Haider also claiming three wickets.

In the main the team had been winning comfortably, but the unbeaten record was seriously threatened in a tetchy affair at Huntly. Having been bowled out for just 88, FPs were up against it and spurred on by an enthusiastic home crowd Huntly had seemed well placed for victory.

Fired up seamers George Gill (4/11) and Rob Swiergon (4/27) had other ideas and FPs snatched a five-run win in dramatic style. Karan smashed his second ton of the season, but it was former FP Aman Sood with a brilliant ton of his own that led to FPs first loss. FPs lost the following week to Grampian in a very poor showing despite Hasnain Javaid’s best efforts.

FPs all but secured the title with back to back wins against Fraserburgh, one thanks to Hasnain Javaid’s belligerent if slightly improbable century and the other a scarcely believable away win

77

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

as a threadbare FPs called in players for the first game in many years including John Davey and James Williams but some crafty captaincy from stand in Morrison and excellent batting from Leston D’Costa (79) and Ben Garwood (47no) saw FPs to another win, Garwood a welcome dual sports player, also playing for the rugby team. FPs then fell to a controversial and bad-tempered loss to Knightriders but secured the title with a huge win against Abergreen, Swiergon batting 86 not out.

Overall it was a very successful season gaining promotion and winning the cup but as it stands FPs are not equipped to compete in Grade 1. The team is very dependent on eight individuals who play nearly every week but when they are unavailable the team is light on options. 22 players turned out and longer term for FP cricket to flourish there is a need for more players and hopefully the re-establishment of a 2nd XI. There is a plan to look to recruit players over the winter, but the lack of a social club and poor facilities has had a hugely negative effect on players who have played previously and also on players who may join who have preferable facilities elsewhere. What has been hugely encouraging has been the standard of the fielding with few catches dropped as well as a solid presence behind the stumps in Morrison who is never short of a word of advice to the batsman. Agha Haider was fielding cup winner with nine catches and five run outs, brother-in-law Hasnain Javaid just behind on 13. Tom Murray was superb in the field and while his numbers don’t show it, his efforts in the field were vital for FPs and he chipped in with a few vital runs. Mike Nattrass, Jim Lee and Pete Macklin turned out regularly and all contributed with runs and some excellent fielding.

All results and match reports can be found on our website www.aberdeencricket.com.

Geoff Morrison Secretary geoff@aberdeencricket.com

78

Former Pupils’ Section

Women’s Hockey – 2022-2023

AGSFP Women after their victory in Elgin against Quasar

Season 2022-2023 got underway in August 2022, following a later than usual AGM the Club decided to enter three XI’s for the season. Emma Mair proposed the increase in teams owing to the continued success of the Club’s junior squads. Generally, the Club welcomes school players into the adult teams from S3 onwards and with the potential number of keen players it seemed like the obvious way for as many people to play a match at a weekend as the Club could manage.

The Club did have a spell with three XI’s back in the ‘90’s and so while it was known what was being undertaken was a challenge, we hoped it was not too daunting!

Ongoing issues with pitches and lets meant the Club officials (sincere thanks to Emma Williams and Ny Leonard) had to work extra hard to secure enough lets for all the matches to be played and of course our long-suffering Umpire.

Secretary, Gillian Bain, was looking for an additional official each weekend. The coaches (mostly thanks here to Helen Bruce, Rob Bruce, Emma Williams, Claire Drummond and Emma Mair) kept training fun and interesting. The Club had to use the facility efficiently to ensure everyone had plenty of time on the ball in our training sessions which had larger numbers in attendance weekly.

North District had three leagues for the season and the Club managed to enter one team in each of the three leagues. The 1st XI had a super season in North District Division One. Claire Drummond captained the side again and ensured there were enough players for each match.

Highlights for the year were watching our younger players blending well with our more mature ‘girls’. Two S4’s in particular, Corah Taylor and Hannah Mair got themselves regular places in the 1st XI and contributed well to the team’s performances. S6, Izzy Deady was another star for the team. She worked tirelessly in midfield and always attended training with a smile on her face. Our older ‘girls’ revelled in playing alongside the youngsters and a few other younger players made it into the squad as the season progressed which bodes well for next season. The team finished

79

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

the season mid-table and were rarely beaten by more than one goal on the days they did not win. All round a highly enjoyable and happy season for the 1’s. Captain Claire Drummond moved away from Aberdeen at the end of the season, so we thank her for her significant contributions to the Club. We wish her well with her plans and very much hope she returns to Aberdeen at some point. We will always have a place for her on the team!

