Merchistonian Newsletter
March 2025
Spring has finally arrived at Merchiston and with milder and longer days the campus has donned greener tones
March was a busy month, ahead of the Easter Break with lots of events, sporting tournaments and academic competitions As we approach the last Term of this Academic Year, lots of preparations are focused on exams and end-of-year events, such as Graduation and Prizegiving
Happy Retirement, Sheila!
Many of you will have come across our School Seamstress during your time (or indeed your son’s) at School.
Sheila Robertson, School Seamstress at Merchiston for 35 years, retired last month. Saying ‘goodbye’ to Sheila was a truly special day – she retired almost exactly on the anniversary of her very first day at Merchiston
Throughout her years at Merchiston, Sheila has been instrumental in keeping the boys’ uniforms looking their very best
She has also made and repaired many of the curtains which now hang in the classrooms – as well as for most of the staff housing on campus!
With her skills and expertise, Sheila has supported so many departments and pupils throughout her tenure at the School: she has repaired costumes for drama; made flashes for the pipe band’s kilts, she has made bagpipe bags; she has sewn on various badges for our CCF programme
Sheila has repaired and fitted many a staff uniform in her time with us – and in recent years she has also made facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Beyond her incredible sewing and design skills, Sheila has been a valued confidant and a great listener to many and has made numerous long-lasting friendships from her time at Merchiston.
Merchiston is incredibly sad to see her go. We hope she enjoys a well-earned rest and wish her a joyful retirement, filled with family love of her 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
27.03.25
SRU Autumn Test Matches
Thank you very much to those Merchistonians who returned their application for this year’s Test Matches at Murrayfield
We are working through the applications and will be confirming back to you what we have requested on your behalf If you do not receive an email confirmation in the next couple of weeks, please do get in touch This acts as a safety net to ensure no one gets missed
Please remember that this is just a request – we will need to submit allocation to SRU and they will determine which tickets we are allocated Therefore, your tickets aren’t confirmed yet and won’t be until Tuesday, May 20th.
Remember that the deadline to submit your applications is noon, Wednesday 9th April 2025 and that applications can only be made by Merchistonians (former pupils).
For any questions on tickets, please contact the Club at merchistonians@merchiston.co.uk .
Pre-Calcutta Cup Dinner
Last month, on Friday 21st February, a group of Merchistonians gathered in London ahead of the Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham to enjoy an evening of conversation and a muchawaited catch-up.
A night to remember and we hope we can get to do it all again soon!
In the photo above, left to right: Graeme Smith (MCS 1994-1999), Alan Thompson (MCS 1981-1986), Geordie Mungavin (MCS 2006-2014), Geoff Tuluhungwa (MCS 1984-1989), Logan Mair (MCS 1980-1986), Andrew McDonald (MCS 1979-1985) and Simon Cowan (MCS 1988-1989).
U15 Hockey to the Final
Merchiston's U15 Hockey has made headlines this year, after reaching the final of the Junior Schools Cup 2025.
An incredible season for the U15 - a final worthy of its name against a really strong Stewart Melville side at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre. Stewart Melville won a nail-biting 10, after a closely fought contest.
Team coach, Mr Evans said after the match: "The boys were a true credit to themselves and the school. They genuinely couldn't have worked any harder but just didn't get the bounce of the ball, against what is a very good Stewart Melville side."
Thank you also to everyone who came out to the support the boys - such a narrow defeat in the final is testament to all of the hard work throughout the season and we are incredibly proud of them all.
Summer Rugby Camp 2025
This year, Merchiston will once again host our Summer Rugby Camp
Camp dates are 21-25 July 2025 and registrations are open and available here
This is an incredibly popular event for pre-season and a great opportunity for children to experience first-hand the world-class coaching that Merchiston offers
Places are limited, so early booking is highly recommended.
Obituaries
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of the following Merchistonians:
Mr James Alexander Milroy 1947-2025
At Merchiston: 1960- 1965
Jun. Prefect, VI, R., Sgt.; Reg. organiser, Shelter; Dir., Gowrie Housing Assoc. Ltd.; Man. Dir., Gowrie Homes Ltd. NC.