OF News

George Preston (SH-CW 1944–1950, Staff 1955–1991) was visited on the occasion of his 90th birthday by College Archivist, Craig Marshall, by OF Coordinator Vivienne Clark and by Fettes Community Engagement Manager, Karen Jones.

David Horne (Gl 1945–1950) writes: “From mid February to the end of April this year I was slightly busy as I tried to complete my charity target of walking 100 miles on behalf of Alzheimers Research UK. My target date was the end of April and I am delighted to say that I completed my target of walking (or rather dawdling) 100 miles and raised money for what I believe is a really worthwhile cause.

“Not a really challenging target for someone who is young and fit but, I can assure everyone, something which I was not certain I could achieve as the paralysis of my arms, body and above all legs ten years ago has certainly affected me. Indeed, I thought at the beginning of March that I would have to ask for more time. However, I actually walked my 100 miles by earlyish April and thanks primarily to friends and relations and other contacts raised a satisfactory amount for an extremely deserving charity. Although the ’JustGiving’ page (www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ davidsalzheimersdawdle) is still open it seems that the average contribution is over £50 per head even including grandchildren – some of whom raided their piggy bank. Wonderful and beyond my expectations. The other big benefit is that I am definitely fitter and healthier even though I am well short of my physical condition in 2009 before my paralysis. Mind you I have vowed never again to set myself a target of walking 100 miles.

“What I have now realised is that one should never be depressed by the better athleticism and/or academic ability of one’s contemporaries at school. Everyone has ability and can succeed even if it is late in life before appearing. To me it is most important that one should be able to look back over the years and realise that by and large life has been fun and relatively successful and that one has fulfilled one’s own and others’ expectations. My parents, had they been alive, I think would have felt that I had achieved as much or maybe more than they expected. I must say that I have also been very fortunate to have been lucky – which does help – but when it comes down to it, nothing beats a first-class education and upbringing and the support of one’s family and relations – plus maybe a cold shower or a cold bath every morning at school! My target now is to reach the memorable age of 90 in March 2022. I can then start my next Five-Year Plan.”

Colin G Macdonald (CW 1948–1953, Staff 1956–1960) writes: “I was recently awarded the position of Honorary Commonwealth VicePresident of the Royal Lifesaving Society, in recognition of the work I had done for drowning prevention in Lesotho.

“When I retired from my post as a school Principal in 2010 I was also President of the Royal Lesotho Lifesaving Association, so this became my excuse for avoiding these freezing Scottish winters. It also allowed me to remain in touch with the OF community in South Africa. Realising that none of us are immortal, I had found an ideal person to take over the Presidency while I stepped down to Vice-President, but he died of Covid-19 at the end of last year, so I have resumed the reigns again from 6,000 miles away. I hope I shall be able to get back there later this year.”

Lt Colonel Grenville Johnston (Mo 1958–1963) has been made a Companion of The Memorial of Merit of King Charles the Martyr in recognition of his work for the Anglican Church.

Anthony Cleary (né Beardmore) (CW 1959–1964) writes: “Having passed That Really Big Birthday, I am no longer a sitting judge. I qualified as a Solicitor in 1971, was appointed to the bench first as a Deputy District Judge in 1984, then a full timer in 1986, thence to Circuit Judge in 2006 and Deputy High Court Judge in 2011. Fell off the perch in January this year, and now appointed to the Parole Board as a judicial member. It must be the Fettes air which prevents me from sitting still.”

Neil Jackson (Gl 1965–1969) retired from the University of Liverpool in 2020 and is now a Professor Emeritus of Architecture. This autumn he will also be standing down at the end of his four-year term as President of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. In 2020 and 2021 he spoke to students in the Lower Sixth at Fettes about a career in Architecture. From this year, he will be promoting the David Bryce Architecture Award for OFs studying at university for their undergraduate degree in Architecture (RIBA Part 1).

Alastair Shepherd (Mo 1973–1977) has been appointed as the new custodian of the Scottish Barony Register, effective 1st December 2020.

Alastair retired from private practice in April 2021 after 40 years as a solicitor with Brodies, Henderson and Jackson WS and Coulters. Since qualifying in 1981, he has been involved in the sale and purchase of barony titles. He is also a writer to the Signet and notary public. We spoke to Alastair shortly after the announcement was made: “I do not recall Custodian of the Barony Register being one of the jobs mentioned in Careers Guidance, but I am looking forward to taking on the role. Sir William Fettes, as well as being a Baronet, almost certainly also owned a number of Baronies, and I will look out for his signature in any that I am asked to register.”

Andrew Lownie’s (Mo 1974–1979) new book will be published in August: Traitor King: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in Exile.

Ali Lawrence (née Bryce) (Ca 1979–1981) let us know that she is no longer teaching but has begun a new venture opening a home and lifestyle shop.

Jennifer Allison (Inv-CW 1994–2002) writes: “Having left Fettes in 2002 I completed a BSc Hons in Anatomy and Physiology before going on to study medicine. I enjoyed my Foundation training in Dundee/Perth before undertaking my Obstetrics & Gynaecology training in Edinburgh. As of August 2020, I am now a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a specialist interest in Maternal & Fetal medicine at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. During this time, I have been back to the Fettes lacrosse pitches many times to play lacrosse and am currently Head Coach of the Scotland Senior Women’s Development Team.”