Emma Williams continued in her reign as Captain of our 2nd XI. The squad is always so well organised and brings out the best in all those who are fortunate enough to play in the team. They played in Development Division A this season. They had some very tough opposition as Clubs they were up against had been boosted in player strength in the months preceding the leagues.

They played their hearts out week in, week out. Again, a placing in the table that did not truly reflect how well they played. Stars from the school in this squad were S5’s Freya Escott, Fatima Sellami and Molly Evans and of course, Caitlin Taylor from S6. Megan Bruce played for the 2nd XI for the first half of the year and then played also with the 1st XI. Well done to all.

Unusually the Club decided to have a mostly non-playing Captain for the 3rd XI. We needed to have someone to arrange the matches, pull together the team and coordinate arrangements with the other clubs. Hannah Mair volunteered to take on the role and ensured we had a full team each week for the 3rd XI and even managed to play for the 3’s for some of the games. The team played in Development League B and the guidelines for the League encouraged Clubs to have a couple of more experienced players supporting and playing alongside the players in this League.

The team did very well in their inaugural league experience. They lost most of the games in the first half of the season as they came to terms with playing people with more experience and then they blossomed in the second half of the season with some excellent wins. The improvements across the team were a joy to watch. The S3 and S4 girls played alongside some of our adults, and they all gained in confidence as the season progressed. They also finished mid table and had lots of fun along the way. Thanks go in particular to Emma Mair, Gil Lyttle and Gillian Bain for turning out for the team to support their development.

International honours were again bestowed upon Helen Bruce who represented Scotland at the Masters World Cup in South Africa. Helen’s dedication and enthusiasm continues to be an inspiration to the younger players at the Club. The older players are simply in awe. We are so very lucky to have her play for the Club.

Indoor leagues did resume in 2022-2023. They were short and sweet. The venue was disappointing but generally fun was had by all those who got the chance to play. The Club entered two teams and for the first time we needed to play on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The situation was not ideal for the players or the umpires with other regular commitments. The 1’s played amazingly well and without a goalkeeper, by choice. They played some very tidy hockey and scored quite a few cracking goals. The 2’s enjoyed the fast and furious style of indoor at Peterculter Sports Centre too. Friday nights in winter were a challenge but we rose to it and performed well. Who knows what the Indoor Season might look like in 2023-2024?

80

Former Pupils’ Section

AGS Women’s Hockey 2022-2023

The Club wishes to sincerely thank Gillian Graham in particular, for her umpiring commitment and support to the Club. Gillian turns up in all weathers and officiates with great skill. She knows her craft well and we are forever grateful for all her time. Thanks also to Fraser Bruce, Andy Deady, Rob Bruce and Rob Parfitt who gave their time to umpire matches for the Club. Thanks to Gillian Bain for arranging the umpire appointments on a weekly basis.

The Club has continued to offer coaching sessions for the youngsters of Ashley Road and Aberdeen Grammar School this season. The numbers attending these groups are excellent (weekly in excess of 150 youngsters are guided in hockey by our Club) and the hope is that many of these youngsters work their way into the AGSFP teams in the fullness of time. The Club has sent teams to U10, U12, U14 and U16 experiences this season. All players, coaches and parents deserve credit for their efforts.

AGS Seniors (coached by AGSFP’s) in a fun mixed match

81

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Thanks to Emma Mair for coordinating and delivering many of the weekly sessions. Thanks also to Brian Fitzpatrick, Craig Mason, Andy Martin, Lewis Mair (AGS – S6), Julia Stenhouse, Lisa Tomkins, Emma Williams, Erica Taylor and Lenita Hayton who all help weekly. Others now regularly committed to helping are Hannah Mair, Megan Bruce and Corah Taylor (All S4) and Caitlin Taylor (S6). Thanks to each and every one of you for all you have done and are doing.

As ever, 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 to see how you get on. Training is on Tuesday evenings at Rubislaw from 7.00pm-8.30pm. This coming season the usual youth session (any school) P7/S1 and S2 will be from 6-7pm on Tuesdays before senior training time. AGS school sessions will also resume.

