Reflections Upon the Centenary of the OFA

And so it began, one hundred years ago, on 24th June 1921, the establishment of our Old Fettesian Association, the worldwide association that has kept OFs connected together across the generations far beyond their school days. Initial gatherings took the format of dinners and speeches and there were annual Old Fettesian matches against the school in rugby and cricket.

To help us mark the Centenary of the OFA, we contacted all living former Presidents and are delighted that each one of them provided a contribution reflecting their time at the helm.

Kenneth A MacKinnon (Gl 1948–1954) President of the OFA 1988–1990

It was my humble privilege to follow in my father's footsteps at Fettes, which was then continued by my son and daughter attending there too. I joined the OFA taking the opportunity to give something back to the school to recognise the pleasure and many benefits of my family's association with Fettes over three generations. My hope for the OFA for the next 100 years is that it will continue and flourish, enabling the Fettes community to prosper worldwide – Floreas Fettesia!

Alan A Waddell (Ca 1946–1951) President of the OFA 1994–1996

Fettes has been a great pleasure for me throughout my life, and I hugely enjoyed my time as President of the OFA. It gave me the chance to meet many Fettesians of different eras, and to learn more about the school’s ongoing progress. Clearly one highlight of each year is Commem – I have greatly enjoyed being involved in these weekends, particularly the dinners when there are so many Fettesians and very considerable noise!

For me, the OFA has always been about linking the ex-students and the school and hoping to support both. Looking forward, I hope that the school continues to prosper and that its pupils keep close links with each other, helped via the OFA.

Iain H Nicholson (Ca 1953–1957) President of the OFA 2000–2002

I joined the OFA Committee appreciating what Fettes had given to me and to add what I could do for Fettes. In the next 100 years, I hope the OFA will continue to promote and support the school with particular emphasis on providing a bridge for pupils leaving school into an ever-changing society. The most memorable occasion for me as President of the OFA was the Old Fettesian Regional Dinner in Vancouver arranged for my visit, revived after many years, when Old Fettesians flew in from parts of British Columbia to meet the President and hear of activities and achievements at the school. As an Old Fettesian I am proud of Fettes College providing high academic standards and a balanced education producing pupils who are both confident and unpretentious.

Key dates in the Old Fettesian Association

1879 First Annual Dinner was held on 28th June, just nine years after the school opened and over 40 years before the OFA was established.

1889 First Edition of the Fettes Register was produced. Subsequent editions were produced by the nominated ‘Keeper of the Register’. We have much to be thankful for the meticulous recording of those who have attended the school, which was no mean feat in the many years of pen, paper and airmail. It’s much easier now that we have email, social media, a database and the Fettes Community Portal.

1907 First Annual Old Fettesian Dinner in London when 44 OFs got together under the chairmanship of Stewart G Ponsonby (SH 1870–1876). This is where musings began about the establishment of an Old Fettesian Association.

1921 Inaugural meeting of the Old Fettesian Association at Fettes on 24th June 1921.

1927 First Old Fettesian Dinner in Edinburgh was held in the Albyn Rooms on Queen Street on June 24th, the night before Founder’s Day.

1934 At the OFA Committee Meeting on 29th June 1934 the Committee agreed to the production of an OF tie – ‘The tie selected was composed of the School colours, viz. chocolate with a narrow magenta band’.

1952 First OF Commemoration Weekend. OF teams had matches against the School in rugby, hockey, golf, squash and shooting, there was ‘tea’ in Houses at 5pm followed by what has become an Annual Dinner.

1957 Establishment of the Old Fettesian Golfing Society under the presidency of Ronald M Carnegie (Ca 1920–1925).

Ian B Rae (Gl 1961–1965) President of the OFA 2002–2004

I first joined the OFA Committee under Alan Waddell’s presidency. I enjoyed getting involved in helping the school and OFs where I was able to. Probably the most significant happening was the construction of Westwoods Health Club. This was an expensive project for the school. Our committee was instrumental in arranging a large sum of money from the Fettesian Trust to help the project along the way. The other project which I was keen to get under way was the rectification of Sir William Fettes’ Tomb in Canongate Churchyard, which had come into great disrepair. We got this underway and it was only with the immense help from Alastair Salvesen (Mo 1954–1960) that this was completed in around 2005. Well worth a visit, particularly this year!

