Letters to Sir William Fettes

Written to him on 5th October 2020

Dear Sir William Fettes,

We write to you as Carringtonians who are proud to celebrate this historic moment for the school. As the second oldest house still standing we not only carry the legacy of Fettes but also that of 148 years of Carrington.

As custodians of a house that is the product of your legacy we would like to thank you for all the memorable moments Carrington as a house has experienced. From William Wilson being the first Carrington boy walking through these hallways of the House to War hero Sandy Gunn being the very embodiment of what it means to be a Carringtonian but most importantly a Fettesian.

Carrington while certainly different in many aspects now, would still be recognisable to many of the Old Fettesians. Carrington and your legacy had their lives positively shaped by this community.

By being at every crossroad and every challenge that last 150 years has thrown at us Carrington can proudly say that it can reflect the impact you have had on the students in the past, the present and the future.

We thank you for creating this thriving environment that we can proudly call our school and our second home. We hope and are confident that your legacy will continue to be upheld in the next one and a half decades.

Yours sincerely

Carrington House

Dear Sir William Fettes,

On behalf of Arniston House, on the 150th anniversary of the Founding of the College, I write to you in thanks of your bequest to establish Fettes; a thriving community of high achieving students and unified family. The progression of the school is a testament to your legacy and hard work and dedication that every pupil demonstrates, past and present.

Arniston House has made a significant journey in its 53 years; although the exterior has remained unchanged, the heart of the house is ever-changing. As boys (1967–1982) and girls (1982 onwards) have passed through, and continue to pass through the house, the attribute of being not only a house, but home has endured.

Currently loved by our Housemistress, Mrs Rachel Nicol, Arniston is universally recognised as a ‘happy house’. Each Arniston girl brings something unique to the house, and we are very proud of our collective achievements. Arniston is a caring family, where every girl has a role to play in the successful running of the house. Arniston girls are always there for friends who might need encouragement or support. Trust and honesty are the cornerstones of our success.

We would like to acknowledge all Old Fettesians who have passed through Arniston, in its 53 years; they have sculpted it into what it is today. A specific acknowledgement goes to Sir Eric Anderson, passionate and committed who passed away this year. As first Housemaster of Arniston, he held onto memories of Arniston fondly throughout his life, returning in 2017 for the 50th anniversary of the House’s opening. Retired Prime Minister Tony Blair noted “no one forgets a good teacher,” in clear recognition of his Housemaster, Sir Eric, who he had a lot of admiration for. Sir Eric holds a very special place in Fettes’ heart and shall be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched.

On behalf of myself and my fellow Arnistonians, along with every Fettesian, Old Fettesian, and member of staff, I would like to say we are truly proud to be part of what you, Sir William, set out for us all those years ago. For your legacy and for Fettes, we are forever grateful.

Yours sincerely

Arniston House

Dear Sir William Fettes,

I am writing to inform you of all the valuable developments that have happened recently as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first 53 boys at Fettes. Not only is it our 150th anniversary, it is also the 50th anniversary of girls at Fettes. This is obviously a hugely vital change that has given us the opportunity to study at Fettes, and most importantly be immersed in the Fettesian cultures and traditions.

As Dalmenians we are proud to say that Dalmeny is the newest girls house, established in 2012, and to this day we have seen over 250 girls pass through, with many more yet to come in the future. We definitely think you would be immensely proud of all the wonderful things both the current and past Dalmenians have been able to achieve in their time at Fettes. It’s fair to say all Dalmenians are extremely grateful for the opportunity given to them, as a result of the establishment of Fettes 150 years ago, as well as the introduction of girls 50 years ago.

As girls attending Fettes College, we are very thankful for the well-rounded education we receive, from the support on the hockey pitch, to the tight family bonds we develop in house.

Finally, the development of Fettes throughout the years is highly encouraging for future generations, especially with Mrs Harrison as Fettes’ first female Head.

Yours sincerely

Dalmeny House

Dear Sir William Fettes,

The opportunities that Fettes College has opened to all of us is unbelievable. We live in constant pride of being able to be a Fettesian from exams with great results to incredible school productions and to the heart, pride and grit that is left on all Fettes sport pitches.