For further information, contact: Emma Mair Secretary emma.mair14@gmail.com

82

Former Pupils’ Section

Aberdeen Grammar Rugby 2023 Whilst Aberdeen Grammar Rugby is a separate entity from the AGSFP Club, we know that many former pupils are keen to follow Aberdeen Grammar Rugby’s progress and the Chair of the Board of Directors of Aberdeen Grammar Rugby has therefore submitted the following report: We currently are fielding two male senior teams in National 2 and Caledonia 3, as well as four youth teams in the Caledonia Region in the U13, 14, 15 & 16 competitions. Beneath this is a large mini section from 4 years to 12 years. In total we have 250 mini/youth players and 60 senior players at the club supported by over 50 volunteers, ranging from coaches, administrators and various committee members.

The club has a large number of young female players coming through the mini section and in 2024 a girl’s U13/14 side will be competing in female-specific leagues.

The senior side has struggled since Covid, mainly due to the large number of players who retired during the enforced break from rugby. Their young replacements are adjusting to the rigors of National Rugby, and they are currently supported by a coaching team consisting of Eric Strachan, Ryan Strachan and Mark Muir. We provide a full strength and conditioning program as well as physiotherapy support to the players.

Kevin Burnett is our Director of Rugby and has worked hard with Iain MacAdie and others to rebuild the youth section after our enforced merger with Aberdeen Wanderers, caused by SRU policy decisions on funding. This project was abandoned three years ago and the U13 to U18 club pathway will be complete in 2024 with an U18 side once again being established.

The club funds a Development Officer (Liam Buchan) who is heavily engaged in delivering rugby at Aberdeen Grammar School, Harlaw Academy, Lochside Academy and Cults Academy, as well as their feeder Primary Schools. This is an expensive program currently costing the club circa £20,000 a year on top of the SRU contribution. It is our desire to expand this provision into other state schools and a crowdfunding site is to be established.

Like almost all Rugby Clubs in the UK. we have seen a drop in senior male players due to a number of societal reasons and concerns over the long-term consequences of repeated head injuries. We provide a comprehensive welfare package for our players, which is highly commended by the SRU. The club requires approximately £85,000 per annum to operate, with the largest single cost being transport. The sponsorship market in Aberdeen has been difficult but we continue to interact with the business community to raise funds. A lot of work has been carried out on plans for improving the facilities at Rubislaw and Harlaw and we are currently in dialogue with the SRU, Sport Scotland, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeen Grammar School FP Club to enhance the rugby facilities initially at Harlaw and possibly at Rubislaw.

83

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Finally, a new set of Governance Protocols have been agreed and these can be viewed on the website www.aberdeenrugby.org.uk. In compliance with other sports bodies and current corporate governance, they provide a separation of powers with greater transparency of decision-making as well as a more diverse General Committee. Iain MacAdie is Chair of the General Committee whilst Gordon Thomson chairs the Board of Directors.

For those interested in recent results and updates these can be found on AGR Newsroom https:// aberdeenrugby.org.uk/newsroom/.

Gordon Thomson Chair of Board of Directors of Aberdeen Grammar Rugby gordon@nationwidewitness.com

84

Former Pupils’ Section

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.

Your Data Your postal details only will be sent to the printer to enable Magazine distribution where necessary.

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.

85

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

FP Club Membership Subscription Rates The current policy of the Executive is to review Subscription rates annually, but in normal circumstances we would hope that it will only be necessary to amend them every five years. The Life Member “Top up” scheme – which has been hugely successful – involves a payment of £20 to cover a five-year period. Top-ups are now due for the period 2024 to 2028 inclusive.

A number of members’ Top Ups from prior periods remain unpaid. The Life Fund is stronger than it was, but still requires further “topping up”. The £20 “Top up” works out at just £4 per year for the 5-year period and greatly helps to offset the ever-increasing cost of producing this Magazine. We also draw down 5% of the Life Fund each year which works out at roughly £1 per Life Member, so that, when this is added to the £4 from the “Top up”, the Club receives £5 per Life Member in total each year. This does not yet match the £12.50 or so we receive from Annual Members but is moving in the right direction and we are certainly much better off than we were before the “Top up” scheme was introduced in 2000. We had a tremendous response to the introduction of the scheme, which is voluntary, and the vast majority of Life Members have responded very positively. These payments are a vital part of the Club’s income.

