Merchistonian Newsletter
September 2025
As autumn settles in, we look forward to another busy and exciting season ahead for the Club.
A special reminder that our Annual Dinner will take place on Friday, 7 November – always a highlight of the year and a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends old and new.
Today is the final chance to secure Early Bird tickets, so don’t miss out on booking your place at a reduced rate We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to what promises to be a memorable evening
Magnus Bradbury Appointed Captain of Edinburgh Rugby
We are proud to share that Magnus Bradbury (Class of 2013) has been named captain of Edinburgh Rugby for the 2025/26 season.
Magnus made his Edinburgh debut in 2014 before a successful spell with Bristol Bears. Since returning to the capital last season, he has been a standout performer and a natural leader on and off the pitch.
Speaking on his appointment, Magnus described it as “an exciting opportunity to captain the club” and expressed his pride in representing both his city and team.
Congratulations to Magnus on this fantastic achievement we look forward to following his progress this season.
Merchistonians Take on Patagonia Challenge for Charity
Merchistonians are once again demonstrating their adventurous spirit and commitment to charitable causes Craig Swan, class of 1981, is marking the 40th anniversary of an extraordinary charity cycling journey from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska in 1985 Back then, Craig and two friends cycled 17,000 miles to raise funds for breast cancer research, attracting notable media coverage.
This year, Craig has left the BBC after a 34-year career and is returning to Patagonia to cycle 1,200km through a section that was previously impassable, thanks to a newly built road. A short promo video tells the story of this remarkable challenge: https://youtu.be/H6ZEsdn1QeM
The journey also has a deeply personal motivation. One of the original cyclists, Sophie Trafford, has Merchistonian connections through her son Ruaridh Trafford, Class of 2020 The challenge honours her late son, Hector, Ruaridh ‘s younger brother, who tragically passed away aged 13 from an epileptic fit The team aims to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy research in Hector’s memory
Supporters can follow their progress and contribute to the cause here: https://www givewheel com/fundraisi ng/10295/pategonia-cycle-challenge/
We wish Craig and the team every success as they tackle this inspiring challenge once again
Honouring a Fallen Merchistonian: James Grant Allan
On the 110th anniversary of his death, Lieutenant James Grant Allan of the 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, was laid to rest with full military honours in Loos British Cemetery, France.
James, a member of the 1912–13 XV, was reported missing in action during the Battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, one of nine Merchistonians lost that day.
His remains were recently identified, and the ceremony was attended by Nick Blair, our Chaplain, who represented the School and led a prayer at the graveside James's legacy, alongside that of his teammates three of whom were wounded and six killed in the Great War remains a cornerstone of our Remembrance Services
This solemn occasion serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between our School and its history, honouring those who gave their lives in service.