Blue & Gold 2020

The Magazine for Strathallians ISSUE 02 2020

A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words Mark McGuire (S ’15) took on the incredible challenge of running 30 marathons in 30 days in June to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Your (CRY) in memory of his best friend. Pictured finishing his final 26.2 mile run of the remarkable 786 miles he ran in total.

Contents

IN EVERY ISSUE

Strathallian, Zander Fagerson signing rugby balls at the Rugby Fundraising Dinner to support the 1ST XV Rugby team preseason tour to Italy.

FEATURES 08

Embracing Change — the Spartans Way

12

Changing Lives in Kenya “Its what’s in your heart that counts”

24

The Italian Job — Strathallan Rugby Fundraising Dinner

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The Rise and Rise of Plant Based Foods A 21st century culinary revolution

ALUMNI FEATURES

Three Strathallians who have all started their own businesses in the hospitality, food and drink industries share the secret of their success.

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02

Letter from the Head

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By the Numbers Strathallan’s Covid-19 experiences in numbers

06

Bulletin News & notes

16

My 5 Books All about what we read

20

Sporting Highlights 2019 sporting highlights at Strathallan

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The Arts A spotlight on Strathallan creativity

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Reflections On and offline — what Strathallians and visiting lecturers are saying

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In Memorium Tributes to those we have sadly lost

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Alumni News A round up of alumni events and news

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Expanding Horizons News from The Harry Riley Trust

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From The Archives

Dowans Hotel “Where every guest is a VIP”

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Bubbles & Beer “Adding a bit of sparkle to events”

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Rocket Monkey Roastery “Ready Steady Roast”

Editor: Aileen Wilson, BA, MBA, Alumni & External Relations Manager

Blue & Gold Magazine

Contributors: SMARTMedia Scotland (www.smartmediascotland.co.uk)

ISSUE 02

Special thanks to Harry Richards, Owner of Bubbles & Beer, Lauren & Steph

© Strathallan School

Murray, Owners of Dowans Hotel, Andrew O’Donnell, Owner of Rocket Monkey

Published December 2020

Roastery, Dougie Samuels, Chief Executive of Spartans Community Football in Edinburgh, Dalmas Busaka, from Kenya, who has been sponsored through the

Front Cover: Strathallian JJ Chalmers

Strathallan Kenya Project since the age of five, all the parents on the Rugby

Strictly Come Dancing 2020 Contestant

Fundraising Dinner in 2019.

and Invictus Games Medallist.

Design: DUFI ART (www.dufi-art.com) Printed on FSC accredited paper Blue & Gold 03

From The Headmaster Dear Strathallian

B

Y ANY STANDARDS, 2020 HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD YEAR. The Global pandemic of Covid-19 has left none

of us untouched, either by the virus itself or by its social and economic impact and we will be adjusting to this impact for years to come. If any of you reading this have contracted the virus, I hope you have recovered and are doing well. If any of you have lost loved ones, family or friends, my sincere sympathies on behalf of the School.

In Forgandenny, despite our rural location, the impact has been felt by the school community too. We almost closed our gates for the first time in 107 years — we did stay open for children of key workers in summer term 2020. We did open our ‘virtual gates’ for the first time and life at Strathallan continued albeit it very differently from before. But after over 7000 live academic lessons taught, over 3000 music lessons delivered and sport and exercise led in new and imaginative ways alongside weekly virtual Chapel, Assembly, House and Tutor meetings, we entered the summer holidays intact and began the more complicated preparations to open our gates again in September.

And open we did, to more new students than ever before with over 170 new starts. The relief was palpable everywhere — teachers, support staff and especially pupils were glad to be back, off screens and in person talking, learning, playing and living together. The community here is just that. We are people focused above all else and to be back together was important.

Yet we have had to remain distant from others in our community — parents, governors, Strathallians, visitors, other schools’ teams and our Forgandenny neighbours (though we did prepare hundreds of meals for local elderly residents who live alone throughout April, May and June — well done Mrs Lauder!). We made new friends however, in care homes, children homes, fire services and mountain rescue teams to whom we made and delivered hundreds of items of PPE at the height of the first wave of infections.

The term has progressed well overall since reopening, boosted by record Exam results at GCSE, Higher and A Level (Best in Scotland and well inside the top 100 UK schools and top 40 boarding schools) with excellent university outcomes alongside the other excellent education and employment routes post-school such as degree-apprenticeships and internships. We were unable to give last year’s Upper Sixth, now Strathallians, a proper send off, nor were we able to do anything this term for them. Maybe next summer, then? But our class of 2020 have stayed in touch, and borne the disruption and loss of key rites of passage well. I look forward to being able to meet them in particular, to see them again and hear their news since we were so abruptly parted last March.