Bobby Stewart (Ki 2000–2005) and his wife, Camilla, have recently had twins. Jasper and Hamish were born at the end of April, joining Angus (3½) and Honor (2). Bobby is an Army Reservist and was mobilised as part of the Covid Support Force in 2020. He led one of the military planning teams that planned and coordinated military support across South East England. This included the delivery of 105,000 Covid tests. Bobby is now back working as a Management Consultant.

Alistair Paul (Ki 2000–2005) is engaged to marry Kate Badenoch. Ali and Kate will be getting married in London in Spring 2022.

Christopher McCorkell (Mo 1999–2006) had a small Covid wedding last year. He married Gemma Hogg on 14th November 2020 in St Salvator’s Chapel, University of St Andrews. They were married by The Rev. Neil Gardner, the Minister of Canongate Kirk and former Governor of Fettes. Gemma is a doctor and started her medical degree at St Andrews. She was redeployed to Intensive Care, in London, for nine months during the Covid-19 pandemic. Christopher has been elected to The Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers. If there are any other OFs in the Royal Company, do contact him: cdw.mccorkell@gmail.com

Matilda Ruffle (Inv-CW 2000–2006) has returned to Scotland (via Oxford, Tokyo and London), to renovate and open Killiecrankie House, a restaurant and rooms in Highland Perthshire, with her fiancé. She writes: “There aren’t many upsides to Covid, but it’s certainly responsible for spurring on our decision to leave London and do something we had always planned to do but had never got round to. As the Grand Designs story goes, we encountered many more issues in the restoration of the old hotel building than we had envisaged, and doing that on top of setting up a new business and organising a wedding isn’t for the faint-hearted. However, we’re incredibly excited to finally be welcoming guests from September 24th. The idea is that guests will stay for one night and enjoy our narrative-driven tasting menu that explores the cultural food stories of Scotland. We’ve focused on finding a different way to celebrate Scottish cuisine, in a way that people haven’t experienced before. We hope to welcome any OFs passing through the area!” You can book to eat and stay via www.killiecrankiehouse.com or follow them on Instagram @killiecrankiehouse

In May 2021, Douglas Reid (Gl 2001–2006) graduated with a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Douglas and his family are moving to Ras Al Khaimah, UAE where Douglas has just accepted a position as the Associate Pastor of Ras Al Khaimah Evangelical Church, rakchurch.com. They have loved Louisville and are sad to leave but as a family they are excited about this next adventure. Douglas would love to hear from you if you are in the UAE.

Alexander Oldroyd (Gl 2004–2006) completed his PhD at the University of Manchester in January 2021. He took time out of his PhD in April 2020 when he was redeployed into general medicine at Salford Royal Hospital due to the pandemic. He continues to do research and clinical work as an Academic Clinical Lecturer, funded by a fellowship from The Myositis Association. He can be contacted via alexander.oldroyd@manchester.ac.uk

Will Shaw (Inv-Ca 1999–2007) writes: “This is Maya Elizabeth Shaw, born August 17th 2020 in New York City. It’s been a bizarre experience going through pregnancy and bringing a child into this world during covid but she has been a real light in these dark times. Hoping to bring her back to the UK soon for a tour of Dad’s homeland and to meet the grandparents. This picture is Maya at six weeks old.”

Katherine Douglas (Inv-CW 2000–2007) was absolutely thrilled to be selected to represent Team GB Rowing in the Women’s Eight at the Tokyo Olympics. We spoke to Katherine about this amazing achievement: “It is surreal because I was selected in March 2020 and was reselected for 2021 – being selected twice for one Olympics is quite special.”

Elizabeth Macneal (Inv-CW 2000–2007) writes: “My second novel, Circus of Wonders, was published in the UK in May 2021, and became an instant Sunday Times bestseller. The Guardian described it as ‘glittering’ and a work of ‘subtlety and originality.’ Set in Victorian London, it is about a girl who is kidnapped by a travelling circus, and who must find her way in this dark and spectacular world. I have many fond memories of writing short stories in the classes of my old English teachers such as Mrs Thompson, Mr McKee, Mr Cheetham, Ms Donald and Mr Harrison, all of whom helped build my love of reading and books.”

Urosh Teodorovich (Inv-Ki 2001–2008) and Venetia Sheppard are pleased to announce their engagement in Montenegro on 17th September 2020. A winter wedding is planned in London in late 2021.

In December 2020, Rosha Fitzhowle (Ar 2005–2009) was a finalist in the most prestigious national opera singer competition in Germany, the 49th Bundeswettbewerb Gesang für Oper/Operette/Konzert.