J Chris Faux (Gl 1953–1958) President of the OFA 2004–2006

As President I enjoyed the huge camaraderie amongst Old Fettesians. I took great reassurance that Fettes was continuing to uphold a level of excellence for all students, not just the very bright ones. I recollect the OF dinners and speakers, and without doubt the Remembrance Day wreath laying at the Memorial advising us to Carry On. We shall and we will. Looking to the future of the OFA, there must be continued high standards and an excellent relationship with all staff both present and previous.

J Alister Aitkenhead (Ca 1964–1969) President of the OFA 2006–2008

The highlight of my OFA years was the attendance of General John de Chastelain (CW 1950–1955) as Guest Speaker at a Glasgow Dinner. His memorable address was followed by one of our regulars taking the microphone, looking at the General and singing the first few lines of My Way.

While the role of the OFA will continue to evolve, I have always taken the view that it is a cornerstone of the Fettes community. If anything, the Association’s position in my opinion has been strengthened in the era of social media.

It would take something more than a crystal ball to speculate over the development of the OFA in the coming century. However, I have no doubt that the Association will remain a key ingredient in strengthening the College’s position as one of the leading independent schools in the world.

It is my earnest hope that the 250th anniversary celebrations of the College are not affected by another pandemic nor Indyref 20.

Ian R Gardiner (Mo 1963–1968) President of the OFA 2008–2010

I had great fun as President of the OFA. I believe the role of the Association is to encourage all Fettesians to keep in touch with the school and with each other. This is best done by having lots of parties and games and persuading people to participate. I was also very keen that we should make ourselves more relevant to both female and younger OFs. Happily, Susan Evans (née Young) (JS-Ar 1985–1992) agreed to be my Vice President and so, not only was I succeeded by the first female President, but one of the youngest ever: two birds with one stone! I particularly relished telling Sixth Formers about the OFA. But the most memorable event was the unveiling of the bust of Lord Harry Woolf (CW 1946-1951), the Lord Chief Justice, who came accompanied by Bill Blair (Ki 1963–1968), now Sir William Blair and brother of his better-known younger sibling. Bill and I had shared the same history set for two years and it was wonderful to see him again after half a century.

Susan A Evans (née Young) (JS-Ar 1985–1992) President of the OFA 2010–2011

I served the OFA Committee for a decade before being elected the first female President in 2010. There was plenty of warm banter about being the only woman at the table in the Old Library initially, however I was not the first to have been there and it was not long before Nichola Lyons (née Bowie) (JS-CE 1984–1990), Tori McCusker (née Wickes) (SH 1985–1990) and Barbara Jones (née Laing) (CE 1990–1991) joined to balance the scales.

Lively debate followed over the coming years as we looked to publicise and widen the net for younger generations of OFs at existing and new events. It was my pleasure to launch the Edinburgh branch of the OFA with some 150 OFs, partners and friends enjoying drinks and good conversation on a spring evening at Ryan’s Bar. The role of the OFA Coordinator expanded widely and many hours were spent with Carolyn Rattray (Staff 2000–2005), followed by Dawn Beaumont (Staff 2005–2015), who worked tirelessly to support the Committee in their role assisting Regional Representatives old and new.

Technology was changing for the better and we pushed on with accessing the updated database which, by the time I was President, gave us many more opportunities to connect with OFs across the globe. The magazine expanded and became a bumper issue, and we offered OFs as many opportunities and as much support as possible to get together wherever they were and whatever the gathering.

It was my absolute pleasure and privilege to judge the OFA citizenship prizes on several occasions, and amongst other highlights were being made hugely welcome at Craigleith House hog roasts to introduce the OFA to the Upper Sixth; packed Commem dinners with a bar afterwards on the old swimming pool complex, and attendance at many other varied social gatherings across the UK and in Europe where a warm Fettes welcome was always guaranteed. For me, the most important event in the calendar was to represent Old Fettesians in Chapel and at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

The OFA is all about being proud of the Fettes community past, present and future. It is an outstanding Association of which I am proud to have served. May it continue to thrive over the next 100 years. Floreas Fettesia.

