Alison Sheppard MBE, making a splash in her swimming career
Matthew Gibson-Smith’s bass-boosted battle against brain tumours
Charlotte Hall’s mission to boost nutritional awareness in Malawi
Ross Mackay, Daring to be different
Summer 2023
We offer advertisement opportunities within our magazine. If you’re interested in advertising your business in our next edition please email us at community@hsog.co.uk for further details.
With us firmly now in the summer months in Scotland, attention has turned to our 900th anniversary in 2024 and you may have spotted our 900th logo featuring on the front cover. Within the pages of this magazine, you’ll learn some of the exciting celebratory and fundraising plans we have in place to mark this momentous milestone. We hope to see as many of you as possible coming together across the various events we have planned.
This is a moment for celebration and reflection as we remember our roots and how far we have come since our inception as the Sang School of Glasgow Cathedral in 1124. Across the centuries, the School has evolved and we’ve benefitted immensely from philanthropy within our community and network of supporters, to whom we will forever be grateful. Our 900th anniversary provides an opportunity to think about the future of The High School of Glasgow, and how we can ensure it will continue to flourish for generations of High School pupils to come. There will be many opportunities to support the School across our 900th year.
Family and community are at the heart of the High School and we are proud of the proportion of former pupils who go on to become parents at the School, choosing to ‘pass the tradition gloriously on’ to their own children. We also have a number of former pupils who are now members of staff – we see this as a glowing testament to their time as pupils and their wish to give something back to the place that
formed them, while simultaneously helping children and young people reach their full potential.
Many current pupils and recent leavers have benefitted from the wisdom, guidance and expertise of our global network of alumni across their myriad fields. This magazine may spark an interest in starting a conversation with a former pupil and where we can help facilitate these conversations, we’d be delighted to do so.
I hope you enjoy reading Sursum Semper in particular our key features with Ross Mackay (Class of 2009) and Alison Sheppard (Class of 1990). Both have gone on to follow very different paths since leaving us but show just how far you can go if you have passion for your pursuit and a clear goal in mind. This magazine is also packed with High School history and includes an insightful feature from Peter Pinkerton discussing his family and their close connections to the School’s illustrious history.
And finally, we celebrate The John Shaw Science Wing which is now fully operational thanks to a £1.5m donation from John Shaw (Class of 1966), the largest single donation the School has ever been gifted.
Do please contact community@hsog.co.uk with your news for next year’s edition which will be published Summer 2024.
Sursum Semper Karen McDonald, Director of External Relations, The High School of Glasgow Hello and welcome to Sursum Semper, an annual magazine for former pupils of The High School of Glasgow.
At the start of the year, we caught up with Class of 2009 former pupil and CEO of Daring Foods, Ross Mackay Currently living in the USA, Ross’ business has gone from strength-to-strength with new product launches, household-name investors and the creation of the first-ever plant-based lifestyle brand. Ross kindly took the time to tell us about his journey to launching Daring, and what the future holds for the company as they continue their mission to remove chicken from our food system.
Thanks so much for taking part in this Q&A Ross, it’s great to be able to catch up with you! You left HSOG in 2009, what are some of your favourite memories from your school days?
Of course, thanks for chatting with me! Some of my best memories from my school days are my favourite class, Business Management with Mrs Milne. In addition, my Saturday morning rugby matches were some of my favourite memories of school days!
Are there any skills that you developed during your time at HSOG that you feel have been transferable to the world of business?
Growing up playing rugby taught me a lot about leadership and team camaraderie. Being on a rugby team required constant communication, working together as a team, strategy to better ourselves, our team and our motivation. Learning these core skills eventually helped me lead my team at Daring.
We know that Daring focuses on meat-free alternatives to chicken, but where did the idea to pursue this as a business venture initially come from, and how did you decide upon ’Daring’ as your company name?
spent most of my adolescence training to be a professional tennis player with renowned Scottish tennis coach (and tennis legend Andy Murray’s mum), Judy Murray. My sports career shaped how I live and eat today. I adopted a vegan diet over ten years ago, after my friend, a fellow athlete, “dared” me to. While the bet was only supposed to last a week, noticed overwhelming benefits. It was this dare that led me down the path to create Daring Foods.
Can you tell us a little about the product development process, how did you find the perfect balance of taste, texture and quality?
We pride ourselves on our texture and taste as a 1:1 substitute for chicken that is made through a clean and simple flavour process, with almost 50% less ingredients than market competitors. Clean and simple ingredients are super important when it comes to our product. Our plant chicken pieces are made with just six natural ingredients.
Launching your own business is no easy feat. What would you say was your biggest hurdle at the start of your journey to initially launching Daring, and how did you overcome it?
Two and a half years ago moved to the US on my own, with no capital or contacts, to launch Daring – all with the personal mission of removing animal chicken from the food system. This was probably my biggest hurdle – the beginning of my journey moving from Scotland to the US with a goal and mission that started from scratch.
Some of my best memories from my school days are my favourite class, Business Management, with Mrs Milne.
You headed over to the USA in a bid to secure investors. I can imagine this was quite a daunting, but exciting, prospect! What made you decide to choose America as a launch pad for your business?
The US market presented unique opportunities aligned with my mission that just weren’t available in the UK at the time I was starting Daring. The US market is further along in its plantbased journey, and I’m so proud of the success we’ve seen so far. We know it will make its way to the UK; it’ll just take some time.
You had a very successful meeting with US supermarket chain Sprouts at the start of your business journey. How did this meeting come about, and what doors did it open for you and Daring?
I was introduced to the CEO of Sprouts, Jack Sinclair, who is actually a fellow Scotsman and he then introduced me to the Frozen Buyer at the time, Scott Reid. Scott was able to cook the product in their kitchen and had the opportunity to show a lot of the office the innovation back in early 2020. Shortly after that we were in the doors at Sprouts and have been ever since!
There are quite a few household names that have invested in your company, can you tell us a little about how these conversations and relationships began?
We are an unapologetically ambitious company, so we wanted to work with partners that embody this bold spirit but also share our vision for a better, more plant-based world. Last year, we partnered with Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker on a campaign, and it quickly became clear there was synergy between Daring’s mission and their personal beliefs on plant-based eating and the positive impact it has on the environment. I could not be more proud to have partnered with them and the partnership led Travis to invest in Daring too.
Also, many of our investors like Naomi Osaka, live a flexitarian or plant-based lifestyle. They not only enjoy our products, but also feel strongly that they can help us achieve our vision through their advocacy. It’s important for us to continue to build these big names backing the brand to widen our reach and continue our mission.
Your company’s mission is to encourage people to try and incorporate plant-based chicken into their diets. Your products are available in many stores across the USA, but what about the restaurant market, is this an industry that you have explored?
Having Daring on menus at restaurants is such a great way for consumers to be introduced to our product and a channel we are heavily focused on growing. We are currently speaking with several national chains, and we just recently announced a partnership with Blue Stone Lane.
Aside from restaurants we have seen a huge amount of interest from college campus cafeterias. We’re now served at Georgia Tech and Ohio University starting this Fall semester, with additional launches in the pipeline.
I’m also excited to share that Chefs Warehouse, the leading providers of specialty ingredients to North America’s top chefs, will now exclusively be providing Daring Plant Chicken to chefs in the New York area, and we’re looking at a national rollout this year.
Do you have a stand-out “pinch me” moment, or achievement, that you’re particularly proud of throughout Daring’s development?
I think our latest campaign was a huge achievement for my career and my brand. We worked with Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker to shoot a Daring campaign in June 2022. From that campaign, we’ve seen a massive increase in our brand awareness, and we’re honoured to continue our work with them.
With meat-free alternatives now being such a booming industry, can you tell us about any exciting plans or products in the works for Daring?
Absolutely, we’re always looking at ways we can innovate our product line and bring more plant-based options to our consumers. We launched a new flavour at the start of the year – our Teriyaki Plant Chicken Pieces – taking our classic product to the next flavour level that’s savoury, sweet and has rich notes of garlic and ginger. Shortly, we’ll be adding additional flavours to this mix, and some new product lines, so be sure to stay tuned.
There’s obviously more brands releasing meat-free alternatives in comparison to 10 years ago. How do you see the plant-based industry developing in the future?
To be honest, think we’re just getting started. This industry is still relatively new compared to the millions of years people have been eating meat. At Daring, our long-term goal is to replace and rethink chicken in the global food system, and we understand that will take a lot of work. I want to continue creating plant chicken for chicken lovers, with a product that is a true 1:1 substitute for animal chicken without the animal. Our goal is to not only be a product for vegans, but also continue our growth with flexitarians and continue educating on the impact that small steps can make. I see continued innovation coming out of this industry that will appeal to a mass audience and offer plenty of options, with increased momentum and longevity in creating a better planet.
What would you say sets you apart from other plant-based brands on the market today, and what would you attribute to the success of Daring?
A huge differentiator for us at Daring is that we don’t just see ourselves as a consumer packaged goods product: we are building the first-ever plant-based lifestyle brand. We want vegans, flexitarians, and chicken lovers alike to feel a connection to the brand and get excited to try it. We’ve built a brand that feels familiar and approachable for people who are looking for health and wellness inspiration, but also don’t want to sacrifice the foods they love.
As far as our product compared to others on the market - we pride ourselves on our texture and taste as a 1:1 substitute for chicken, that is made through a clean and simple flavour process, with almost 50% less ingredients than market competitors. Unlike other brands we are chicken for chicken lovers and are all about the flexitarian lifestyle because we know if we can get meat eaters to cut back, all those small changes will add up to huge impact.
Of all the meals that you have cooked, which Daring recipe would you say is your go-to favourite?
My favourite recipe at the moment is our Warm Winter Squash Salad, which is posted on our website, along with lots of other delicious recipes. enjoy this salad as this is a meal that is on the heartier side, without being too heavy, making for a great lunch.
Reflecting back to the beginning of your journey with Daring, is there any advice or words of wisdom that you would offer other budding entrepreneurs looking to launch their own business?
Definitely! There are two golden rules that have helped me on this journey that I continue to abide by and would encourage other entrepreneurs to do the same:
Never lose sight of your mission. There will be many distractions along the way, but always remain focused on the larger goal at hand, it may take time, but you’ll get there.
2Trust your gut: figure out your brand’s identity and stick with what feels right. Once you figure that out, much more will fall into place.
