Merchistonian Newsletter
April 2025
As spring unfolds and April brings with it a season of renewal, we are reminded of the enduring connections and shared experiences that unite our Merchiston community This time of year often invites reflection and we hope it also inspires a renewed sense of connection
In this edition of our newsletter, you’ll find alumni updates and opportunities to engage with the School and Club. Whether near or far, your involvement continues to shape the strength and spirit of our network.
We look forward to staying connected and sharing the many ways Merchiston continues to grow and thrive thanks in no small part to your support.
World Curling Final
This month, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of Merchistonians Grant Hardie (MCS 2005–2010) and Hammy McMillan (MCS 2004–2010), who secured their second World Curling Championship title in Canada at the end of March.
Hardie and McMillan, part of Scotland’s team led by Bruce Mouat and also featuring Bobby Lammie, clinched the title with a hard-fought 5–4 victory over Switzerland in the final
This remarkable win reaffirms Scotland's position at the top of the world rankings a well-deserved recognition for a truly exceptional team
Halford Hewitt Cup
Earlier this month, a Merchistonian contingent took part in this year’s Halford Hewitt Cup one of Britain’s most competitive amateur golf tournaments The event is contested by teams of 10 former pupils from schools that are members of the Public Schools’ Golfing Society
This year, the Merchistonian team began their campaign with a strong performance against King Edward’s School, winning 4½–½. Their journey came to an end in the second round after facing a formidable Clifton side.
The 2025 title was ultimately claimed by Winchester.
Magazine Advertising
For anyone interested in advertising space in the next issue of the Merchistonian Magazine (in distribution this Autumn), we are still currently taking bookings for Full Page and Half Page options
Artwork deadline is June 13 – for more information, please email merchistonians@merchiston co uk th
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of the following Merchistonians:
Mr Ronald D E Young 1940-2025
At Merchiston: 1954 - 1958
VI; Scot Hotel School 1958-60; Hotel Proprietor, 1961-02; retired
Memorial Service for David Spawforth
by Mr Rossiter
On a gloriously sunny April morning, a large number of former pupils, parents, governors, and members of staff, gathered in the Memorial Hall for a Service of thanksgiving for the life and service of David Spawforth, Headmaster of Merchiston from 1981 to 1988. Guests of honour included David’s wife, Yvonne, along with their son Graham, daughter Fiona, grandchildren and other family members
After a welcome from the Headmaster, Jonathan Anderson, David’s favourite hymns were sung and readings were given by Andrew McDonald, President of the Merchistonian Club, and Lyall R, current Vice-Captain of School Tributes were given on behalf of former Merchiston staff by Peter Hall (1984 – 2017), former pupils by John Kinloch Anderson (1985 – 90), and the Spawforth family by granddaughter Pippi and by Graham Spawforth. Closing thoughts were offered by the Chaplain, Rev Nick Blair, who had planned the service. Photographs of the “Spawforth Era” were projected onto the screen, whilst Highland Cathedral was played
by Kyle Warren, Director of Pipes
and Drums. Proceedings concluded with a vigorous rendition of the School song.
The service was a magnificent and fitting tribute to a Headmaster who played a major role in the development of Merchiston in the last quarter of the twentieth century. Afterwards, many gathered in the Dining Hall for refreshments, to reminisce, and to view an additional display of photographs Tours of the eponymous Spawforth Library were also offered for those who wished
This was a very successful and joyous Merchiston event, a fitting tribute to David Spawforth, and provided a wonderful opportunity for former members of our community to gather and share their memories
Fundraising for SAMH
Merchistonian Thomas Robertson (MCS 2015 -2023) is taking on the formidable challenge of running from St Andrews to Edinburgh covering a distance of over two marathons to raise funds for Scottish Action for Mental Health this summer.
This fundraiser is organised in memory of Merchistonian Finlay MacDonald (MCS 2014 -2023), who tragically passed away last summer.
Thomas has set himself an ambitious and admirable goal, with the run scheduled for 6 July.
Please consider supporting him if you can via the JustGiving link here
Merchistonian Squash Club
The Merchistonian Squash Club is organising a Merchistonians v Watsonians squash match on the evening of Thursday 29th May at Myreside.
Anyone interested in joining the team, please contact Mr Binns at Rod@fbarchitects co uk