Subscription rates for 2024 are as follows: Life Membership: New Life Members: £100 plus a £20 “Top up” every five years, the first “Top up” being payable five years after Life Membership is taken out.

Existing Life Members: £20 “Top up” every 5 years.

Annual Membership: Ordinary Members: £12.50 by cheque or £10 if paid by Standing Order School Leavers: Free up to five years from leaving.

Special Notes for Members over 75: Historically, all members of the FP Club become “Long Service” Members from 1st January in the year following the year in which they reach the age of 75. Thereafter Life Members are no longer expected to make “Top up” Payments and Ordinary (Annual) Members no longer have to pay Subscriptions. However, as a very significant number of members are aged over 75, it is suggested that they might continue to make “Top-up” and Annual payments on a voluntary basis.

Payment of Subscriptions: Subscriptions may be paid by bank transfer to following account information: Account Name: AGSFPC 3

SWIFT / BIC Code: BOFSGB21351

Account Number: 00103055

IBAN: GB85BOFS80051700103055

Sort Code: 80-05-17 or by cheque payable to AGSFP and sent to the Treasurer, John Michie at the following address: 391 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6BX Tel: 01224 580641 | Email: treasurer@agsfp.com

86

Former Pupils’ Section

New Life Members of the Club 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2023 Name Ian Carry Ian Fraser Simon Maryan John McKechnie John McLennan Cameron Munro Mark Paterson Michael Rennie Simon Smail David Smith David Sweeney Philip G. Turberville Kirsteen Watt

School Years 1960-1973 1963-1969 1985-1987 1957-1960 1953-1964 1964-1977 1982-1986 1992-1998 1993-1999 1965-1969 1966-1972 1956-1969 1976-1982

New Annual Members of the Club 1 July 2022 to 30 September 2023 Name Robert Cook John Curran Michael Dier Donald Gray John Howie Donald Inglis Valencia Johnson Andrew McPhillips Karen Petrie Clare Rochford Alastair Rutherford A Gordon Siwek Hamish Skene Alistair Smith Richard Steele Alistair Wilkinson

School Years 1956-1968 1963-1969 1954-1962 1966-1972 1944-1951 1052-1960 2007-2013 1987-1993 1975-1980 1973-1978 1990-1996 1963-1969 1981-1986 1955-1968 1963-1976 1956-1969

87

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Long Service Members Congratulations to the following members of the Club who attained the age of 75 during 2023 and so will become Long Service Members on 1st January 2024.

Name Stewart Auld Derek W. Buchan Michael R. Carry Gordon B. Christie Geoffrey A. Douglas Stewart L. Forbes Peter J. Fraser Donald A. Grant Ian Gray Kenneth A. Hay Dennis W. Inkson Keith G. Jones Jim A. Leask David L. Mann Alexander G. McArthur Melvyn R.L. McCue Sandy McIntosh John McLennan Alan D. Pirie Graham G. Prout Norman H. Reid Denis N. Yule

School Years 1953-1966 1961-1965 1953-1966 1961-1965 1960-1965 1960-1966 1953-1966 1960-1966 1960-1966 1960-1966 1960-1966 1959-1966 1960-1966 1960-1966 1961-1966 1953-1966 1953-1966 1953-1964 1961-1966 1953-1966 1953-1966 1960-1966

Long Service Members who have attained 90 years For several years now we have published the names of our Nonagenarians. Sadly, eight of these died in the past year, but ten others have been added to the list who have attained the remarkable age of 90 or will do so later this year. We have three Centenarians in our ranks. We congratulate them all and thank them for their continuing interest and support. The full list, with their ages, is as follows: Name John A. Cruickshank George C. Hadden Eric G. Sangster Michael P. Littlejohn