Growing up playing rugby at HSOG taught me a lot about leadership and team camaraderie. These skills helped me lead my team at Daring.
I left HSOG in 2007, going off to study Mathematics at Clare College, Cambridge. Having loved Maths and Science and all things ‘numbers’ at school, Maths seemed the obvious thing to do at university. Cambridge studies were hard-going, but so worthwhile. I made many great friends I’m still in touch with and it was a privilege to be taught by some renowned mathematicians. Playing the flute was my main extra-curricular at school. I continued this at university, a highlight of which was to play in the Clare orchestra when we did Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano concerto.
company, used in 3000 stores UKwide! My next challenge involved developing a model to spot ‘black hole inventory’ which is when our systems think we have fewer than zero singles of a given product in store. In theory the system keeps track of all stock movement instantaneously but there is a fair bit of human error. So I put into place an amendment to improve this, which now prevents £21m of fresh food being binned annually due to wrong accounting!
analytics team. We visit and virtually interact with the universities to tell students about the great careers and opportunities available in our team. I’ve also helped raise money for some fantastic charities through leading our Supply Chain community team, especially our Walkathon in 2022 which saw 150 colleagues walking 13 miles for Cardiac Risk in the Young. We raised over £3,000 for the charity which was a brilliant achievement.
After leaving HSOG in 2007 Shona Gibson attended the University of Cambridge and subsequently embarked on a career as a Supply Chain Analyst for Tesco whilst living in north London. Recently Shona took the time to catch up with us to discuss what she has been up to since leaving the School.
Graduating in 2010, say I ‘fell into’ a job as a Supply Chain Analyst for Tesco. I knew little about the real-world job market, but this just sounded an interesting welcoming place to work. 12 years later I’m still in the same team - it was a good choice! This is partly due to the great team culture but also due to the challenge and variety of the actual work. My day to day work encompasses fascinating real-world analytics providing insight and recommending improvements to one of the largest supply chains around. I do a lot of coding, particularly in SQL. This was a challenge at first as definitely didn’t enjoy computing and similar at school! But I’m now a self-confessed code geek.
In my early years developed the Sales Based Availability measureusing till sales to report if customers are able to buy the products they want. From a prototype only me and my boss knew about, it’s now the headline measure for the whole
Some may remember the Jacks discount stores which Tesco tried out a few years ago. I had a really interesting secondment to develop their sales forecasting model. It was a great experience to work on something very ‘blue sky’ and with others from very different backgrounds, being the only analyst on the team.
My current work is on planograms, the ‘maps’ of where each product sits in store. You’d be surprised how much science there is in setting the position and capacity of each individual product. Being one of the experienced analysts in the team, often mentor younger colleagues which enjoy.
15 years ago there wasn’t a huge amount of analytics in Tesco’s Supply Chain but I’ve been there as my team has expanded and touched almost every area – it’s been a fascinating journey.
Similarly to when at school, I thrive on being involved in lots of extracurricular activities. Here are a few of my favourite highlights – firstly leading the university recruitment outreach for Tesco’s Supply Chain
Similar to whilst at HSOG, I take any opportunity to get involved in music. 30 of us from across the company did a cover of Fat Boy Slim’s Praise You at our company conference, which I introduced as a solo. Whilst at school loved being in the chorus for Oliver but usurped that as Glinda in the Tesco Supply Chain panto of 2018, saving the nation’s Christmas turkeys from the Wicked Witch of the East. The biggest musical highlight however has to be participating in Tesco’s 2022 Christmas advert where I was one of the carol singers, which you can watch online by searching for “The Christmas Party Tesco #StandForJoy” on YouTube.
Out of work, sing in a local ladies choir near my home in north London as well as the singing group at my church. On a Sunday you could also find me having a lot of fun teaching the 5-7 year olds in Sunday club. Living on my own so far from home, my ‘second family’ at church is a real community for me. However, when I can, love to return to Scotland for a holiday and drag my family up as many hills as weather permits!
We have a community of thousands of former pupils which extends worldwide from the UK to all corners of the globe including the USA, Australia, Bermuda and various countries across Europe.
The figures in this Map are accurate as at May 2023 and reflect just how far our global community extends. We are always looking to grow our worldwide network so please do get in touch.
We love to hear where life has taken you since you left HSOG but we know how easy it is to lose touch when you relocate, change address or update your email address. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to reconnect with us by using our online contact form.
If you haven’t heard from us in a while, it’s likely that we don’t have your most up-to-date details. Complete our online form today by scanning the QR code below with the camera on your phone or tablet. Alternatively, you can visit our website: www.hsogcommunity.co.uk/ update-former-pupil-contact-details/
The top floor of The John Shaw Science Wing is now fully operational following the largest single donation the School has ever been gifted.
Former pupil John Shaw (Class of 1966), donated £1.5million to the School, which allowed the undeveloped top floor of the Science Wing to be converted into four bright and modern Geography and Modern Studies classrooms which feature views across Old Anniesland’s playing fields and out to the Campsie Fells in the distance. It also resulted in the creation of a ‘Flexible Learning Area’, the first of its kind at the High School.
This making and doing space provides an area in which pupils can discover and learn, alone or collaboratively, outside the confines of a traditional classroom, bridging the gap between school and Higher Education.
Whether children want to come together to design Formula 1 racing cars and print 3D models; discuss hypotheses for experiments they are carrying out in Biology or Chemistry; or immerse themselves in learning through virtual reality, the top floor provides a flexible space for discussion, designing and dreaming.
Rector, John O’Neill, said: “The top floor of The John Shaw Science Wing is an entrepreneurial area within the Senior School that moves away from education in its traditional sense.
“We’ve hosted many exciting sessions in this space already: from Junior 4 children using it as a media studio to record interviews with Senior School staff as part of their Technologies project, to Senior 6 presenting innovative business solutions to a panel of industry experts. It truly offers up endless opportunities.”
John Shaw sadly passed away in October 2022 but his name and pioneering spirit lives on in both of his alma maters, The High School of Glasgow and the University of Glasgow. In 2019, John and his wife Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw pledged $7.5million to the University of Glasgow to create The MazumdarShaw Advanced Research Centre, home to over 500 researchers from a range of disciplines, facilitating world changing collaborative research.
The School was fortunate enough to be able to welcome John and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw to The John Shaw Science Wing last summer, giving the couple a chance to see the difference their donation had made first-hand.
Commenting, Kiran MazumdarShaw said: “The John Shaw Science Wing is a fitting legacy for my beloved husband John. He hoped the impact of his donation would inspire children and young people at The High School of Glasgow and encourage them to think, question and challenge. Innovation is both about doing different things as well as doing things differently, and this floor perfectly aligns with this philosophy.”
After leaving the High School in 1966, John Shaw studied at the University of Glasgow before joining Coats, a Paisley-based textile firm, in management and financial roles across the world. In 1998, he married his wife Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and joined her business, the Bangalorebased, biotech giant Biocon. This billion-dollar biopharmaceutical company’s mission is to change patients’ lives in over 120 countries by finding new and affordable ways to treat diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases. John and Kiran’s philanthropic efforts in India, Glasgow and Barcelona, to name just a few, are well-documented.
Rector, John O’Neill, added: “As we look ahead to the 900th anniversary of the School in 2024 we have ambitious plans to mark this magnificent milestone and leave a lasting legacy for generations of High School pupils to come. The incredible donation from John and Kiran has richly enhanced the educational experience and opportunities for our pupils of both today and tomorrow and for that we are ever grateful.”
Class of 2009 former pupils, Viktoria Tsvetanova and Ryan Lightbody, met during their Fifth Year of school. They began dating in Sixth Year and have been together ever since.
After 13 years living in various countries, and a few delays due to Covid, the two tied the knot last summer on Saturday 13th August 2022 just outside Glasgow at Rowallan Castle.
HSOG was strongly represented amongst the wedding guests, with a few included in the wedding party! Ryan’s brothers Daniel (Class of 2015) and Blaine (Class of 2022), and closest friends Stuart Campbell (Class of 2009) and Andrew Gilchrist (Class of 2009) were groomsmen. Other FPs from the Classes of 2008 and 2016 also joined the celebrations, alongside Former Rector Colin Mair.
Congratulations Ryan and Viktoria from everyone here at HSOG!
Former pupils Adam McInally, Class of 2004 and Caroline McInally (née Smith) Class of 2010 welcomed their second child into the world on 30th September 2022. Their son, Christopher Tiger McInally, is named after his uncle Christopher Smith (Class of 2012).
Class of 2019 former pupil, Thomas Whitelaw is half-way through his medical degree at the University of Dundee, and will soon be launching his new social media app H.O.T (Hoo’s Out Tonight?). The app is currently in development and, once live, will aim to prioritise young people’s mental health by bringing them together on nights out.
Once launched, the app will allow people to see which bars, clubs or social spaces their friends are going to, or are currently in, which will hopefully make significant steps to reducing social isolation by bringing people together on nights out. The app will also have a feature allowing friends to share photos with one another.
of managing the stress of exams. However, just a few months later I had two developers working on the app, and I was looking to secure funding.”
Throughout his studies, Thomas noticed a gap in the ever-growing app development market for something which could help tackle social isolation. From interactions with his peers, Thomas found that many admitted they often felt isolated at university. The two most common reasons were due to moving to a new city and being unsure of which bars and clubs were popular, as well as not being aware of where their friends and peers were going on nights out. With this knowledge, Thomas began thinking up a solution, and so H.O.T was born.
Speaking about the first steps towards launching his app, Thomas describes it as being an exciting and enjoyable experience, but highlights that at times there are set-backs that, as an entrepreneur, he has had to navigate, all while studying a medical degree. He jokingly likens this process to Sisyphus’ punishment in Greek mythology: feeling like you are pushing a boulder up a hill, only for it to begin to roll back down again once you are close to the summit!
Still, Thomas admits it has been an incredibly rewarding journey, and one which started in the midst of his medical exams when he found himself jotting down basic designs for the app’s functionality on a piece of paper. “My flatmates would joke with me, saying that studying was making me stir crazy. They thought my ideas for the app were my way
Asked if he has any advice for fellow budding entrepreneurs, Thomas said his words of wisdom would be: “To just start and worry about perfecting the finer details later. Open up a Word document and type the word “plan”. Put some headings down like “idea”, “funding”, “users” and start filling things in. Before you know it, things will start to fall into place. My journey with H.O.T has only just begun, but I’m excited for what’s ahead and to see how far we can take this idea.”
