About Merchiston
Merchiston Castle School is one of the UK’ s leading independent boarding schools for boys, offering an exceptional all-round education in a warm, supportive environment. Set within 100 acres of stunning parkland, just four miles from the heart of Edinburgh and a short drive from the international airport, Merchiston provides the perfect blend of city access and countryside tranquillity.Renowned for academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care, Merchiston also stands out for its world-class sports provision and coaching. Pupils benefit from extensive, high-quality facilities - did you know that the All Blacks often train here ahead of Test Matches at Murrayfield?
At Merchiston, boys are inspired to reach their full potential—in the classroom, on the sports field, and beyond. Whether your son is a future scholar, athlete, musician, or leader, Merchiston offers the environment, expertise, and encouragement to help him thrive.
Summer Rugby
This rugby course is designed for boys passionate about the sport, offering a chance to enhance core skills and deepen their understanding of the game. Led by Roddy Deans and his expert team, the camp provides a supportive, fun environment for learning and improvement. Participants also experience the unique Merchiston lifestyle, combining top-quality coaching with the School’ s beautiful campus.
Merchiston boasts a prestigious rugby legacy, having produced over 60 international players, including many notable Scottish internationals such as Roger Baird, John Jeffrey, Duncan Hodge, Phil Godman, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Fraser Brown and Magnus Bradbury, David Cherry, Scott Steele, Jamie Dobie and Stafford McDowall.
Registration/Collection (map on page 4)
Drop Off: 9:00-9:30am
Please use the main entrance on Colinton Road for drop-off. Designated drop-off zones will be clearly marked with cones along the right-hand side of the main drive. After dropping off, you will be able to turn around at the front of the main School building. Your child will be met by their coach on the grass area before walking to their designated pitch. Our staff will be on hand throughout the site to assist and ensure a smooth and safe arrival.
Pick Up: 3:30pm
Please use the main entrance on Colinton Road and collect your son or daughter from the same location as drop-off.
Friday Pick Up: 12:30pm
If you need to discuss any medical conditions on Day 1, please drive into the School and check in with our Medical Team, who will be located at the front of the main School building. Parking is available in the designated car parks on either side of the building.
U16/18 are allowed to make their own travel arrangements. Any delays, illness or injuries - Please call Mr Deans on: 07435760505
Pitch Allocation (map on page 4)
U18 – Pitch 2
U16 – Pitch 3
U15 – Pitch 4
U14 – Pitch 5
U13 – Pitch 9
U12 – Pitch 9
U11 – Pitch 6
U10 – Pitch 6
Pitch 7/8 – Back up pitches
Food
Please ensure your child brings their own water bottle, packed lunch, and snacks each day. Kindly note that Merchiston is a nut-free school. In line with our Nut-Free Policy, the following items must not be brought onto school grounds:
Packs of nuts
Peanut butter or Nutella sandwiches
Fruit and cereal bars containing nuts
Chocolate bars or sweets containing nuts
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe environment for all pupils.
Medication
Parents are responsible for fully disclosing any medical conditions or other relevant issues that may affect their child during the camp. Please ensure that any medication is clearly labelled with your child’ s name and full instructions for use, and hand it to a member of the camp staff on Day 1. If your child carries an inhaler or EpiPen, they may keep it with them, but it must be clearly labelled.
If you wish to discuss any medical conditions on the first day, please check in with our Medical Team, who will be located at the front of the School.
Kit Bag
·Note Book & Pen (Daily Goal setting/Review)
·Rugby kit
·2 x rugby boots – Normal studs & moulded studs (Harder pitches in the Summer)
·Mouth guard
·Water bottle (marked with name)
·Packed Lunch & Snacks
·Trainers
·Tracksuit
·Wet weather clothing
·Sunblock
We strongly recommend that players avoid wearing brand-new boots to the camp. It is essential that boots are properly broken in beforehand, as we have witnessed sore blisters with the harder ground during the Summer
Code of Conduct
All participants are expected to follow the Code of Conduct for the camps:
‘Respect the other participants and all staff and show courtesy and good manners at all times; be as caring and considerate in dealings with others as they would wish others to be towards them; show respect for the School facilities and the property of others; and take care not to disturb others by unnecessary noisy or rowdy behaviour.’
Safety and Staffing
The camp leader is Mr. Roddy Deans (07435 760505), should you need to contact him during the camp.
Please be aware that there are no locker facilities available for the storage of personal valuables, and the School accepts no responsibility for loss or damage.
The safeguarding of all participants is our highest priority. All activity camps are led and supervised by qualified and/or approved coaches, lifeguards, and personnel. Every staff member has undergone checks through Disclosure Scotland to ensure the safety of your child. Qualified first-aiders are present at all times. The local doctors’ surgery is located nearby on Colinton Road.
All training takes place under strict supervision. Merchiston Castle School, its employees, and contractors acting on behalf of the School accept no liability for injury resulting from participant misadventure.