School Years 1932-1933 1925-1937 1927-1939 1939-1943

88

Age (years) 103 103 101 98

Former Pupils’ Section

Name Ellis M. Philip Quintin A. Aitken George W. Warder James G. Matheson Frederick M. Gardiner Arthur W.A. Main Ian Stuart Leonard Bird William D.G. Coutts Robert Walker John M. Eddison G. Moray L. Slater Dennis A. Ritchie Martin J. Wagrel Arthur F. Tough Alastair H. Hume Brian S. Gray Campbell Murray Frederick P. Lynch Myron G. Hampton James Milne Gordon G. Benton Murray R. Smith Alexander Cromar Edwin Grieve Alastair D. Milne Neil V.R. Simpson Hamish H. Duncan Peter A. Murphy Arthur Grant George L. Chalmers Ian S. Macdonald Donald J. Stephen William H. Guthrie Robert G. Gauld Charles L. Forbes Gordon M. Philip Tom Craig Robert J. Downie James R. Walker

School Years 1937-1943 1939-1945 1935-1946 1939-1945 1937-1944 1939-1945 1933-1946 1936-1946 1935-1946 1940-1946 1939-1948 1935-1947 1943-1946 1943-1949 1946-1949 1936-1947 1943-1949 1943-1949 1936-1949 1947-1949 1944-1950 1946-1950 1937-1946 1944-1950 1944-1950 1940-1945 1947-1951 1941-1950 1945-1951 1947-1951 1946-1951 1943-1945 1946-1952 1939-1951 1949-1952 1938-1951 1939-1949 1949-1961 1949-1952 1941-1949

89

Age (years) 98 97 97 97 96 95 95 94 93 93 93 93 93 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 92 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 91 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90 90

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Notes About Former Pupils Murray Pittock (1973-78) Is now co-Chair of the Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (https://saha.scot) bringing together some 15 universities and the Royal Society of Edinburgh in the defence and promotion of the arts and humanities in Scotland; is chair of the Governance Board of the Scottish Council for Global Affairs (https://scga.scot) and has given evidence to the UK and Scottish parliaments on representing Scotland overseas; and is a Trustee of the National Trust for Scotland. He has recently been elected to the Academy of Europe for his research on Scotland’s global relations, and his Scotland: The Global History was a Spectator Book of the Year in 2022. He was also Scotland’s national knowledge exchange champion in 2022 for his work on chairing the Kelvin Hall development for the University of Glasgow, creating a business model for immersive experiences, leading a placemaking consultancy for Barclays’ 5000 staff Glasgow campus and for his Scottish Government report on Robert Burns and the Scottish Economy.

Jeremy Wood (1974-79) I decided to retire in March 2023, having spent 37 years in various progressively senior IT roles with DXC Technology (and its predecessor company components, Scicon, EDS, HP and HPE). I started in IT in 1982 with Grampian Regional Council programming in Cobol using punch cards, whereas in 2023 Chat-GPT AI is generating code from just a few descriptive sentences. Quite the contrast. I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively on business and see some places I would not otherwise have chosen, including a great ex-pat spell in Greenville, South Carolina.

Now time to work on the golf handicap.

Callum MacDonald (1963-76) I attended the school from Primary to Secondary, 1963-76. I have worked as a solicitor in Aberdeen since graduating in 1980, and in 2019 I took over as Managing Partner of the wellknown North-East firm, Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace.

In the past few days (1 November) we have acquired the private client business of Aberdeen Solicitors Mackie & Dewar. M & D have been helmed in recent years by Partner Alistair Marshal, himself a Former Pupil – Secondary only, 1969-76.

Alistair and I were on the Committee of a Reunion for the Primary class which started their schooling in 1963 (the second last primary class before the Lower School was closed down) and which first met 5 years ago as we turned 60. We followed up this year with a second reunion to mark what used to be pension age, and it was after a Committee meeting that talk turned to the future, and from that the suggestion that RCCW might acquire M & D took shape. We had a successful reunion in September I, and I am confident that the merger of the two businesses will be equally successful.

90

Former Pupils’ Section

Kerr Anderson (1955-68) I have been resident in the US now for 48 years – living down south initially but for most of it in Michigan. Since I retired 12 years ago, I have lived just outside Traverse City, MI which is in the NW part of the state – definitely in the heavy snow belt. Most of my career was in biotech research of one sort or another, largely with The Dow Chemical Company. Since I retired, I have spent most of my time getting more and more heavily involved in Community Theater until now it is almost a full time (if voluntary) occupation. My wife Lorna (nee Craig – High School 62-69) and I have two daughters and five grandkids who live in Michigan and Nebraska.

91

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Death Notices and Obituaries During 2023, the Club has been notified of the deaths of the following former pupils and one former teacher. Obituaries notices have been received for those names highlighted in colour and can be accessed by clicking on the name of the individual.