Thomas’ app is due to launch in September 2023, in time for the start of the new academic year. It will be available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Once launched, the app will make significant steps to reducing social isolation by bringing people together on nights out.
In September 2022, Class of 1999 former pupil Annabelle Robertson (née Lock), set off on an incredible adventure to Nepal in aid of MND Scotland.
Accompanied by her husband Scott, and twenty other individuals, the group’s mission was to trek the Annapurna region to raise vital funds for the leading charity, which specialises in ground-breaking research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Beginning their journey from Kathmandu Airport, the group set off with Yeti Airlines to Pokhara, where their six-day trek began.
Speaking about the experience, Annabelle said: “We were led by a wonderful team of Sherpas, and trekked for around eight hours each day. We climbed more steps than we ever hope to see again, stayed in tea houses, were traumatised by the squat toilets, battled with leeches, and indulged in some local dishes and drinks including Guram bread, momos, yak cheese and Gorkha beer! The scenery was stunning, with spectacular views of mountains and waterfalls.”
The final day of the trek saw a 3am start for the group as they set off with their head torches in the dark with the summit of Poonhill (3250m) set firmly in their sights. The group reached the summit in time for sunrise, with Annabelle recalling: “The view was out of this world. To reach that point with the group after what
we’d experienced together is truly a moment I’ll never forget”.
From here, the group began their descent down, where they managed to commandeer a guitar from a neighbouring village and proceeded to celebrate their success with plenty of singing, dancing and laughter.
Reflecting on her Himalayan challenge, Annabelle said: “We were all there for one purpose, to raise funds for MND Scotland so that they can continue to make time count for everyone affected by MND in Scotland. We were absolutely delighted to discover that as we undertook our challenge that our friends, family and anyone else we’d managed to reach out to had been donating in their droves, meaning that we raised an incredible £168,550.”
If you’d like to find out more about MND Scotland please visit: mndscotland.org.uk
Class of 2019 former pupil, Matthew Gibson-Smith, and a group of inspiring Dundee-based student DJs clubbed together earlier this year to coordinate a full-scale, four-stage music fundraising festival –DEMSFEST – in support of The Brain Tumour Charity.
Whilst studying for his LLB in Law from the University of Dundee (from which he is due to graduate this summer), Matthew and his friends began the Dundee Electronic Music Society (DEMS), the organisers of DEMSFEST. DEMS was established at the start of 2022 and the group of nine have successfully coordinated various nighttime events in the university’s Student Union as well as other venues across the city. Their events have featured nationwide talent such as Jasper James and Theo Kottis, as well as Dundee based artists including Le Freak and All Good.
Raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity was very important to Matthew in particular who has experienced first-hand the devastating impact of brain tumours on those close to him. One of his good friends from HSOG, Rhudi Kennedy (Class of 2019), was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just 13 years old. The duo quickly became close friends during their school days and would frequently be found playing football together. Having experienced various symptoms including headaches, nose bleeds and neck pain, Rhudi was diagnosed with a Grade 1 ganglioglioma. Following a successful 14-hour surgery, Rhudi recovered and is now a Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity where he uses his own experience to help others whilst at the same time raising awareness of the charity’s work.
DEMSFEST also remembered Murray Stewart (Class of 2014), who was a close friend of Matthew’s brother. Murray was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019 whilst at university and tragically passed away shortly after his diagnosis.
Discussing what the charity means to him, Matthew said: “The Brain Tumour Charity is very close to my heart as have seen the devastating impact the
disease can have. It was awful seeing Rhudi so unwell, but can remember how grateful he was to be alive. Losing Murray was horrible; it was utterly heartbreaking for anyone who knew and loved him. Being able to raise vital funds to support brain tumour research, and to do so by hosting our own music festival, is a dream come true. am so grateful for all the effort that has been put into this event. A massive thank you must also go out to all artists, many of whom waived their usual booking fee in support of the charity. Without their support, this event could not have gone ahead.”
Taking place on Saturday 1st April 2023 at the University of Dundee’s Student Union, the festival was a huge success raising over £10,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. The festival featured many talented DJs from across the UK, including Jasper James, Manami and Soul Mass Transit System. The event gained even more traction when it was shortlisted by Resident Advisor (an online music magazine and events company) as one of the festivals of the year, resulting in sponsorship opportunities with Coca Cola, Tunnocks, Monster and Dragon Soup.
Speaking about the event, Matthew said: “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible day we had, and we owe it all to the amazing people who made it possible. Raising £10,000 was a lofty goal, but to have exceeded this target is truly astounding, and we are humbled by the generosity of those who contributed.
“We feel privileged to have had such wonderful support from our community, and we cannot thank everyone enough for their contributions. It is heartening to see how much people care about our cause and are willing to come together to make a difference.
“With this success behind us, we are excited for what the future holds and are eagerly looking forward to next year’s event. We are already brainstorming new and innovative ways to make it even better and more impactful. We cannot wait to see what we can achieve together, and we hope to continue to receive the incredible support of our community. Roll on next year!”
The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity, committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts. They fund pioneering research to increase survival rates and improve treatment options, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours to bring about earlier diagnosis.
If you’d like to find out more about the work of the charity, you can visit their website here: thebraintumourcharity.org
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us Alison, it’s great to have the chance to catch up! You left the School in 1990, can you tell us a little about your time at HSOG? What are your standout memories?
During my time at school, I particularly enjoyed PE. I vividly remember freezing cold Saturday mornings playing hockey - Miss MacPherson took no prisoners! also have fond memories of the Junior School and Miss Robertson; my parents used to bump into her around Milngavie from time to time after left.
When did you start to become interested in swimming, and was there a particular moment that you saw swimming as a prospective career?
I joined Milngavie and Bearsden Swimming Club at the age of 8, along with my sister Elaine (Class of 1992). It wasn’t until 1987, the year before my first Olympics, that started to believe that could excel in the pool.
Things really took a successful turn for you in the early 2000s when you became the first swimmer worldwide to compete in five consecutive Olympics – an incredible feat. What would you attribute to your success as a swimmer at this stage in your career?
Prior to 1998 I was mainly doing aerobic training with a high volume in the pool. It wasn’t until I switched to a more power/sprint-based swim programme, which included weights and land training, that my performances really improved.
You retired from your professional career in 2005. You have since opened your own swimming school. Can you tell us a little about this venture?
A little earlier in the year, we were fortunate enough to catch up with Class of 1990 former pupil Alison Sheppard MBE to hear all about where life has taken her post-HSOG.
From a young age, Alison swam competitively, venturing to her first Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988 at just 15 years old. As well as having many swimming successes, medals and an MBE under her belt, Alison also co-owns the Sheppard Swimming School based in Stirling, and is the Assistant Head Coach at Stirling Swimming.
You were selected for your first Olympic Games at the young age of 15! That must have been a very exciting opportunity. What was your experience of your first Games in Seoul?
My first Olympics was amazing. I swam in the last heat in lane 8 alongside the world record holder at the time, and the eventual Olympic Champion! It was quite a surreal experience being amongst the greatest athletes in the world at only 15! I missed the first two months of my Fifth Year, however, did successfully manage my time to be able to gain my Higher qualifications.
Are there any skills that you developed during your school days which you feel were beneficial to your swimming career?
Being able to train and attend school was always difficult, so time management was a key skill to acquire.
Having swam competitively for nearly 20 years, and winning more than 16 medals across your career, do you have one specific achievement or moment that you’re particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of my Commonwealth Gold which I won in 2002 in Manchester. In addition to this, first broke the Scottish record for the 50m freestyle way back in 1986. Although I have broken it many times between 1986-2005, no one else ever did and it still stands today 37 years later!
Training is of course vital to any athlete’s success, did you have a particular training philosophy or mind-set that you stuck by?
Attitude is Everything.
Would you say there is one important lesson you’ve learned from your time as a professional athlete?
learnt that failure is only part of the journey to success and that if you believe you can do something, you can achieve it.
My husband Gary (a Canadian Olympic swimmer) and I wanted to give back what we have learnt during our own sporting careers and help inspire the next generation. We run swimming lessons for children in venues throughout Scotland, whilst also providing one-to-one coaching in our endless pool (a small swimming pool that uses a propulsion current that enables continuous swimming) for competitive swimmers and putting on summer swim camps.
You’ve also commentated at several events, including the London Olympic Games in 2012, and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. What was this experience like?
Commentating was a lot of fun! A totally different experience though. It’s hard work as you need to watch every single race, but it’s definitely more relaxed than competing.
And finally, what words of wisdom would you offer to any of our young budding athletes?
I would encourage any athlete to keep being consistent and persevere through any disappointment. Training is tough and sometimes you just need to believe in the process and not focus too much on the outcome. Most of all, enjoy what you do!
Ian Reid (Class of 1995) has been awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to sport. For four years, he served as Chief Executive of the organising committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham last summer.
Ian said: “I am immensely proud to have been awarded a Commander of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list. It was an unexpected, but lovely, surprise at the end of a very special year.”
In expressing his thanks, Ian made mention of the Commonwealth Collective, the 14,000-strong volunteer workforce for their dedication, and paid tribute to all who took part in the Games, as well as the 1.5 million spectators who attended to cheer on the athletes.
Ian and his team worked tirelessly across four years to deliver a hugely successful Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. We were fortunate enough to welcome Ian back to the High School in session 2021/22 as part of our Sixth Form Lecture Series. He was invited to speak at the annual Easton Lecture. Here, he shared insights into what it takes to organise and run a large-scale sporting event where all eyes of the Commonwealth are on you.
We so enjoy reconnecting with former pupils and following their success in the myriad of fields they choose once they leave the High School. Hearing news of a former pupil receiving a CBE very much embodies the spirit of our school motto, Sursum Semper
Calling all HSOG former pupils, we want to reconnect with you to hear about where life has taken you since you left school!
We are looking for new contributors to our ReConnect series, a project which promotes the stories of our former pupils and gives them a chance to reflect on their time at HSOG.
