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Merchistonian Newsletter

July 2025

Welcome to the July Edition of the Merchistonian Newsletter

July marks a quieter chapter in the Merchiston calendar With the recent graduation of our newest Merchistonians, the campus has taken on a more peaceful rhythm as we pause between the bustle of term time It's a time for reflection on the achievements of the past year and the journeys now beginning for our leavers as well as quiet anticipation for the start of the new academic year.

For the Club this is a valuable moment to take stock to reflect on recent events, reconnect with fellow Club members, and look ahead to opportunities for continued engagement within our global community.

This summer also brings change and fresh leadership at the Castle. We warmly welcome the new Headmaster, Mr Huw Jones, who takes up the reins with great enthusiasm and an exciting vision for Merchiston’s future We also extend our congratulations to Mr Robert Cook, who has recently been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors

31.07.25

Wherever this newsletter finds you, we hope it brings a sense of connection to the Club and to the wider Merchistonian family

Six Nations TicketsApplications Now Open

Applications for Six Nations 2025 tickets are now open to all former pupils Merchistonians should have received an email containing the application form

Completed forms must be returned by midnight on Sunday, 17 August 2025 to: �� merchistonians@merchiston.co.uk

If you have not received the form or encounter any issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Club at the above email address.

We were very saddened to hear of the passing of the following Merchistonians:

Wilkinson, Donald Neville 1950-2025 At Merchiston: 1964-1967

Wilkinson, Donald Neville, Glengair Ltd (Knitwear), Edin ; V-Pres , The Restaurant Co Inc , Newport, Rhode Island, USA NC

Merchistonian Club Annual Dinner

Taking place on Friday 7 November 2025 at the elegant Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh, the evening promises to be a special occasion for Merchistonians to come together in person, rekindle friendships, and celebrate the enduring strength of the Merchistonian community

This year’s dinner will include a three-course meal, followed by tea/coffee and mints, all served in the beautiful setting of the Royal Scots Club a fitting backdrop for an evening of connection and celebration.

�� Event Details:

Date: Friday 7 November 2025

Time: 6:30-11pm

Venue: The Royal Scots Club, 29–31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE

�� Ticket Information:

Standard Price: £60 per person

Early Bird Offer: £55 per person (for bookings made by 31 August with code EARLYBIRDAUG)

New Member Rate: £40 per person (for Merchistonians who left between 2021 and 2025 – early bird does not apply)

We warmly encourage year groups to gather their tables early this is the perfect opportunity for informal reunions, old stories, and a few new ones too.

For any questions or issues with your booking, please contact the Club at merchistonians@merchiston.co.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you back this November for what promises to be a truly memorable evening.

The British & Irish Lions’ Tour

The recent British and Irish Lions tour saw a proud Merchistonian presence Down Under!

Andrew McDonald, Club President, (1985 Leaver) travelled with his son Lewis (2025 leaver), alongside Ross Smart (2025 Leaver) capturing some brilliant father-and-son moments as they followed the Lions across Australia.

Were you there too? We know there were many more Merchistonians on tour, and we would love to hear from you! Whether it’s a great photo, a fun story, or a memorable encounter along the way send it in and we’ll include as many as we can in a special Lions Tour montage in the August newsletter.

��✍ Please email your pictures and stories to merchistonians@merchiston co uk

Let’s showcase the Merchistonian spirit in full roar!

Merchiston Portraits

We are pleased to launch Merchiston Portraits a new series created especially for the Merchistonian community.

Through this series, we’ll introduce the people playing a key role in shaping Merchiston today— figures from both within the School’s leadership and the wider Merchistonian Club. From new appointments and strategic developments to long-standing contributors behind the scenes, Merchiston Portraits aims to keep Merchistonians connected with the people driving the School and the Club forward.

Whether you are nearby or on the other side of the world, we hope these stories help you stay close to the spirit of Merchiston its values, its progress, and the individuals who continue to uphold its legacy.

A New Chapter Begins: Introducing our new Headmaster, Huw Jones

As the opening gambit of our Merchiston Portraits series, we are delighted to introduce Huw Jones, who joins Merchiston this summer as our new Headmaster.

A highly experienced educator, Huw brings with him a strong track record in pastoral and academic leadership. He began his teaching career at St Edward’s School, Oxford, where he served as Head of Department, before moving on to St John’s School, Leatherhead. There, he held the dual roles of Boarding Housemaster and Head of Boarding experience that has cemented his deep commitment to the wellbeing of pupils in a boarding environment. Most recently, he was Deputy Head at Warminster School, a role he took on in 2019.

Huw holds a Master’s in Education from St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, with research focused on how schools can best nurture resilience in young people an area that continues to inform his educational philosophy. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Huw believes that strong relationships are central to the success of any school community.

Beyond the classroom, Huw’s background as a sportsman has also shaped his approach He represented Wales in international hockey for over a decade, including appearances at two Commonwealth Games. That experience, he says, instilled in him the values of consistency, teamwork, and resilience qualities he sees as essential both on and off the pitch.

This summer, Huw relocates to Edinburgh with his wife Kerry, herself a teacher and former Assistant Director of Sport, and their two sons, Samuel (6) and Louis (4), who will also be joining the Merchiston family as pupils in The Forest.

Best book you have read recently?

Do No Harm by Henry Marsh.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I was born and brought up in Nairobi, Kenya.

What is your signature dish? Spaghetti alle vongole.

Who would be your dream dinner guest - past or present?

I can’t choose just one – it would have to be a shared table with Nelson Mandela and Sir David Attenborough