Name (School Years) Richard Allan (1937-1948) Edward Anderson (1945-1957) Ian Buxton (1947-1954) James Peter Cairns (1945-1957) Peter Law Cromar (1942-1948) Robert Leys Cromar (1944-1949) Jim Howison (1937-1950) James Moore Hunter (1936-1947) Bill Jack (1945-1951) Malcolm George Lyall (1935-1948) Jack Main (1961-1963) Douglas Marr (1959-1965) Alastair Mathieson (1943-1957) David McDonald (1961-1967) Patrick Philip (1944-1954) Peter Rennie (1938-1943) Neil Sandeman (1963-1969) Graham Shanks (1955-1969) Andrew Steven (1936-1950) Arthur Stewart (1963-1976) Hector M Stewart (1958-1961) Ian Sutherland (1950-1955) Gillian Anne Thomas (1975-1980) Fraser Webster (1949-1962) Joy Webster (Teacher 1973-1986) Bob Whyte (1945-1958) Ivan Wisely (1948-1961) Andrew David Hamilton Wyllie (1955-1961) William Yule (1945-1958)

92

Age (years) 90 82 87 82 91 90 91 92 90 91 76 76 83 74 86 97 72 70 89 63 91 84 60 79 91 79 80 80 83

Former Pupils’ Section

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2022

INCOME

2022 £

2021 £

Existing Members 2,576 New Members Life Members: Transfer from Life Members account 553 Top-up Payments 1,146 Donations: Club Centre Members Donations and Bequests 1,485 Magazine 394 Amenities 1,250 Membership Platform 5,514 Interest 9 Magazine – Advertising 1,265 Fund Raising – Big Draw 1,255 Share of Rent – 1 Bayview Road Book and Tie Sales Investment Income 370 Gain on Sale of Property -

2,532 582 1,336 (20,500) 1,875 5,836 6,648 1,910 1,230 900 75 1,411 619,740

15,817

623,575

Magazine – printing, stationery and postage Club Secretary – printing, stationery and postage Website Operations Stationery and Printing Grants – Capitation to Regional Centres Accountancy Fee Bank Charges Miscellaneous

5,621 137 5,514 500 1,440 84 3,277

3,682 68 6,648 1,370 84 3,460

16,573

15,292

(DEFICIT)/SURPLUS FOR YEAR

(756)

608,283

Subscriptions:

EXPENDITURE

93

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils’ Club

BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2022

INVESTMENTS

2022 £ 5,109

2021 £ 5,109

CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors Bank Accounts

22,818 785,431

300 30,546 767,167

808,249

798,013

2,796 2,129 4,585 43,212

3,108 4,270 5,346 27,453

-

1,000

52,722

41,177

NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES)

760,636

761,945

NET ASSETS

760,636

761,945

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Life Members

10.509

11,062

REVENUE ACCOUNTS Second Century School Prize fund Amenities Fund General

21,565 4,400 43,770 680,392

21.565 5,470 42,083 681,765

750,127 760,636

750,883 761,945

CURRENT LIABILITIES Big Draw – Advance tickets Subscriptions in advance Life Member top up payments Creditors Loans from Members (repayable on demand and Interest free)

94

We know small business If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner or looking to start a new enterprise, we are the accountancy firm for you.

As a proud Scottish firm, we support the entire lifecycle of Scottish small businesses.

We can help you with: • Business tax planning and compliance • Accounts preparation and audit • International business • Payroll and VAT compliance Please get in touch with our Aberdeen team on 01224 638844

scholesca.co.uk

Scholes Aberdeen Grammar School Aberdeen Office Advert A5 2023.indd 1

24/11/2023 09:06

We don’t gamble with your accounts!

As one of the North East’s longest established practices, we have the Resources and commitment to provide concise, accurate advice, Without any jargon, to individuals and to every type and size of business.

Our Services include:

To find out how we can make the numbers work for you, use the Telephone numbers below.

• • •

• • •

• •

www.bainhenryreid.co.uk

EXPERTS IN

C R E AT I V E D E S I G N , P R I N T A N D D I S P L AY XIC offers high quality products, unrivalled customer service and remarkable added value to clients in various sectors across the UK.

XIC.com

Produced by XIC.com