Tom K Usher (JS-Gl 1979–1986) President of the OFA 2011–2013

My time as a pupil at Fettes was largely very happy. If you forget sport, music and study for a moment, my memories centre around the extraordinary camaraderie amongst many pupils in my year, with whom I have remained friends ever since. I remember joking at a past Commem dinner that if I were ever really in trouble, my old pals would cross the world to come to my aid. They may well be completely bloody useless when they got there, but at least they would come. It is that bond, often forged in what we thought at the time was adversity, which drove my interest in the OFA and my desire to assist with the transition from school leaver to old friend.

And what an eventful couple of years I enjoyed: two Commem dinners, one of which saw an attempt to enforce the inaugural campus smoking ban, which was met with much hilarity from my peers, given that smoking was almost compulsory at Fettes in the 1980s; and a speech to OFs at the Yale Club in New York, during which my lecture to American OFs on the potentially damaging consequences of Independence seemed to lose the audience a little… My most treasured moment is certainly of laying a wreath at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, almost 30 years after I had done so once before. As the Piper turns to walk away from a very silent school, and the extraordinary melody of the Flowers of the Forest quietly fades into the crisp morning air, I defy anyone not to shed a tear for those lost in conflict.

But what of the future for the OFA? I have a vested interest in ensuring that it thrives, given that my children have been lucky enough to tread the corridors where I once trod and sit in the same inspiring chapel seats where I once sat. The importance of the opportunity upon leaving school to meet up and share memories, whether happy and driven by positive nostalgia, or indeed challenging and difficult which I know defined the experiences of some, should not be underestimated. The network is a broad and supportive one and the parties and dinners remain as good fun as ever.

Alastair G Ross (JS-Gl 1981–1990) President of the OFA 2013–2015

Being President gave me the opportunity on several occasions to be part of the Evan Weir Citizenship Prize interviews. This is where a Fifth Former from each House is nominated by the Houseparent for their contribution to school life. Ahead of the interviews we received a report on the pupil who we then interviewed individually to pick winners to award the prize to. Interviewing the ‘candidates’ was the highlight of the role. The pupils were engaging, their stories inspiring and overall, it just made me proud to be a Fettesian.

As I was at Fettes for nine years, Fettes is really my only alma mater. When I compare what the OFA offers former pupils compared to a handful of schools around the UK where I have friends who attended these, Fettes appears to have a far more varied and expansive former pupil association. The OFA is made up of former pupils volunteering their time to ensure that this continues. Absolutely we need to work with Fettes to drive this, and there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that without Fettes the OFA could not be the organisation it is today. Likewise, the OFA should be proud of what it does to help Fettes keep in touch with its former pupils. My hopes for the future are that Fettes and the OFA can continue to work together to include former pupils of any age and from any country to remain part of the Fettes community.

Andrew J Pickles (Ca 1962–1967) President of the OFA 2015–2017

I was at Fettes for five years and I honestly enjoyed every day. I took part in everything and relished being busy. Being part of the OFA and the team sprit amongst OFs enabled me to stay involved in the experience. You are at Fettes for five years but a Fettesian for so much longer. I thoroughly enjoyed being President, it made me proud that so many people want to remain a part of Fettes.

The role of the OFA is to enable OFs to keep in touch with the College, to remind us all how fortunate we were to have a Fettes education and to ensure continuation. In the next 100 years, I sincerely hope that the OFA will focus on the good things and continue the effort of keeping Fettesians connected, creating a strong sense of belonging.

Amanda J Forsyth (née Baker) (Ar 1982–1984) President of the OFA 2017–2020

As President of the OFA I enjoyed finding out more about the OFs who don’t make the headlines. We have a huge cohort of fascinating people in the OFA!

During my presidency the event that stands out is laying the OF wreath at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday. Each time was tremendously moving, but the first time especially so. It was a bright, sunny day, with a sharp breeze blowing. During the two minutes’ silence, I was of course facing the Memorial, reading over and over the words “Carry On”, the north wind blowing cold on my face. In that silence, I had an involuntary image appear in my head of a group of soldiers, dressed in WW1 uniform, walking out to stand in three ranks behind me. Some of them were bandaged, some scruffy with shirts hanging out or puttees adrift. But as they joined the group of Fettesians, staff and OFs to form up and face the Memorial, I felt the bright sunshine warming my back, and it was as though that warmth was brought by the men whose names were written on the stone in front of me.