Lots of lessons this term. But no fixtures, no live concerts, chapel 04 Blue & Gold

or assembly still. No Cup competitions. No school trips. No whole year group socials. No Common Room meetings in person (no Common Room bar!). No Strathallian events, no Remembrance Service (but an excellent event by the new War Memorial outside), no Carol Services in London, Edinburgh or Strathallan. But plenty of house events, house competitions and online events. Such was the academic progress made without normal school activities that we have ‘lightened right off’, brought Christmas forward at the request of the Chaplain (approved) and are concentrating on ‘fun’ after a hard term and a hard year. So we have more than a restricted holiday to look forward to this term and we will end on a positive and very much a festive note, in spite of it all.

Over recent months I have often sat in my study and contemplated what this all means for Strathallan and its community in the here and now, in the new year and in the longer term. I’ve thought of those before me in the HM’s seat, and what they had to contend with — Wilf Hoare and the aftermath of WW2 for example. But as ever, I find myself thinking above all about our Founder Harry Riley and what he had to contend with. Setting up a new school on the eve of a global conflict and succeeding through it; Spanish ‘flu; the great depression; safeguarding the school with the appointment of trustees as war loomed for the second time; seeing his pupils go off to war again, knowing many would not return — the whole school honoured those 58 on 11th November. This has given me much needed perspective on the challenges we face right now.

There is a post-it note on my computer screen which says: WWHRD? ‘What Would Harry Riley Do?’ He would I think, digest the issues, make his notes, write his sermons for Sunday Chapel, prepare for assembly, encourage his staff and urge on his pupils. He would plan, he would plot and he would surprise.

Through well-recognised activities he would bring a new tone and emphasis where required, in quiet conversations he would reset directions and ambitions and in everything he would ask, ‘What do the pupils need?’ And then he would set to work. In the end it’s not complicated. What do the pupils need to grow, flourish and succeed in becoming their best? Establish that, and then set about doing it. While the detail may be different and up to us, the attitude and the spirit required to take us forward remains the same as Riley’s.

Riley was an innovator, an educational disruptor, a pragmatist.

He was principled, moral and ethical. He was a teacher, loved learning and saw his pupils both for who they were and for the potential they so often did their best to hide. He was strong, determined and hard working. He had his own ideas about what worked and what didn’t. He was a risk taker. He was ahead of

his time in many ways. He was above all however, human and humane — while being ambitious and passionate about the prospects of his pupils, he was so because of their foibles not in spite of them because he nothing if not caring, forgiving and kind. Values and attributes that resonate loudly today, because they are universal, because they are especially needed right now.

Riley looked for the best and for the opportunities that the difficulties themselves presented. We are learning that too as a school all over again. In managing the issues of today we are also learning about the improvements this brings: from new systems in school, to new ways of teaching and communicating, to improvements in IT capabilities which have huge potential for progress post-covid. We’ve had to face what has been in need of a ‘reboot’ and what has needed an overhaul as well as what we have already been good at being confirmed. Covid has been a catalyst for change — a lot of it good — and many of the issues we have addressed and are addressing right now have been accentuated by covid and not necessarily caused by it. So we are determined not ‘just to cope’ or ‘to survive’ but to thrive and to accelerate out of the current situation, stronger, fitter and better. A more school that is rooted in the values we have been bequeathed and which has its eyes fixed firmly on the educational horizon — both when working in sympathy will see Strathallan flourish.

For me, Harry Riley represents the best of us. And we need to be at our best now and going forward. As we have seen the difficulties pile up around us, so have we seen the best in our community through the support, effort and encouragement that has helped Strath not just cope with the pandemic but flourish in spite of it.

From parents who refused fee discount, to teaching and support staff going the extra creative mile again and again, from parents who write in support and giving encouragement, to governors who give so much of their time and themselves so willingly, to former pupils who have written with their good wishes and news too, and Strathallians who have helped in other ways though talks, providing work experience and giving advice for current pupils.

Above all though our pupils have been outstanding. They have been hardworking, as well as compassionate, kind and accepting.

Riley would approve. He founded a school to do just that and that, when all is said and done, is what we are still about today.

Thank you therefore for helping us do that and for doing it ever better wherever we can.

Being Headmaster right now, in spite of the considerable challenges now and in the future, remains an honour. It is inspiring to be here at Strathallan, seeing how the school and its community have pulled together, worked so hard and how much everyone cares. I’ve been proud as a Headmaster before — it is

after all my eleventh year (and my fourth at Strath already!). But never have I been prouder of any School than now. Strathallan is a great school and I am lucky to lead it.