Hamish Hay (Inv-Ki 2004–2010) writes: “At the beginning of last year, I married my sweetheart Jessie Brown. I was also awarded a doctorate degree in Planetary Sciences and Astronomy from the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona, where I have been studying the interiors of ocean-bearing icy moons since 2014. I am now living in Pasadena, California, where I am continuing my planetary science research at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a postdoctoral fellow and an affiliate of the upcoming Europa Clipper spacecraft mission. Jessie and I are expecting our first child in October!”

Lisa McNicol (Ar 2005–2010) writes: “On 8th April 2021 I married my handsome American husband, Adrian Richardson, in Beverly Hills, California. We live in Oakland, California (I’ve been living in the SF Bay Area for almost six years now) and we work in the Health and Wellness industry. My husband is the Senior Content Strategist for Fitbit (now under Google) and together we run our own health and wellness online business called We Strive Well. Although our family and friends couldn’t travel and we couldn’t have any kind of party, we didn’t let that stop us from getting married during the pandemic. We drove down to Southern California for the weekend and eloped with just an officiant and a witness. I thought wedding news might cheer people up at a time like this.”

Dominique McNeil (Inv-Ar 2005–2011) is delighted to announce her wedding to Robert John Yewdall on 17th May 2021.

Jake Wightman (Gl 2008–2012) has been progressing further in the field of athletics. In August 2020, Jake broke the Scottish record for 1500 metres at the 2020 Diamond League in Monaco with a time of 3:29.47, quicker than Steve Cram, Sebastian Coe or Steve Ovett. He was awarded British male athlete of the year by the readers of Athletics Weekly and at the end of May 2021, Jake was Captain of British Athletics at the Euro Athletics Team Championships. Jake has been selected to represent Great Britain in Tokyo at the Summer Olympic Games. He noted “Representing your country at the Olympic Games is the highest honour you can receive in my sport”.

Hugh Dingwall (Mo 2009–2014) held the official title of Ensign for Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Parade held on Saturday 12th June. The Scots Guards trooped their colour in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle. We contacted Hugh to get his thoughts: “I felt proud and honoured to be Ensign for this year’s Queen’s Birthday Parade. The 2nd Battalion Scots Guards have not trooped their colour since 1997.”

Felicity Herdman (CW 2013–2015) started pupillage barrister training on 14 December 2020 at Amicus Chambers, Middlesbrough, to be completed in December 2021. In addition, she was called to the Bar of England and Wales on 25 March 2021 as noted in The Times, Hilary Call.

Siobhán Shaw (Da 2013–2015) writes: “I left Fettes and went off to Australia to do a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney. I ended up majoring in Neuroscience and loved it. I was then invited to join their honours program (this is basically a Masters year which you do after completing your undergraduate degree and you work on one research project year round).

“I was fortunate to do my honours under the supervision of Professor Muireann Irish and Dr Alexis Whitton looking at the prevalence and nature of Anhedonia in frontotemporal dementia. I loved this year and learnt so much about research. After finishing my thesis and getting first class honours, my supervisor asked if I would stay on and continue working on the project and of course I am delighted to say that we’ve just published the paper in Brain: academic.oup.com/brain/ advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/ awab032/6214168”

Georgina McKenzie Smith (Ar 2011–2016) was shortlisted for Young Journalist of the Year at the PPA Scottish Magazine Awards 2020. This is a wonderful achievement so early in her journalism career. During her time at Fettes, Georgina won many prizes including the Governor’s Prize for English in her final year. We spoke to Georgina shortly after her nomination was announced:

“I was absolutely delighted to find out I had been shortlisted for the award – and very surprised! The other nominees are all amazing journalists, with very impressive by-lines under their belts so I’m flattered to be in such good company.

“After attending the University of St Andrews for a year after school, I traded up uni for a job in London and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I then moved to work at DC Thomson last year, starting off on teen magazine Shout (the modern iteration of Jackie magazine) which was such a fun job, and a brilliant foot in the door of the world of journalism. I started on the Scots Magazine at the very start of lockdown and I have loved writing more long reads – and interviewing some brilliant people such as eminent journalist and reporter Jackie Bird, and Liz Lochhead, one of my favourite poets.”

Katy Dalglish (CE 2012–2017) has been appointed as Athletic Union President 2021/22 at the University of Exeter. The campaign took place under several Covid restrictions, so it is an even greater achievement for Katy given the difficult circumstances.

On 5th June 2021, Harry Paterson (PS-Gl 2011–2019) made his professional debut for Edinburgh Rugby in their match against Ulster Rugby.

In addition, both Harry and Tom Banatvala (Gl 2015–2020) have been selected for the Scotland U20 rugby team for the Six Nations. Tom was in the starting XV as Loosehead Prop for the match against France U20s on Wednesday 7th July 2021.

Sophie Hughson (PS-Da 2012–2020) gained an Oxford Blue for Hockey on Saturday 16th May 2021, playing in the winning Oxford University Team against Cambridge in the Varsity match.

The Revd Dr David Weekes (Staff 1974–1994) continues to write from his home in Fife. Having completed a PhD in John Buchan, he has recently published a book about his younger brother Alistair who was killed in the first world war. Copies of John Buchan’s Kid Brother: Alistair Buchan can be obtained from Amazon or directly from the author.