I know, ridiculous and fanciful. But perhaps symptomatic of the solemnity of the job on the day.

My hopes for the future of the OFA are that we harness the benefits of social media, helping us keep in touch, and that we become an even larger and more vibrant organisation than we are today.

As an Old Fettesian it is such a pleasure to meet current students, the OFs of tomorrow. So much talent, enthusiasm, warmth and generosity of spirit give me confidence that Fettes College will truly flourish for years to come.

Henry G Cave (SH 1980–1984) Current President of the OFA

In the hundredth year of the Old Fettesian Association, it gives me great pleasure to be the 39th President. I look at Fettes with such hope. I can tell you with confidence that our Fettes College is continuing to produce well rounded fascinating individuals who have such a dose of humility. I very much look forward to gathering Old Fettesians together in person again as soon as we are able.

List of Presidents of the Old Fettesian Association

1. Thomas S Esson (Gl 1870–1876) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1921–1928

2. Ewan A Jack (Ki 1923–1927) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1928–1931

3. James Steel (SH 1876–1880) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1931–1932

4. Norman Macleod (Gl 1887–1889) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1932–1935

5. Alfred A Lawrie (Ca 1896–1902) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1935–1937

6. Kenneth G Macleod (Gl 1899–1905) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1937–1938

7. William G Lely (Mo 1897–1905) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1939–1945

8. Laurence H Watson (Ca 1909–1913) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1945–1948

9. Herbert Waddell (Mo 1915–1921) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1948–1951

10. James D Russell (SH 1908–1913) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1951–1955

11. George PS (Phil) Macpherson (SH 1916–1921) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1955–1958

12. Ronald JF McAlister (Ca 1912–1915) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1958–1961

13. James F (Forrest) Carnegie (Ca 1917–1921) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1961–1964

14. Alexander M Hodge (SH 1929–1933) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1964–1967

15. Samuel K (Knox) Cunningham (Mo 1922–1928) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1967–1970

16. Allison L (Lyle) Barr (Mo 1932–1935) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1970–1970

17. John C Arbuthnott (Ca 1938–1942) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1970–1974

18. Frank AR (Alan) Hunter (Ca 1927–1932) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1974–1977

19. R Michael Fraser of Kilmorack (Mo 1929–1934) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1978–1980

20. George AL (Lindsay) Gordon (Ki 1934–1939) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1981–1983

21. Peter F Fenwick-Smith (Gl 1938–1941) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1983–1986

22. John D Cowie (Ca 1939–1943) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1987–1988

23. Kenneth A MacKinnon (Gl 1948–1954) President of the OFA 1988–1990

24. Iain F MacLaren (SH 1939–1944) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1990–1992

25. John NH Blelloch (Ca 1944–1949) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1992–1994

26. Alan AW Waddell (Ca 1946–1951) President of the OFA 1994–1996

27. John MM (Jock) Smith (Ca 1944–1949) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1996–1998

28. Frans H ten Bos (Gl 1951–1955) (Deceased) President of the OFA 1998–2000

29. Iain H Nicholson (Ca 1953–1957) President of the OFA 2000–2002

30. Ian B Rae (Gl 1961–1965) President of the OFA 2002–2004

31. James C (Chris) Faux (Gl 1953–1958) President of the OFA 2004–2006

32. James A (Alister) Aitkenhead (Ca 1964–1969) President of the OFA 2006–2008

33. Ian R Gardiner (Mo 1963–1968) President of the OFA 2008–2010

34. Susan A Evans (née Young) (JS-Ar 1985–1992) President of the OFA 2010–2011

35. Tom K Usher (JS-Gl 1979–1986) President of the OFA 2011–2013

36. Alastair G Ross (JS-Gl 1981–1990) President of the OFA 2013–2015

37. Andrew J Pickles (Ca 1962–1967) President of the OFA 2015–2017

38. Amanda J Forsyth (née Baker) (Ar 1982–1984) President of the OFA 2017–2020

39. Henry G Cave (SH 1980–1984) Current President of the OFA