Your stories, shared through this initiative, are an invaluable resource for our current pupils as they provide lived experience and advice about working in a variety of different industries. It is also a great opportunity to promote your career whilst also sharing advice with the wider HSOG community.
If you’re interested in being a ReConnect interviewee, we’d love to hear from you. All you have to do is complete the following four questions, provide a suitable headshot and email this across to community@hsog.co.uk
1 2 3 4
What do you do?
How did you get to where you are today?
What is a standout memory of your time at The High School of Glasgow?
What one piece of advice would you give to current pupils and recent leavers as they look to their futures?
Looking for inspiration? Browse some of our contributions here.
It was an unexpected, but lovely, surprise at the end of a very special year.
Former and current pupils, and members of the School’s wider community, gathered together for the first Business Breakfast of the New Year on Friday 27th January 2023.
Class of 2006 former pupil, James McNaught gave a fascinating talk about his decade-long career with fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull. His presentation focused on the various antiques, works of art and other interesting artefacts which he, and other colleagues, have discovered. Some of which have sold for world record-breaking sums.
Of all the items that James has valued throughout his career, he highlighted two as his favourite finds. The first being a John William Godward oil painting entitled ‘Poppies’, signed and dated in 1898, which he discovered in the upstairs of one of his client’s houses.
The second was an unexpected find during one of the company’s Charity Valuation Days. The blue and white tripod ‘drunken scholar’ incense burner from the Ming Dynasty captured James’ attention for many reasons. Its history being one of them. Originally gifted to his client’s great uncle for his work in the fire service in Penang, Malaysia during the 1920s/30s, it makes for a heartwarming story that James’ client was also recognised for his service to the Fire Brigade by receiving an OBE on 1st January 1943.
Our thanks to James for his wonderful Business Breakfast presentation.
Former pupil, John Clark (Class of 1991) joined the School on Thursday 1st December for our final Business Breakfast of 2022.
John is the Chief Commercial Officer for Arnold Clark Motor Group, the UK’s largest independently owned, family-run car retailer.
Whilst studying for his BA in Town & Country Planning at the University of Strathclyde, and latterly his MSc in Marketing, John gained vital experience in his family’s business. Officially joining the company in 1996, he has worked across all areas giving him a comprehensive overview of how the company works. Come 1999, he received his first appointment within a managerial capacity at the Helensburgh Ford site.
Throughout his 26 years with Arnold Clark, John has held a variety of positions. These include Franchise/ Brand Manager, Group Franchise Director, and most recently Chief Commercial Officer. Furthermore, John was responsible for leading one of the UK’s largest Volkswagen retailers and establishing Arnold Clark’s car-buying service.
Due to his services to the motor industry, John also found himself the recipient of the Strathclyde University Stellar Leadership Award.
Over the years, John has witnessed many of Arnold Clark’s milestones, such as reaching 300,000 car sales in one year. Not only was the company the first UK motor-dealer to surpass £100 million in profit, but also the first to exceed £200 million in profit.
Currently, Arnold Clark is aiming to sell 500,000 cars by 2025. At the same time, the company are committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 33% by 2030.
All who attended thoroughly enjoyed John’s Business Breakfast and came away with interesting insight into one of Scotland’s best-known, family-run businesses.
Former pupils of The High School of Glasgow gathered together on the evening of Friday 24th March 2023 to celebrate 100 years of The London Club.
We welcomed 140 former pupils and wider members of the HSOG community to Glasgow Golf Club on Friday 5th May for The High School of Glasgow Dinner.
Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and were treated to musical entertainment from a string quartet featuring two current members of HSOG staff, before sitting down for a delicious three-course meal.
An update on current school life at HSOG was provided by Head of Senior School, Kenneth Robertson. There were a number of familiar faces in attendance on behalf of the School including Director of External Relations, Karen McDonald, Chair of Governors, Stewart MacAulay, Former Rector, Colin Mair, and members of the School’s Senior Leadership Team.
We were also joined by various year group tables, which included former pupils from the classes of 1965, 1985, 1990 and 1993. Two guests even made the trip over from Cyprus especially for this get-together.
It was a fantastic way to bring members of the HSOG community together ahead of the School’s 900th anniversary next year!
On Thursday 27th April, we were delighted to welcome 19 former members of Junior School staff back to HSOG for afternoon tea in the Jimmie Ireland Stand! It was brilliant to catch up with so many familiar faces.
The Caledonian Club in London’s Belgravia was the venue for the get-together, with former pupils of all ages from near and far reuniting for a fun-filled evening.
Following a welcome drinks reception, guests enjoyed a delicious threecourse meal before the speeches. President of The London Club, Tom Kerr (Class of 2006) welcomed the evening’s two Guest Speakers –Former Rector Mr Colin Mair (20042015), and Class of 2007 former pupil Jenny Drummond.
On 24th November 2022, HSOG former pupils from a variety of Class Years gathered together in London ahead of the festive period.
The annual President’s Lunch, hosted by London Club President, Tom Kerr (Class of 2006), took place at The Caledonian Club in the heart of Belgravia. Around 15 former pupils enjoyed catching up with familiar and new faces over a delectable lunch.
Colin touched on tales from his time as Rector, including some of his stand-out memories. Whilst Jenny shared candid insights into her career in sports broadcast journalism which has included covering key sporting competitions such as Wimbledon and The Women’s Rugby World Cup.
School Captains Maria and Ritvik then entertained guests with their experiences of current school life. They shared stories from their own respective HSOG journeys, talking about the wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities on offer to pupils today.
Representatives from HSOG made the journey down to London for the special anniversary celebrations, including Rector John O’Neill, Chair of Governors Stewart MacAulay and Director of External Relations Karen McDonald. Additionally, Former Rector Dr Robin Easton (1982-2004) and his wife Eleanor were also present.
Come evening time, representatives from the School community, including Rector John O’Neill, and Director of External Relations Karen McDonald, hosted a drinks reception in Covent Garden. This was the perfect opportunity to welcome in the Christmas period with over 20 members of our London alumni community.
Sophie Price left HSOG in 2014 heading to the University of Manchester to study for her undergraduate degree in Music, where she studied modules including Russian and Italian.
Throughout her time at university, Sophie frequently performed with the Manchester University Music Society, becoming a dedicated Committee Member in her third year. One of their most successful activities was their ‘Grade-1-athon’ charity fundraiser which raised funds to sponsor students wanting to a learn a new musical instrument, ultimately funding their Grade 1 exams. All in all, the group raised a fantastic amount - over £2,500!
After obtaining her 1st Class Honours Degree, Sophie enrolled at the Royal Northern College of Music where she studied Postgraduate Singing under the Associate Student Scheme before relocating to London. From here she undertook an Opera Holland Park Internship working on the awardwinning outreach and education programme ‘Inspire’ - a programme dedicated to creating accessible routes into opera as well as offering a space of creation and discovery for everyone.
Additionally, Sophie has worked with Singing for the Brain, bringing people affected by dementia together to sing their favourite songs, whilst at the same time stimulating brain activity and improving wellbeing.
Moving next to a live music agency for events – Music Students for Hire – Sophie took up roles including Bookings Executive and Operations Manager before turning to freelance work, which she continues to do to this day.
As a freelance performer, Sophie has worked with a myriad of different groups including St Paul’s Opera, Art Song in Action, and Constella OperaBallet. In addition to performing, Sophie is also a freelance teacher, with two of her students having been accepted into the Royal Academy of Music’s Music Theatre Junior course, one on a full scholarship. Her time at the Sydney Russell School in Dagenham allowed Sophie to teach singers, the Barbershop Boys Choir and the Chamber Choir, as well as coaching the lead roles for the yearly school musical.
In recent years, the field of vocal health has captured Sophie’s interest. So much so that she has recently qualified as a Vocal Health First Aider having studied the Accent Method with the Guildhall School of Music’s Linda Hutchison.
Another more recent endeavour has been with a young startup company called Practice Pal, where Sophie has taken on the role of Guided Practice Lead with responsibility for managing the company’s whole guided practice section. The company’s aim is to ensure that musicians practice in the most efficient way possible. They strive to achieve this by pairing up a music learner with a professional musician who will listen to their practice sessions via webcam and provide advice and tips to help improve their skills and talent.
Sophie has worked with Singing for the Brain, bringing people affected by dementia together to sing their favourite songs, whilst at the same time stimulating brain activity and improving wellbeing.
At the far end of Africa, the GHSFP South Africa Club is probably one of the smallest of the former pupil clubs around the globe. The Club was formed in 1935, and has seven active members, all based in Johannesburg, who continue to meet regularly.
Over the years our members and their partners have travelled together to many of the magnificent tourist destinations in South Africa. With it being such a large country, many of our trips were around the Johannesburg area. However, there were a few occasions where we travelled further afield.
We once visited a game reserve in the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo Province, which is about a two-and-ahalf-hour drive north of Johannesburg. This was a memorable excursion for many reasons, namely due to the local monkeys helping themselves to our breakfast just about as quickly as we put it on the table!
A few hours east of Johannesburg is one of the coldest spots in South Africa, called Dullstroom, situated in Mpumalanga Province 6800 feet above sea level. Noted for its excellent
trout fishing and the resemblance that parts of the area has to Scotland, we went there one November. This is within the summer season, and it was so cold nobody ventured outside for virtually the entire weekend. So much for the image of the hardy Scots!
The furthest we have travelled is to the Kruger National Park which is so large it occupies areas in both the Mpumalanga Province and the Limpopo Province. The park is the jewel amongst the national parks and all the major species of wildlife are found there. I’m pleased to say that apart from some vehicle challenges everybody returned safely to base!
The Club still continues to meet regularly, and I’m happy to say that at our more formal events the School Song is still sung with gusto, albeit perhaps not always in key!
Our current Chairman, Kenneth Fraser (Class of 1957) is always happy to meet with any former pupil who may be visiting South Africa, or passing through Johannesburg.
Joining The High School of Glasgow during the Elmbank Street days, I really enjoyed playing rugby. During my final year was part of the First XV and I even played for the former pupils’ first team against Kelvinside once. In the summer months, was involved in cricket and tennis.
On leaving school in 1967, I took up a job as an Apprentice Quantity Surveyor in Glasgow, with day release courses at Glasgow College of Building, where I obtained an Ordinary Level in Economic Organisation in 1971.
