Newsletter Spring 2025
FOR THE HERIOT’S COMMUNITY
Seeking a new Herioter President
Morgan Jamieson (1965) very kindly took on the mantle of being the honorary Herioter President in June 2023. This two-year role requires the holder to represent the interests of former pupils of the school and act as a link between the School and former pupil body. The President meets with the School’s Development Team on a termly basis and offers advice and support on any activity with which the School feels the wider body of former pupils might be able to assist.
The role commences on the day after the June Day holiday, for a fixed term of two years. Nominations are now open for the role for 2025-27. If you, or a fellow former pupil, would like to stand for election to be Herioter President, please contact the Development Office to register your interest and receive the role profile, by March 30, 2025. Thereafter, an electronic poll will be run via email to all former pupils, allowing you to vote for your preferred candidate. i
Fundraising
Last year, Heriot's ran the successful We are all George Heriot campaign to raise £98,640 and create one new fully-funded six-year bursary place at Heriot’s starting in August 2025. The campaign raised a staggering £136,000, leaving additional revenue to kick start fundraising for a second six-year Bursary. The campaign was recognised by the Institute of Development Professionals in Education (IDPE) with the award of ‘Engagement campaign of the Year’ in November 2024.
Thank you to all those who supported this and other campaigns run by the school: we are immensely grateful to you.
In the 2024-25 session, the school is raising funds for:
1. Foundation400. This continues to be the mainstay of Fundraising, with the aim of generating £15million to fund life changing Foundation places in perpetuity.
2. Bursary Funding. In 2025- 2026 the school will continue to focus on Bursary Fundraising. Join the Bursary Today Club with the aim of funding a six-year bursary at Heriot’s through regular donations. If Herioters can pledge to regularly give £400/ year (or £33/month), or similar amount, the school will successfully be able to secure additional bursary places at Heriot’s starting in August 2026.
3. Pipe Band. The cost of new equipment for the Pipe Band has escalated over the years and they are much in need. Overall, we are hoping to raise £20,000 for the Pipe Band, including the Burns Supper on 24 January.
If you can help with any of these causes, please call the development team on 0131 221 6716, email: dev@george-heriots.com or visit the Herioter Hub for more information. i
Dates for the diary: January – June 2025
All events can be booked via the Herioter Hub
Former Pupil Coffee Mornings
These take place on the last Wednesday of the month, 10 – noon and are a wonderful gathering of former pupils. Details on the Hub
Former Pupils Drinks in York (20 February) and Aberdeen (12 June)
Join members of the Development Team in York, or Aberdeen for a quiet drink and catch up on school news. A great chance to connect with other Herioters in your local area.
Inspirational Speakers needed for short sessions in Careers Week, March
Calling Former Pupils who would relish an opportunity to inspire S2 pupils with their career choices. The Development Office is running a Careers Session between 2-4:30pm on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 March. We are looking for Herioters who have started a business, entered an industry, become actors or made their mark in any professional field to talk about their career journey from school. Please contact dev@george-heriots.com if you would like to take part in this fun event.
Heriot’s Pipe Band in New York 4–6 April
Are you a Herioter living in, or visiting New York over Easter 2025?
Come and experience the George Heriot's Pipe Band perform at a private recital on Friday 4 April and follow them at the Tartan Week Parade on Saturday 5 April. For details, please visit the Herioter Hub.
After Many Years Reunion, for the classes of 1985-1995, Saturday 10 May
Join former pupils from the classes of 1985 through to 1995 for a day of memories, buffet lunch and tours. Tickets are £35.
June Day Monday 2 June
Join us for the traditional June day ceremony from 09:30am onwards. You must register to attend.
Public Lecture: Sir Brain Langstaff, Wednesday 4 June
Come and hear former pupil Sir Brian Langstaff, speaking about the infected blood enquiry. Sure to be a riveting talk, book your ticket on the Hub.
Foundationers' Barbecue, Saturday 21 June
Bringing together current and former Foundation pupils, this event will celebrate the work of the Foundation over the years. A special day for all involved in the Foundation. Tickets are £30 and are available to Foundationers via the Herioter Hub. i
Have your say –Principal’s Survey
The Principal would like to hear from Former Pupils on a range of subjects about the School’s future direction, including skills to be taught and the focus of the school’s charitable purpose.
An electronic survey will be issued in the Spring and we hope many of you will contribute with your thoughts. i
George Heriot’s School
Lauriston Place
Edinburgh EH3 9EQ
Main switchboard: 0131 229 7263
Admissions: 0131 221 6709
Would you like to share your news with other former pupils in the next issue of Quadrangle? We are looking for inspirational and interesting updates from all our Former Pupils. Please get in touch with your news. Copy deadline is end May 2025. i