I hope you enjoy this second edition of Blue & Gold and I hope it gives a small flavour of what I’ve said above. I hope it inspires you to keep in touch and to share your news with us – please do.

Your engagement affords current pupils a greater sense of being part of a tradition at Strathallan that is more than the here and now – and that matters. And I look forward to welcoming you back to Strathallan in person just as soon as we can in 2021.

There is much for us to catch up on!

So in signing off, one final point: Labor Omnia Vincit — ‘Hard work in adversity wins through.’ Riley’s choice of motto was a good one. We are working hard. We are winning through. And with your support I am even more confident for Strathallan’s future.

Stay safe, stay well and thank you — and here’s to a better 2021!

DM Lauder Headmaster St Andrew’s day 2020

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By The Numbers

STRATHALLANS COVID-19 EXPERIENCE 95-100% attendance by pupils at online classes (shortfall made up of music lessons and external tuition and programmes)

art 71 he

patients i

nc ov i

s ard dw

s

n for w e s

7000 live lessons taught Pupils safely repatriated to countries

9

pieces of PPE made and distributed

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house built for hedgehogs by children of Key Workers being looked after at Strath

180

meals made and delivered to local elderly

>900

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Instagram ‘lives’ taken by Strathallians answering questions put to them by pupils, parents and friends

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STRATHALLAN PUPILS SECURE OUTSTANDING A LEVELS RESULTS

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PPER SIXTH FORM STUDENTS CELEBRATED AN OUTSTANDING SET OF RESULTS THIS YEAR WITH A 100% PASS RATE and a 100% A*-A’s in 11 subjects

including Computing, Design & Technology, History, Chinese and Theatre Studies.

Headmaster Mark Lauder said, “I am immensely proud of our Upper Sixth. Their hard work has resulted in over 81% of grades awarded at A* to B, of which over 58% were A*/A and given the background to which they achieved this, this is testament to the specific investment and focus we have given to academic attainment and progression in recent years at Strathallan while

maintaining the broad range of other activities our pupils excel in.

“The results are better than we were anticipating, especially given the media comments and the outcomes for our students because of this are especially pleasing to see with the vast majority of our students into their first-choice university destinations with some others heading off to work, internships or apprenticeships.

“We’ve had close to record level A-Level grades announced this year with a 100% pass rate. With more A*s and As overall, breaking our 3-year, 5-year and 10-year grade averages has been better even than last year's results. We are incredibly proud of all our pupils this year.”

STRATHALLAN LECTURE SERIES HIGHLIGHTS

One of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of this century

Professor Sheila Rowan MBE FRS FRSE FInstP is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and director of it's Institute for Gravitational Research since 2009.

Sheila spoke to the Sixth Form about her research which is targeted at developing optical materials for use in gravitational wave detectors. Her recent work has been a crucial part of the Advanced LIGO upgrades, carried out between 2010 and 2015. It contributed to one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of this century; the first detection of gravitational waves announced in 2016.

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Pupil Entrepreneur wins grant from Scottish Edge

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TRATHALLAN PUPIL ROBBIE M, HEAD BOY AT STRATHALLAN AND AMBASSADOR FOR YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCOTLAND, HAS WON A £15,000 GRANT TO HELP GET HIS BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING FROM SCOTTISH EDGE.

Robbie has invented the Flux blowpipe designed to stop moisture getting into bagpipes which causes the wood to crack and affects the instrument sound quality.

Robbie reached the final of the entrepreneurial competition called Scottish Wild Card Edge from 189 applicants. The application covered eight different areas, including Innovation, Business Growth, Entrepreneurship and Utilisation of Funding. Each area had its own assessment criteria and Robbie had to provide 500 words per section.

The final with 15 applicants took place at RBS in Glasgow. Robbie gave a 3-minute business pitch to a panel of five on his product followed by a sevenminute Q&A session and was successful in winning the £15,000 grant.

Angus 3D Solutions helped make the Flux blowpipe and all the prototypes for the competition. Robbie met them when they came to School to give a talk to Design & Technology pupils.

“A lot of the support from the School came through contacts getting me in touch with Scottish Enterprise and the Prince’s Trust. It was Scottish Enterprise who made me aware of this competition. Also, in the early stages of development, if Angus 3D Solutions hadn’t come in to visit, I would never have made that connection.”