I continued to play rugby post-HSOG, firstly in London with the London Scottish Club, then in Brussels with Bruxelles University Club. I have also competed in the annual running event - the 20km of Brussels.
Continuing in my career in quantity surveying, I then moved to a company based in London - M.K. Bowden - where I eventually had the opportunity to become involved with a large project in Brussels, Belgium. However, this opportunity sadly never came to fruition.
From here, I took up a role as Assistant to the Export Manager for Belgian facade company Chamebel where I was responsible for preparing tenders for projects in the Middle East and
Hong Kong. was then appointed as a manager for the execution of their projects in Saudi Arabia, where was employed for three years.
was fortunate to meet my wife Barbara, a native of County Leitrim, in Brussels, and we got married in la Maison de Ville at The Grande Place in central Brussels in April 1976.
Through contacts working for the facade company in Brussels on modifications to the EU HQ building and the European Investment Bank HQ in Luxembourg, I contacted a technical services company who were looking for a Construction Manager in Europe and the UK. worked for them for several years.
Moscow was my next destination, where my wife was offered a position working in the EU Embassy. She had previously worked as an Assistant to the Director for Overseas Relations for several years, and so we stayed in the Russian capital for four years.
Eventually, my wife was offered a new role working for the EU Embassy in Beijing. At the same time, I was offered a contracts management role for a joint venture between VIRY, a French aluminium company, and YUANDA, a major Chinese facade company in Shanghai and Shenzen.
This project saw me working on the extension of the cruise liner terminal in Shanghai. However, after 18 months I moved to Beijing to join my wife.
Egypt was another destination for my family and I, where we lived for three years based in Cairo. Here I worked as a manager of a joint venture between technical services company Air et Chaleur and construction contractor Orascom. We have one son who attended the Cairo American College, and we had many enjoyable adventures exploring the Egyptian Pyramids, Saqqara and the street markets of Cairo.
My final role was working with a former colleague from Brussels on a project in Nivelles, Belgium. Retiring this year, we have settled in Cyprus and have thoroughly been enjoying retired life. Our son has also lived in various countries including Scotland and Australia, but is now settled in Pau, France a city overlooking the Pyrenees Mountains.
I feel very fortunate to have visited many countries throughout my life. The first country ventured to was America whilst working as a Malt Distiller to deliver a talk on malt distilling in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon retiring from my career in distilling, at which point was a Laboratory Manager, was invited to join Demerara Distillers in Guyana where I spent a year as Technical Manager of a rum distillery.
Following these sojourns abroad, found myself taking up sailing where I experienced the challenge of local Scottish waters and the full brunt of a force nine gale (wind speeds of up to 50mph!) in the Kilbrannon Sound between the Mull of Kintyre and Isle of Arran.
Having been baptised to the fury of the sea, joined a crew in Stockholm, Sweden to embark on a crewing expedition to St. Petersburg via Turku and Helsinki in Finland. On our exit from Helsinki, the yacht was pursued by a Finnish coastguard cutter from which it escaped into Russian territory.
The sail into St Petersburg guided the crew up one of the city’s many canals. From our berth the crew was visited by a local Russian citizen - Viktor Meyelev - who knew the yacht’s skipper. kept up email correspondence with Viktor; he and his wife even visited Scotland and stayed with us in Crieff. However, we have since lost touch following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
My next adventure was an invigorating sail around Ireland, which was followed by a non-stop sail to Iceland. Departing from Craobh Haven
in Oban we headed for northeast Iceland. vividly remember the night watches which crew were required to do: three hours on, and then two hours off. In total, the journey took around four days before we arrived at Seydisfjordur (a small town known for its many original early 19th-century timber houses and its picturesque surroundings) where we stayed the night.
Holidays have taken my wife and to several countries, including Spain and Germany. Our daughter, having graduated in medicine, decided to relocate to New Zealand and so we took the opportunity to visit her. This trip involved a week’s stay with a nursing colleague of my wife in Hobart, Tasmania before we ventured to Christchurch in the South Island where we met up with another friend. We then hired a campervan and headed for the ferry to the North Island to see our daughter. The ferry was familiar due to its name “Suilven”, registered in Wellington. It turns out that it was originally registered in Glasgow and used for the Ullapool to Stornoway crossing, and now it was plying New Zealand waters!
Our daughter then moved to Nepal and began working on the mountains opposite Annapurna, administering medical aid to climbers at heights of up to 5,400m. Accompanied by a local Sherpa, my wife, a friend and I were led onto the Annapurna Circuit to Manang at a height of 3,500m. It was felt that at 5,400m, we would be exposed to altitude sickness.
Having befriended a Chinese girl and her mother in the terrace outside the house where we were staying we noticed that the mother was in
tears. Having asked why it transpired that her daughter was becoming a pupil at Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, and therefore was being separated from her family. We said that we would look after her daughter and out of that came a kind invitation to visit her family in Lanzhou in the Gansu Province. Before coming to the family’s home, we visited Shanghai and Beijing, where we had the opportunity to experience the magnificent Great Wall.
After staying with the family, we were taken west to Dunhuang situated on the eastern side of the Gobi Desert. Here my wife and had the opportunity to ride camels – an amazing experience. The visit to China was certainly an eye opener; friendly people living in very modern cities.
My travels have taken me far and wide, and would certainly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wealth of cultures and scenery our world has to offer.
Have you signed up to our HSOG Connect platform?
There are many benefits to being a member of our Connect community:
Connect with fellow members of the HSOG Community
Become a part of our mentorship programme either as a mentor, or mentee
Utilise the networking opportunities and connect with likeminded individuals from similar industries
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Reconnect with your former school, we’d love to hear from you
Denis Nicol
Class of 1960
We are incredibly proud that a number of our former pupils have gone on to publish their own books. Over the next few pages, we have taken the time to spotlight three of our amazing HSOG authors.
If you’ve recently published your own book, please do get in touch with us at: community@hsog.co.uk
We’d love to hear from you and share in your success.
In his memoir, Peter highlights some of those projects with descriptions of the design processes and the construction methods used to bring the works to successful completion. Personal reminiscences of his travels complement descriptions of his life as an engineer. Developments in analysis of structures during his working life have enabled all manner of structures to be designed to display elegance of form in a natural way without unnecessary embellishment. Practising engineers understand the satisfaction to be found in designing such engineering works and seeing them built as they envisaged.
In March 2020, the world went into lockdown and former pupil, Morag Ridings, found herself questioning what to do as a 78-year-old. Truly believing there is a book inside every one of us, Morag began a journey to write her biography, something she describes as “her lasting legacy”.
A Girl from Glasgow recounts Morag’s experiences of growing up during the Second World War, her time at the Glasgow High School for Girls, family life and more. It will undoubtedly strike a chord with fellow former pupils. Recalling some of the teachers, sewing baggy cotton knickers, honesty boxes on the trams, and handwriting which no one now can read, are just a few of the memories from her school days that Morag touches on in her memoir.
Speaking about the process of writing her book, Morag said:
It was a totally absorbing experience; it was therapeutic as I had time to reflect on the many highs and lows that I have experienced in my life. I realised too how enduring friendships, many of which had started at school, are so important.
You can purchase a copy of Morag’s memoir on Amazon, with paperback editions costing £10
The front cover design was overseen by HSOG’s own Mrs Carolyn Bell (Head of Art) and created by one of our Senior School pupils, Estella.
Speaking about his latest publication, Colin said:
Peter worked as a professional civil engineer for over 50 years. During his career, he designed and supervised construction of many bridges and harbour works in the UK and throughout the Far East, South East Asia, and Africa, living in many countries across the eastern hemisphere with his family for 12 years. Examples of some of these projects include the Ballachulish Bridge in Scotland, Sha Tin to Tai Po Road in the New Territories of Hong Kong, and the Thai Naval Dockyard in Bangkok.
Peter hopes that his latest publication, and the enthusiasm for his work as expressed in the memoir, may inspire other young people to become the civil engineers of the future.
You can purchase a copy of Peter’s memoir from £10.99 directly from his publisher’s website: austinmacauley.com /book/home-and-away
This is Colin’s third poetry collection, which includes an eclectic mixture of stories in rhyme. His latest work focuses on a variety of topics, from life in Glasgow growing up, golfing trials and tribulations to sections of reminiscences, love and romance, war and remembrance, global warming and limericks.
Poetry has fascinated me since my days in “Bouncer” Brown’s and “Pappa” Tawns’s English classes. My first efforts were rhymes to the latest flavour of the month, first sweethearts, first dances, first dates, and Valentine rhymes. I published my first books in 1996: Mainly Sentimental - 250 poems of a lifetime and an anthology of poems by poets on Hornby and Denman Islands in BC.
You can purchase a copy of Colin’s Victoria Dreaming on Amazon Paperbacks cost £12.25 and Kindle Editions cost £1.64.
Class of 1961 former pupil, Kenneth Low was born during the Second World War in April 1943 in Dover. His father commanded a minesweeper, whilst his mother was part of the Women’s Royal Naval Service and based at Dover Castle. Shortly after his birth, Kenneth made history by being the first baby to be christened on one of His Majesty’s warships.
Following a move to Glasgow, Kenneth joined Junior 1 at the High School at Elmbank Street in 1948. Some of Kenneth’s earliest memories are of his teacher Miss Nina (see page 48 for more on Miss Nina), the daily spelling tests he would have to revise for, as well as Latin classes with the thenHeadmaster Mr Rankin.
Throughout his time at HSOG, Kenneth was an enthusiastic member of the school orchestra, and was first violin in the Glasgow Schools’ Orchestra. He attributes his musical success to his excellent teachers and the School’s facilities. But the lessons didn’t stop for the holidays, with Kenneth and the Glasgow Schools’ Full Symphony Orchestra (consisting of a large proportion of High School pupils) being trained in Castle Toward, Dunoon by some of the best international conductors, including Norman Del Mar CBE.
Father and son former pupils, Ian Docherty (Class of 1957) and Campbell Docherty (Class of 1992), recently took a trip together to Egypt. The adventure was a mixture of business and pleasure packed with plenty of iconic sightseeing destinations.
The conclusion of his school days saw him progress onto the University of Glasgow to study for his MA in Economics & Geography before obtaining his Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Strathclyde.