Glencorse House has been able to receive some truly inspirational boys who everyday give us even more house pride as well as aspiration to be as successful as them. The wide range of professions of successful Glencorsians has proved that our house motto has inspired many: Numquam Onus, with many translations but the favourite being ‘No Passengers’. From the truly inspirational Angus Deaton (Economist) to Hector MacLean (winner of Victoria Cross) showing the opportunities available for people with varying skills, if you really throw yourself into Fettes life. Angus Deaton is an example of a Glencorsian who used his skills and talent to help others; he won a Nobel Prize in Economic Science in 2015 on his research in consumption, poverty and welfare and is, therefore, a great example of a Fettesian who used his skills to benefit others and was able to realise his privilege. Just like Sir William Fettes did for everyone who has been a Fettesian.

Sincerely Yours

Glencorse House

Dear Sir William Fettes,

Fettes College has now been having an effect on pupils for 150 years. I am so proud to be here during that 150th anniversary and to be able to celebrate all the Old Fettesians who have been through before me.

Not only is this year the anniversary of 150 years of boys at Fettes, but also the anniversary of 50 years of girls in the school. The first girls joined in 1970 and went into Glencorse. We now have an almost 50/50 split of boys and girls, as well as having four girls houses. This can only be a positive move as we navigate for equality in this world.

I am very proud to be the Head of House for College East this year. Schoolhouse split in two; now College East and College West. Of course, College East is the best house, but I am sure everyone would say that about their house.

So much has changed in Fettes over the 150 years, and yet so much is the same. The atmosphere here is welcoming and the students are kind and polite. The school has so much to offer to us pupils and I know that we are so grateful for the opportunities that we are given here.

All the girls in College East are so proud to be part of the school and to be able to celebrate this momentous anniversary. All the thanks for that go to you, and what you started 150 years ago.

Yours sincerely

College East

Dear Sir William Fettes,

Years after Fettes opened, on the 150th anniversary we are commemorating your benevolent bequest to the education of young people. I am sure you would be glad to hear that, even in this current phase in Fettes’ history with another lockdown looming in the not-so-distant future, your enthusiastic and lively culture is still being preserved due to the amazing individuals being nurtured in your legacy. Since you first opened Fettes College to the public, important steps have been made to establish Fettes as the diverse and accepting place it is today. Arguably, the most significant movement forward in Fettes College was the school’s admittance of the first female student. The 11th Head of School and first Headmistress is leading the school, like a steady in a storm, through a pandemic that has threatened our way of life. Allowing us to continue our education and keep our campus alive is a feat of distinct leadership. The schooling and tuition of young people was your first goal. This philanthropic intent is still being illustrated through the bursary and scholarship programme the school provides. Without this initiative many people such as myself would not be able to attend Fettes. It is for this reason I like many people, are filled with gratitude to be given such an exceptional opportunity. I have always known Fettes to be a place where I can strengthen my talents with the support of the keenly nurturing housemasters, housemistresses, teachers and staff who have always played such integral roles in this school.

The Fettes community has an unwavering pride for their school, I believe that this sense of belonging is based in the traditions that we have upheld for many decades. An example of this is stepping into the Chapel, hearing the organ play, seeing the magenta and chocolate coloured blazers and being part of the resonant sound of the school in song. This scene is something that every current and Old Fettesian will remember. Personally being Head of House gives me a sense of pride. Seeing the many names of former heads of Kimmerghame engraved on the same door frame shows that these people have literally become part of the house’s legacy. Stepping into my final year at Kimmerghame my mind is often brought to the Founder’s Evening singing of the house hymn I Vow to Thee My Country. This moment in a Kimmerghamian’s career is incredibly emotional but it also helps us remember Old Fettesians who have done the very same thing.

The Old Fettesians are very much part of the Fettes Community even though they do not attend the school. This is evident from their names seen on plaques around the school and in our boarding houses. Tony Blair’s name is one of the most prominent examples in Kimmerghame House. However, the best memory of them is found from our own recollection. I have been lucky enough to meet many Old Fettesians during Open Day and Founder’s Day, but also in places that seem to be a world away from Edinburgh. Entering Kimmerghame in Third Form, pride is instilled through the stories Old Fettesians share with us, and this in turn gives us the incentive to make similar memories and the motivation to strive for excellence in our time at Fettes.

