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OLD FETTESIAN NEWSLETTER NO. 66, JULY 2021
FETTES ACROSS THE GENERATIONS Two OF Grandfathers and their Families We contacted two multi-generational Fettes families with students currently studying in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. Their perspectives show the value of friendship and the family desire for a thread of continuity, enabling the next generation to benefit from all that a Fettes education has to offer. Each generation also comments on modernisation from the last and how Fettes fitted with each of their needs at the time. Johnston Family Grandfather, David Johnston (Ca 1953–1958): I will start by saying I always valued what Fettes did for me. My parents, and my grandparents, built their lives in India so it was logical to send me, an only child, to board at Fettes. Fettes gave me two things I have valued throughout my life: the friends I made and perseverance. I was lucky enough to be large so played rugger, which in those days was much more important than being a scholar, so I believe I “did well” at Fettes. Full disclosure: I was in the 1st XV that lost our 8 year unbeaten record. And finally, a tribute to the staff of Fettes Masters, I achieved three A levels and a law degree from Edinburgh University. My son, Christopher, was not given much choice about schooling since we were by then a family on the international business circuit, so he “had to go to boarding school”. My grandson, Callum, seems to enjoy Fettes enormously in spite of the difficulties of the Covid era. Which makes me think, and I tell him every chance I get, Fettes today is much plusher than it was in my day. Was it not ever thus, from generation to generation? I am happy to see him happy. Father, Chris Johnston (Ca 1983–1988): My time at Fettes provided me with a strong set of values and a solid academic basis. I believe I walked away with confidence, and this enabled me to continue my education and then start my career knowing that I could interact with people. Much of this was due to my time at Fettes. I arrived at Fettes straight “off the boat” from the US, where my parents had spent the previous twenty years. We had been to Scotland many times to visit grandparents, but it was not necessarily a familiar environment. To this end, knowing that my father had spent time at Fettes was a comfort in the early days. I soon settled in, but even in my
last year I could never escape him as his name was on a board outside my study! As my wife and I embarked on the difficult process of deciding how to guide Callum in his secondary education, I was constantly reminded of the hearty Scottish reception and education I had received at Fettes. Fettes offers a great education. My peers, teachers and the people I came across in my time there were warm and friendly. I believe Callum will come away feeling the same way after his time at Fettes. Fettes seems to be coping very well in finding a balance between boarding and day students too. Having boarded for five years, it was a very important part of my experience and the main difference that I have seen since Callum’s arrival is in the boarding houses. Carrington has been updated sympathetically, but still provides great common areas for the boys (in normal times) to socialise. Proper heating upstairs seems to be a welcome addition! Like all schools nowadays, pastoral care is front and foremost at Fettes, and I am very happy that there seems to be someone for the students to turn to at all times. The addition of Craigleith House for the Upper Sixth provides a valuable steppingstone for them before they embark on their next chosen path (albeit in some luxury, I understand!). I am also very impressed with how the school has managed to keep most of the wonderful grounds that my father and I’s generations grew up with. After a recent visit, I marvelled to myself that my son was able to have all this space in the middle of one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe. I am very pleased that Callum is attending Fettes. Like many parents, I spend a lot of time reminding him of the opportunities that Fettes affords him, and to be sure that he takes advantage of these; I am not sure that he pays heed to my advice, but he has certainly broadened his spheres of interest considerably. Son, Callum (Current Carrington Student): I would describe the Fettes of today as a very friendly, inclusive community that offers countless opportunities, allowing amazing memories to be made. When I joined last year, I was immediately welcomed and accepted into the community, and I have made some very strong friendships here. Fettes excels academically too, and I am fortunate to have learnt an incredible amount and many new skills due to our amazing, kind staff and their high academic standards. Sports are also run very well, allowing a sense of fun and competitiveness. It is an honour to be able to carry on the Johnston name at Fettes and nice to be able to look back and discuss change at the school with my father and grandfather. I enjoy hearing how Fettes was in their day and knowing that my family have a personal history here.