From here, Kenneth moved to Birmingham and joined Lucas Industries in 1967 as a Graduate Apprentice. As part of his apprenticeship, he was signed up for a course at Birmingham Tech to learn the basics of engineering. His first job very quickly followed, and he was sent to check how all the Lucas factories collected their purchase statistics. Kenneth recalls: “This was in the days long before computers and so it used to take up to 2-3 years to consolidate the information!”.
A year later Kenneth got married before relocating to Cwmbran in South Wales to take up his new role as Section Buyer for the LucasGirling brake factory. His time with the company soon took him across the English Channel in 1971 to Paris where Kenneth embraced his next role as Purchasing Coordinator for Europe, whilst enjoying the Parisian lifestyle living just next to the Champs Élysées. His final role before retirement was as a Purchase Manager for the European After Market, based north-east of Paris in Blanc Mesnil.
In his spare time, Kenneth was a keen horse rider. Being bilingual he was encouraged to become an FFE Official (Fédération Française D’equitation). Over the years he progressed and became a 4* FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) Judge for endurance riding, officiating notably at The World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, as well as across Europe.
Kenneth is now enjoying retired life living in Pierrefonds, Oise - where the BBC filmed Merlin.
However, they also made the most of their time abroad by taking the opportunity to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Great Pyramid of Giza – a boyhood dream for both father and son.
Professional tour guide Ravie El Ammary, a veteran archaeologist of over 50 years, accompanied Ian and Campbell to other renowned tourist sites including the Great Sphinx of Giza and The Egyptian Museum (the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East with the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world).
Of all the sites that the duo were fortunate to see, Campbell said:
There are two stand-out memories from the trip. The first was seeing the Valley of the Kings exhibition which featured artefacts discovered by Howard Carter when he successfully located the tomb of Egyptian King, Tutankhamun in 1922. Another memorable moment was coming face to face with Tutankhamun’s gold funerary mask.
The Docherty family have their own business, Murray Golf, which supplies top-quality golf wear solutions both nationally and internationally. The duo’s excursion to Egypt was centred around a visit to their clothing business supplier in Cairo’s Freeport business district.
We love welcoming former pupils back to the School for reunions and we already have several confirmed for later this year, and a few more in the pipeline, which we’re very excited about.
If you’d like to arrange a reunion, please email community@hsog.co.uk to see how we may be able to help. We’d love to hear from you!
Saturday 9th September 2023
The Jimmie Ireland Stand
Timings TBC
Tickets for the Class of 2008 15-year reunion will be on sale shortly so please keep an eye on our website for further details!
Included with your ticket will be a welcome drink and evening buffet. There will also be a cash bar available throughout the night.
Saturday 16th September 2023
The Jimmie Ireland Stand
Timings TBC
Tickets will be on sale shortly and will include a welcome drink, an evening buffet and half a bottle of wine per person. There will also be a cash bar available during the evening.
Saturday 30th September 2023
The Jimmie Ireland Stand
Starting from 10.30am
Join your fellow Elmbank Street former pupils as they celebrate their 50-year reunion at Old Anniesland! Tickets will be released shortly and will include welcome teas/coffees in The John Shaw Science Wing, tours of the School, followed by a three-course lunch with wine in the Jimmie Ireland Stand.
A cash bar will be available in the Stand.
We are in the midst of planning a calendar of exciting events across 2024 to mark a momentous milestone in the School’s history, and it would be wonderful to see as many former pupils as possible join us as we celebrate HSOG’s 900th anniversary.
More details to follow shortly. Please keep an eye on our HSOG Community website which you can visit by scanning the QR code at the bottom of this page with your phone or tablet.
Saturday 20th January 2024
Join us for what is set to be an incredible evening in Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, one of Glasgow’s most iconic landmarks, as we begin our 900th anniversary celebrations.
Tickets will be on sale in due course. Please visit our website for further information about how to secure tickets.
Thursday 18th April 2024
The City of Glasgow has granted us a Civic Reception at Glasgow City Chambers. Civic Receptions are offered to city-wide organisations who are celebrating a significant anniversary of their founding.
A limited number of tickets will be made available via ballot. Further details will be released shortly.
Our former pupil community extends worldwide, and we’re hoping to get back in touch with alumni from near and far and across the decades!
There’s never been a better time to get back in touch with HSOG as we will be celebrating our 900th anniversary in 2024 with a calendar of special events. We are looking to reconnect with as many former pupils as possible so that you may join in the celebrations for this landmark moment in HSOG’s history.
We have thousands of former pupils on our database, but we’re sadly not in touch with everyone. Therefore, we need your help!
We’d really appreciate it if you could encourage your friends and family members who are former pupils to reconnect with us. We have many exciting things going on that we’d love to share with you, and them.
The QR code on this page takes you to our online contact form, which only takes a few minutes to complete. Please feel free to share this and encourage those you know to update their details with us!
Please keep an eye on our website for further information
A group of school pupils in Malawi learning about the importance of the nutritional value of wild foods by reading the book produced by Charlotte and her colleagues.
Class of 2008 former pupil, Charlotte Hall, has pursued a career in food security and nutrition. She travelled to Malawi earlier this year in a bid to spread awareness of the beneficial nutrients that local wild foods possess. Here, Charlotte tells us a little more about her career, her recent trip to Malawi as well as future projects that are currently in the pipeline.
Thanks to some fantastic teachers at HSOG, I really enjoyed studying Geography. So much so that went on to complete a BSc in Environmental Geography, followed by an MSc in Environmental Management at the University of Stirling.
Both of these degrees sparked my interest in agricultural sciences and food systems, so I went on to complete my PhD in Food Security at the University of Aberdeen. My PhD research explored the potential impacts of climate change on food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific focus on Malawi.
Malawi is a small, landlocked country in southeast Africa, and is one of the poorest countries in the world. It also has some of the highest levels of malnutrition, with nearly 20% of the population unable to meet their calorie needs, and far more suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. Due to my PhD experience, I was lucky enough to secure a position as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen in 2020 with an amazing team of researchers exploring the benefits of forests for people’s food security and nutrition.
Over the last three years, our research has shown that people in low-income countries such as Malawi are very dependent on forests for their livelihoods. People frequently travel to forest areas to gather wild foods from trees, such as mangoes, papayas and green leaves, which they either consume or sell at local markets (or both). These foods tend to be very high in micronutrients, including vitamin A, iron and zinc. Even small quantities can significantly improve the overall quality of a person’s diet.
We wanted to give back to the communities where we conducted our research, and so developed a children’s book that illustrates the importance of these wild foods in a bid to increase consumption. Wild foods are often seen as “poverty foods” as they tend to be relied upon by the poorest households, particularly in times of hardship. We are actively trying to change this stigma.
My team and travelled to Malawi at the beginning of March 2023 to distribute these books, but this journey was unfortunately cut short due to Cyclone Freddy, which devastated Malawi’s southern region.
Most of the team had to leave after only four days, myself included, due to safety concerns. However, one of the team managed to travel north and distribute 750 books. It seemed to be very well received by the teachers and children alike!
My team and I are currently working on a further grant application that would allow us to develop a knowledge platform and app based on our work. This would be something which could be used by NGOs and extension workers to better design tree-planting initiatives to maximise the provision of nutritious, wild foods for local people. really hope to be able to travel back to Malawi at some point in the future!
Our research has shown that people in low-income countries such as Malawi are very dependent on forests for their livelihoods.
Class of 1961 former pupil, Bill Mackie graduated from the University of Glasgow with his MBChB in 1967. Having relocated to Canada, Bill went on to become Clinical Professor of Surgery for the University of Alberta until his retirement in 2008. A fun fact which Bill discovered about his graduating medical school class was that a good contingent were fellow former pupils from the Class of 1961!
A little research revealed that we all went on to pursue varying careers in medicine, and in different parts of the world:
• Colin Browne General Practitioner, UK.
• T Wallace Bryson Family Physician/General Surgeon, Canada.
• Graeme Cunningham Clinical Professor of Medicine, Canada.
• D Campbell Davidson Paediatrician, UK.
• Kenneth Flack Psychiatrist, UK.
• Ronald Gordon General Practitioner, UK.
• Iain Jamieson General Practitioner, UK.
Having left Elmbank Street in 1961, I spent six years studying for my medical degree at the University of Glasgow. What didn’t realise at the time was that 16 of the 132 graduates (more than 10%!) were my fellow school classmates. Having discovered that the School was looking to launch its new former pupil magazine, I thought it worthwhile making them aware of what I believe may be a record number of Elmbank Street alumni from the same year graduating from the same medical school.
• Bruce Knox Anaesthesiologist, Canada.
• Neville Krasner Gastroenterologist, UK.
• I Ross McDougall Professor of Medicine and Radiology, USA.
• R Stuart Paton General Practitioner, UK.
• Kenneth Scott Pathologist, UK.
• Robert Scott General Practitioner, UK.
• William Short Major General, Royal Army Medical Corps, UK.
• W Pat Soutter Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, UK.
Apart from the fact that all these doctors were my classmates at Elmbank Street some 56 years ago, my interest in researching this list stemmed from a desire to have some appreciation of their contribution to the medical world. As you can see, nine of the sixteen pursued additional specialty medical training with some aspiring to a professorial appointment. That five of them (all with specialist training) immigrated to North America is incredible. It is also gratifying that a significant number have maintained contact with one another for many years. If anyone from this list happens to read my article and wishes to reach out to me, it’d be great to hear from you and catch up!
While it is difficult to prove or disprove that these numbers constitute a record achievement of Elmbank Street graduates, believe that the Rector of the time, Dr David Lees, and the brilliant teaching staff of the late fifties and early sixties are deserving of significant kudos and appreciation.
The Rector at the time, Dr David Lees, and the brilliant teaching staff are deserving of significant kudos and appreciation.
Our brand-new online shop opened for business earlier this year!
We have a variety of items in stock from HSOG branded golf balls, to notebooks, tote bags, and more.
Our latest items include two books written by former members of staff, Brian Lockhart and Harry Ashmall, which focus on the history of the School over the years. With our 900th anniversary fast approaching in 2024 it might be the perfect time to brush up on your HSOG history!
If you haven’t already, please feel free to have a browse of our online shop - you might just find the perfect treat for yourself, or something which would make a brilliant gift for friends or family members!
Class of 1962 former pupil, Jack Sinclair has had a very vibrant career working within the cocoa industry, spending a good portion of his working life based in Ghana.