Kind regards

Kimmerghame House

Dear Sir William Fettes,

We are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Fettes College, and it represents all the generations of our large Fettes family, and all that we need to thank you for. Fettes is a unique community which has such a welcoming and inclusive environment, and one which creates successful individuals. Our community is hard-working, supportive and positive; one that I am sure you would be happy to see today.

One of the most special things about being in College West is that we are at the heart of Fettes, in the stunning Bryce building; where there is so much history in our house, an amazing reminder to us of all the previous generations of Fettesians. It is an inspiring thing to be sitting in Chapel, the common room, in dorms and thinking of the past 150 years of Fettesians passing through, going through similar and valuable experiences to us now. An experience at Fettes is something that we are all so grateful for, not only because of the amazing quality of education and variety of opportunities we receive, but also for the incredible friendships and memories we create. Memories that shape us as young people and set us up for further success and happiness in the future. All Fettesians will be forever grateful to you for establishing this school, from the first Fettesians 150 years ago, to the first girl 50 years ago, to our generation in 2020 and all of those in the future. You are responsible for a beautiful, hard-working, hugely special and kind community which is ever progressing and changing for the better, but ultimately keeping its same core values.

Thank you from

College West

Dear Sir William Fettes,

Both the Moredun boys and I are very grateful that you have founded such a well-rounded school whose achievements are both academic and sporting. This school and its teachers provide a good stepping-stone towards a successful life. We are proud to be Fettesians not only because of the outstanding education but because of the welcoming society that over the years has been created.

Moredun men have always been respectful, welcoming, have served their country and done their duties to the upmost. And this is still a very important rule in Moredun today. James Adrian Blaikie was the first Fettesian to die in battle in 1879 at the battle of Isandlwana. He could have escaped the attack, but instead stayed and fought with his friends to the last. This mentality can still be seen in Moredun today as no man is left behind and we strive to have the courage that he did. In the First World War, the first Fettesian to lay down his life was Capt John Erskine Young , another Moredun man who led the fighting from the Battle of Mons in 1914. He and his men are remembered in the Belgian village where they are buried with a plaque that recalls “Thirteen heroes against an army”. Two of the four Victorian Crosses awarded to Fettesians through the years have gone to Moredun men: Lt Donald Mackintosh and Lt Col Bertie Anderson , both won the supreme award for bravery leading their men against incredible odds in the First World War. Their spirit of fearless determination and leadership is something we value today.

Like you, Moredun men have also conquered both the Politics and Business Worlds. Iain Macleod was a great Debater and Statesman. He stood up for what he thought was right, even if it meant standing alone against his own Political Party, as he worked for Independence for British Colonies and challenged the way leaders were chosen. In a speech to the Conservative conference, he quoted Robert Burns, the national bard of Scotland and friend of your wife’s family, who you supported:

That Man to Man, the warld o’er, Shall brithers be for a’that.

Moredun today is an international House which lives up to that idea. An early symbol of our global connections was Moredun man Sir William Crawford Currie, a man after your own heart, built the P&O Shipping company to be the largest of the time. The famous Salvesen shipping family have also been Moredun men. But we do not forget culture: the first pipe-major of the school’s beloved band, Alan Drummond Law, was a Moredun man, and the House is well known for its plays.

The whole school can see the legacy of Moredun’s contributions to Fettes: researchers use our records, everyone enjoys the pipe band, debaters compete for the Iain Macleod prize, and every day we pass reminders of the two Moredonians who won the Victoria Cross. In the History corridor of our main College building is a painting of Lt Mackintosh, and on the War Memorial the words “Carry on” are engraved: the last words of Lt Col Anderson.

The will to succeed can still be seen in the Moredun boys today; over the last four years there have been four Head Boys, all of whom have been Moredun men. In the last two years Moredun have won the House singing competition, House Hockey twice and House Football. And we can clearly see the same will to succeed and drive in the younger boys that has been seen so often throughout the years of Moredun House.

Yours sincerely

Moredun House