Working as VP (Sourcing) for Barry Callebaut AG, the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer, Jack was one of the leads on the very first major investment on the Free Zone in Tema, Ghana. Having instigated the investment in a multi-million-dollar cocoa processing plant, he was also responsible for negotiating both the cocoa bean supply and the land purchase. It was at this point that Jack was asked to go to Ghana to oversee the construction of the plant, as well as its commissioning and the first three years’ operation.
Additionally, Jack initiated and oversaw the construction of a warehousing complex, also in Ghana, operated by Dutch logistics company Sitos. Following its completion, he was involved once again in the land purchase, construction and commissioning of a further cocoa processing plant, this time operated by American food processing company ADM. This project was based in Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti region of Ghana.
Throughout his career, Jack made very positive contributions to the successful development of Ghana Free Trade Commercial Zones, initially in Tema and also in Kumasi. In recognition of his achievements, Jack was invited to a street naming ceremony on 6th October 2022 in Tema, which unveiled the street named in his honour - “Jack Sinclair Street”. In attendance were the Minister of Trade and several other dignitaries. In total, five streets and avenues were announced having been named after individuals, or organisations, who had made significant contributions to the Zone over the last twenty years.
Retiring to York, where his cocoa journey began with Rowntree’s, Jack still advises on commercial issues for Ghanaian cocoa processor Plot Enterprises, based in Takoradi. His love affair with cocoa and Ghana continues!
I started Glasgow High School for Girls at the age of five when it was on Hill Street, and stayed there until Fifth Year. My first teacher in P1 was Miss Robertson – she was lovely; we all really liked her. particularly enjoyed my first few years at the Junior School, where won quite a few prizes.
P4-P7 I found a little more challenging, but had a close friend who led me into all sorts of trouble, like climbing the school walls. Naturally we were caught and told off! A few years ago, I travelled to Canada and met up with her again; I’m delighted to say that she hadn’t changed a bit.
After finishing school, I went to Jordanhill Teacher Training College and then became a Primary School Teacher. Having taught in various
schools, I took early retirement at the age of 52. In between, I got married and had three children.
To keep myself busy, joined a Choir and volunteered in a charity shop. still sing with the same Choir, but gave up volunteering after twenty or so years. am now 84 and belong to the group known as “Ladies Who Lunch”. have lots of friends, as well as four lovely grandchildren, all of whom are grown up now. I try to keep myself fit by walking, although in the winter weather it can be a tad challenging.
often wonder what the girls I knew at school are doing now. Perhaps if they see this, they might recognise me. It would be wonderful to catch up!
My first teacher in P1 was Miss Robertson – she was lovely; we all really liked her.
Ten past nine and the school bell is tolling the start of another day at The High School of Glasgow. Hordes of boys in brown blazers ascend the steps to the Assembly Hall for the morning ritual: a psalm, a Bible reading by a nervous Prefect, a paraphrase (“I’m not ashamed to own my Lord”) and the intimations. A shiver of vicarious excitement if some miscreant was being requested to identify himself as “the boy who was seen leaving the school grounds at around three o’clock yesterday afternoon” (for school finished at 3.30pm every day except for rugby or cricket practice).
It takes very little for many of us to be right back in the school they left fifty or more years ago. There were the buildings, with their impressive variety and bulk – ‘C’ block the long, tall centrepiece; soot-blackened ‘D’ block for the Junior School; and ‘A’ and ‘B’ blocks for arts, science, maths and languages.
Each carried its own ambience: light or dark, bright or ominous depending on a boy’s sensitivities and proclivities. There were the myriad traditions of school life – school stationery from Lyons on Sauchiehall Street,
school uniform from Paisleys or Forsyths outfitters, chocolate and gold rugby jerseys, and of course Latin. All imbuing a sense of weighty permanence, whereas, in fact, the bell was already tolling for the break-up of the old school well before I left Sixth Year in 1974.
We had thought it was the end of all that when the politicians closed the old school not many years later. They reckoned without the vision, the chutzpah and the sheer hard work of those who revived the Alma Mater Glorious on its present site. Hats off to them! I may not have enjoyed every day of my school life, but I did experience a solid education which birthed in me at least a lifelong delight in knowledge and learning. And there were joyful times. recall Miss Ralston’s Denmark project in Junior 6 – now there was a lady with chutzpah; she even got a Danish government official to come and inspect our work! Plus, some hilarious friendships, some of which it might be good to revisit some time before these memories begin to fade.
In September 1952, I and 35 other young boys entered Glasgow High School’s Junior 1 class, where the class teacher was the legendary Miss Nina Logan. As she was scheduled to retire in the autumn of 1953, we were the last of “Miss Nina’s boys”. Miss Nina had joined the staff at Glasgow High School in 1915 and we were very privileged to be taught by such a highly experienced lady.
When Miss Nina retired there was a dinner in her honour held, in October 1953, in the ballroom of the Grosvenor Restaurant, Glasgow. The 150 attendees at the dinner were very impressed by the enthusiasm and affection demonstrated by Miss Nina’s colleagues, former pupils, and parents.
I have often wondered what made her such an outstanding teacher. When I started to research her life story, an early observation was that her name was actually Agnes Jean Logan. Why her name was changed to Miss Nina remains a mystery. We do know, however, that she was identified within the School by her first name, rather than her surname, to avoid confusion with her sister, Sarah, who also taught at the School between 1902 and 1939.
Miss Nina was born in Arbroath in October 1888 and was the youngest member of the family of George Logan and his wife Helen. George Logan was one of the first to obtain a BD (Bachelor of Divinity) degree from the University of Glasgow, later becoming Minister of Inverbrothock Church in Arbroath, a prestigious appointment to which he was inducted in March 1876. Prior to that he had been Minister in Newmains, Lanarkshire. Inverbrothock Church had a seating capacity of 1,200 which, apparently, was inadequate, leading in 1879 to the erection of a further church (St. Margaret’s) within the parish of Inverbrothock.
Miss Nina had three brothers and three sisters. All four Logan daughters were teachers, and all were spinsters. The oldest daughter, Christina, was a music teacher. Sarah and Nina taught in the Junior School at Glasgow High School, while Helen also taught at Glasgow High School during session 1921-22 before migrating to Edinburgh.
Two of Miss Nina’s brothers (George and David) were medical doctors in General Practice in Cleland and Newmains, respectively. Both were married and had families. The third brother, Norman, was training to be an artist but, tragically, he died of tuberculosis in 1902 at age 19.
Miss Nina’s father died in July 1897 when she was only 9 years old and the whole family then moved from the Arbroath manse, with its five bedrooms and three reception rooms, to a modest flat at 99 Hill Street in Glasgow.
Upon her retirement, Miss Nina moved from Glasgow to Carluke and it was perhaps no coincidence that, as a daughter of the manse, her address there was 3 Kirk Road. Naturally, everyone hoped she would have a long and happy retirement. No doubt her sister Sarah received similar good wishes on her retirement but sadly she died aged 62 in January 1940, only one year into her retirement. Miss Nina was indeed blessed with a long retirement, dying at the age of 86.
October 2023 will mark the 70th anniversary of Miss Nina’s retirement. The legend lives on, and I think her strength of character can be attributed to her formative years in Inverbrothock, the need to adapt to the premature deaths of her father and her brother, Norman, the fortitude of her mother who was widowed at age 45, the challenges she faced in the course of two world wars and, most of all, her practical Christianity. Those who fell short of Miss Nina’s expectations were gently, but firmly, encouraged to do better.
It takes very little for many of us to be right back in the school they left fifty or more years ago.
The Docherty family are not only an example of a family whose association with HSOG stretches three generations, but they are also related to Scotland’s national bard himself, Robert Burns.
Campbell Docherty (Class of 1992) along with his daughter Luciana (Junior 6 at the time), were invited by the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway to attend their Burns Supper on 25th January 2023.
The supper pays homage to the first event of 1801 where nine gentlemen met to remember their friend, Robert Burns.
Luciana is a direct descendant of Robert Burns and Elizabeth Paton, through Robert’s first-born child, Elizabeth Burns. His poem A Poet’s Welcome to his Love Begotten Daughter celebrates Elizabeth’s birth and is the first instance that entitled Robert to the venerable appellation of ‘Father’.
Luciana recited the poem during the Burns Supper with Campbell then performing An ode to Robert Burns Joined by her mother, Angela, and grandparents Irene and Ian Docherty (Class of 1957), Luciana was the youngest performer ever to attend the Museum’s Burns Supper.
The names of those original nine gentleman who attended in 1801 and those who attended this year’s Burns Supper appear on a programme which was placed in the Museum’s archive to become part of the history of Burns Cottage.
It is with regret that we record the following former pupils who have sadly passed away since the start of the 2022/23 academic session:
John (Sandy) Barrie, Class of 1951
Doreen Black, Class of 1955
Andrew Clayton, Class of 2008
Glen Docherty, Class of 1956
Professor Robert (Robin) Downie, Class of 1951
Amie Duncan, Class of 2004
Craig Inglis, Class of 1978
Andrew Kirk, Class of 2006
Helen Lind, Class of 1953
Anna McCurley (née Gemmell), Class of 1960
Dr W David McLay OBE, Class of 1955
Captain Hugh McLean, Class of 1961
Alan McNeilage, Class of 1955
Jude Moreland, Class of 2002
Robert (Bob) Rowan, Class of 1954
John Shaw, Class of 1966
Major Gen William (Robert) Short, Class of 1961
Edith Taylor, Class of 1944
Thomas (Peter) Taylor, Class of 1950
Ian Templeton, Class of 1955
Donald Watson, Class of 1976
The High School of Glasgow is always a hub of exciting activity, helping pupils to discover the joy of learning Here’s a selection of recent imagery across Kindergarten, Junior School and Senior School showing just that.
To catch up with the latest school news, please visit our website: highschoolofglasgow.co.uk or social media channels.
We issue a termly digital Highlights magazine and a regular Memorable Moments e-newsletter. If you aren’t on our mailing list and would like to receive these, please email community@hsog.co.uk and we will ensure you are added.
Our former girls’ school was founded in 1894 and was housed at both Garnethill and Kelvindale until the opening of our Old Anniesland campus in 1977.
We have a wide selection of school magazines which stretch back through the decades and contain some wonderful images of life at the girls’ school through the years. These images which will undoubtedly resonate with former pupils of The Glasgow High School for Girls.
Our iconic Pavilion will hold a whole host of happy memories for many former and current pupils, and it is a building that has become synonymous with Old Anniesland.
Did you know that this year marks 96 years since the building was officially opened on 1st October 1927 by General Sir Ian Hamilton?
In what was a momentous event in the School’s history, the opening ceremony also paid a poignant tribute to former pupils who lost their lives during the First World War.
John Dallas, the Deacon-Convener and President of the Glasgow High School Club Limited at the time, was handed over custody of the Memorial Pavilion and Clubhouse for the enjoyment of all future HSOG pupils.
Wheelbarrow Race, Sports Day June 1941, submitted by former pupil Peter Pinkerton (Class of 1952).
We love to hear from our former pupils, particularly when they share their own photographs from their school days with us. Have you stumbled across some photos from your time at HSOG? If so, then please do reach out to us at community@hsog.co.uk and share your memories with us!
Above: the bathrooms in the Memorial Pavilion, right: the main corridor. Above: The original entrance to Garnethill on Buccleuch Street dates from 1878.Class of 1952 former pupil, Peter Pinkerton has strong connections to The High School of Glasgow due to his family’s threegenerational, 110-year association with the School, particularly in relation to the activities of the Bursary Fund.
My family have been connected to the School for over three generations. My grandfather, Peter Pinkerton, was widowed at the age of 31, less than two days after the birth of his son, Herbert. From the early days of fatherhood he was what we might call today a “single Dad”. Despite this (and it is a tribute to his remarkable energy and capacity for application to tasks at hand), he held a series of demanding teaching positions with an escalating scale of responsibilities, whilst also pursuing his passion for pure mathematics. This included sophisticated communications to, and holding office in, the Edinburgh Mathematical Society, and successfully completing a thesis leading to his Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.).
When he came to the High School in January 1914 to take up the post of Rector, there were many items on his agenda. One was access to “playing fields” similar to what George Watson’s College and Glasgow Academy had at the time. He viewed this as vital to the welfare and morale of the school community. Efforts to raise funds were somewhat thwarted by the outbreak of the First World War. However, by 1919 in collaboration with the High School Club, 13 acres of land were acquired at Anniesland and a start made to his project.
After the War, there was a strong desire to commemorate the fallen. The Rector was at the centre of the effort as Convener of the Fund Committee, driven by his very real personal feelings of loss, particularly of the young men he personally had taught and mentored. I believe he saw very clearly the opportunity to link these two objectives. Along with the Club and particularly its long-time Secretary, Hugh Buchanan, the Fund successfully raised enough to create the Memorial now housed in the Senior School’s main building, acquire a further 14 acres at Anniesland and build the Memorial Pavilion, with the ownership beyond the reach of the local governing authorities.
He could not have foreseen precisely the events that led to the redevelopment of the High School more than 40 years later, although he certainly held the view that the authority managing the School should be dedicated solely to the operation of the School (a veiled, or not so veiled, view of the local authorities) and he would take every step he could to advance its betterment and the completeness of its role in the education and cultural growth and welfare of its pupils.
Pursuit of his objectives, general and specific, supported by the High School Club and Hugh Buchanan in particular, proved eventually to be the saviour of the venerable institution.
My grandfather’s son, and my father, Herbert Harvey (named after his mother, Margaret Herbert, and his grandmother, Mary Harvey) attended the School from 1914-1920, active in sports and the OTC. He went on to an impressive career at the University of Glasgow as a medical student, graduating as Brunton Medalist as the outstanding student of his year. He shared his father’s love of golf (but with greater talent) captaining highly successful Glasgow and Scottish Universities Teams. After a spell in general practice in Busby, he embarked on a career in the emerging specialty of anaesthesia in 1937, making significant contributions to education, certification and its international advancement. He was a founding participant in the International Association of Anaesthetists, and President of both the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (1965-67) and the Scottish Society of Anaesthetists. He retired from practicing in 1966.
While always interested in the School’s activities, Herbert’s opportunity for involvement was limited, although I do recall him having a conversation at home with the illustrious John Bannerman in the late 1940s concerning the “Endowment Fund”, being contemplated in response to an earlier similar but transient threat to the School’s future. However, on retirement he served as President of the High School Club (1966-67) and became very much involved in the processes that led to the development of the “new” School.
Actively supporting Norrie Thomson in fundraising, he was a member of the Educational Trust, involved in the discussions leading to the merger with Drewsteignton, and in due course a dedicated member of the Board of Directors.
My first exposure to the High School was, what must have been for my father, a slightly strange experience –an interview for admission conducted in what was once my grandfather’s office at Elmbank Street with Rector John Talman. I attended the School from 1939 to 1952, with my first day being the first full day of the War. seem to recall that my journey through school whilst steady, was regularly punctuated by comments like “must try harder” and “can do better”. However, the School got me to the finish line and into the Faculty of Medicine. I found the study of biology in general, and human biology, ecology and pathology, fascinating. After graduating and training in Glasgow and Oxford and satisfying the examiners for the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Pathologists, secured a Research Fellowship with a former Oxford colleague in Buffalo, New York (about 100 miles from Toronto). That Fellowship led eventually to a successful thesis for an MD, and a rather warm feeling of comfort that it shares space in the University Library with my grandfather’s 1909 thesis.
My special interest was blood and while in the US links of common academic interest plus, on a
personal level, my father’s longstanding professional association and friendship with Canadian anaesthetists, ultimately led in 1967 to an offer of appointment to the University of Toronto and Headship of a new (and first of its kind there) Department of Haematology in the former veterans’ hospital (Sunnybrook). This building was acquired by the University for conversion into an academic Health Sciences Centre. The trajectory of my post-School life, while allowing of visits from time to time, has prevented any direct involvement in the School’s affairs.
Fortunately, circumstances have permitted me finally to make a donation to the Bursary Fund. This I am particularly pleased to be able to do because of the root motivations of the change in School status. The School as knew it was part funded by Council and part by private fees. The essence of the hybrid arrangement was that the pupil population resulting showed a greater degree of social heterogeneity than either of the “pure” alternatives, all to the pupils’ benefit. If the Bursary Fund can re-enact this feature of the High School, the School and its community can only benefit.
Herbert Pinkerton, President of the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland 1965-1967.The Annual Fund was established in 2013 with a vision to help fund short-term projects within the School, as well as supporting the provision of bursaries to deserving young people.
Now in its tenth year, we have been humbled by the generosity of our High School community with the Annual Fund having raised a collective total of £1.4m since its inception a decade ago.
Our school motto, Sursum Semper, asks us all to constantly strive for greater heights and we believe that the Bursary Fund is a true reflection of this ambition.
Providing financial aid in the form of bursaries to promising young people to ensure they can access the best education possible is central to The High School of Glasgow’s ethos that it is potential, not background, which is important. As we continue to welcome more families into the High School community, we not only live up to our motto with pupils achieving greater heights of academic and personal success, but our school becomes a more diverse and inclusive community as a result.
Whilst funds are limited, we are committed to helping as many pupils as possible, from all backgrounds, to experience the life-changing educational opportunities of a High School education. If you would like to help more young people ‘to follow after’, then please help us in our mission to grow our Bursary Fund. A small monthly donation goes a long way, for example, if approximately 100 donors gave just £10 per month (including Gift Aid), we could support an additional pupil on a 100% bursary.
Collectively, we can make a difference.
I want future High School pupils to benefit from the opportunities that I had. I started supporting the Bursary Fund by giving £10 per month and have looked to increase that over time. I know that even £5 or £10 per month will make a difference, and I would encourage anyone who can to do the same.
Anonymous Bursary Fund donorLearn more about our Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is paramount to our fundraising efforts and truly demonstrates the impact philanthropy has on life at HSOG. The Fund has helped to facilitate numerous projects across the Junior and Senior School, including the refurbishment of the Junior School Assembly Hall, the Astroturf pitches, the Senior School Lecture Theatre, the improvement of Pipe Band equipment and DofE equipment, the construction of a Health and Wellbeing Centre in the Senior School, and the development of a Secret Garden outdoor learning space for Kindergarten pupils.
Additionally, a crucial role of the Annual Fund is to continue the School’s mission to provide an all-round education to young people with potential, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.
For anyone who would like to make a donation online, please scan the QR code above. Alternatively, you can complete the giving form on page 61 and return it to us using the pre-paid envelope.
With your support, there is so much more that we can achieve.
The bursaries offered by the School are vital in ensuring that we can attract the very best talent. In supporting our bursaries, you can help ensure that the High School can fulfil its mission.
Sir Anton Muscatelli, Class of 1979 & Chair of The High School of Glasgow Educational Trust
The gift of a legacy could make a transformational difference to young people at The High School of Glasgow.
Members of the High School community choose to remember the School for many reasons: whether to express gratitude for the education they received, help future generations to access a High School education or to honour a loved one. Whatever your reason, your bequest will enable the School to continue shaping lives for the better.
Whilst many of our legacy donors choose to contribute to our Bursary Fund, you may wish to contribute to another area of school life. Are you interested in music or sport? These are just some of the options we can discuss with you to determine which aspect of HSOG life you would like to support.
We invite all in the community to please consider making a bequest to The High School of Glasgow Educational Trust to help generations of young people to come.
If you would like to discuss the possibility of leaving a legacy to the School, please contact Director of External Relations, Karen McDonald, at development@hsog.co.uk
I feel proud to be leaving a legacy to The High School of Glasgow, the school which helped inform who I became and from which I have many fond memories. There are lots of worthy causes to support but to be able to give something back to a place I consider to be my roots, and to know this will benefit young people to have the same start in life as I did, is extremely rewarding. I truly hope my gift will have a positive impact for generations of pupils to come. My thanks go to the External Relations team who made the process smooth and straightforward at every step.
Anonymous legacy donor
If you wish to make a regular gift by Standing Order, please fill in the section below entitled “Regular donation” as well as the banker’s standing order form. You can make a single and regular donation online by visiting: www.hsogcommunity.co.uk/donate
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If you’re interested in hearing more about our advertising opportunities for our next edition, please email us at community@hsog.co.uk for further details.
We would love for you to join us for our 900th anniversary celebratory events next year. Please keep an eye on our website for further details.