Robbie is planning on attending university while running his business on the side using the grant to get his product out to a global market. If this is successful, he hopes to apply his method to other instruments to build up his portfolio. He has been in contact with Business Gateway to develop a strategy and after finishing his exams he will go to support workshops, classes and lectures to further his business knowledge.

How Brexit is cutting across all party lines Sir John Curtice FRSA FRSE FBA is a British political scientist who is currently Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde and Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Social Research.

Sir John Curtice visited Strathallan in the autumn of 2019 and gave a thoroughly engaging lecture to Sixth Form pupils on the UK political climate. He focused on how the issue of Brexit is defying the traditional left- and right-wing view of politics and analysed the stances of different parties. It was thought provoking to hear how support for individual parties has fluctuated since the 2016 referendum and how this is creating turbulence up and down the country, from Westminster to Holyrood.

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Is this a publishing first?

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TRATHALLAN’S SPEECH AND DRAMA TEACHER, IRENE MCFARLANE, AND DAUGHTER, ISHBEL (W04), HAVE BOTH RECENTLY HAD BOOKS PUBLISHED.

Ishbel performed in Edinburgh and also toured in Scotland and Ireland, her one-woman, award–winning play about Scots, O is for Hoolet. It comprises stories, interviews, memories, characters and attitudes and sets out “to challenge and disrupt our expectations and prejudices about language”. It is available from publishers Salamander Street (www.salamanderstreet.com) Also, on the Scots theme, Irene translated the much-loved Christmas poem ‘A Visit from St Nicholas’ by Clement Clarke Moore into Scots. The Nicht Afore Christmas is set in and around the National Trust for Scotland’s Tenement House Museum in Glasgow. It can be ordered from the publisher at www.tippermuirbooks.co.uk

Digitising Chemistry and artificial lifeforms Professor Lee Cronin is the Regius Chair of Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and appointed to the Regius Chair of Chemistry in 2013.

Lee’s talk to Sixth Form pupils was equal parts fascinating and illuminating. He spoke about his cutting-edge scientific research; trying to make artificial life forms, exploring the digitisation of Chemistry, and understanding how information can be encoded in chemicals and construct chemical computers.

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EMBRACING CHANGE - THE SPARTANS WAY

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OUGLAS SAMUEL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF SPARTANS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL ACADEMY (THE ACADEMY) IN EDINBURGH, VISITED STRATHALLAN IN THE NEW YEAR TO SHARE THE “SPARTANS” STORY and

journey with staff and to talk about leading change and creating a new way of working.

Since 2008, The Academy, a sports-based social enterprise has been working with the local community and its partners to deliver youth work, educational and physical activity, and health & well-being based programmes and initiatives that have a lasting positive social impact and strengthen community cohesion in North Edinburgh.

The Academy is recognised as an ‘exemplar project’ in the UK, hosting visits from all over the world and employs over 20 staff. As a social enterprise all its profits are reinvested back into the delivery of its social impact plan.

The focus of Spartans youth work is to support young people in whatever shape or form they might need at that stage in their own journey. The Academy delivery model – ‘Building a Bridge of Trust' – sits at the heart of all of the interactions with young people.

Working from the young person’s MAP of the World is key.

One site, The Academy provides a safe place to play, socialise and take part in a range of fun activities. ‘Street Football in a Safe Place’ is a programme which enables children and young people to play for free every day at The Academy all year round.

Another signature programme is the Alternative School – which has welcomed >50 students to date. The school welcomes S3/S4 aged young people who are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education providing them with academic, practical, and personal development support.

Setting the scene for his presentation Douglas asked Strathallan staff to think about and consider some key questions:

We are focused on linking elements of the Spartans family together to make our ‘family’ stronger, building a team of ‘blue coats’ — positive role models & leaders in our community. Our aim is to build meaningful relationships and partnerships around thematic areas, to be responsive and address current needs of local people today.

• • • • •

What drives your commitment to providing a great education for your students?

What does success look like for you? A student? The School?

How do you measure success? vs. what indicators & vs. who?

What do you value here at Strathallan?

What kind of school do you want to be?

Douglas went on to explain that the Spartans brand set out to create a new model and a new way of working, an inspiring vision built around a world of possibility. He talked passionately about how Spartans wanted to be outward looking and learn from others, with inspiration coming from Scandinavia & Germany.

“We laid down a culture and a set of core values to guide how the organisation lives & breathes”, he said, “Honour, Uniqueness, Non-Judgemental, Inclusion. How we (our people) work together, to enable us to achieve our dreams and aspirations is key and our culture helps to ensure the sum of the parts (the whole) is greater than the sum of the individual parts. There is clarity around what we do and our WHY. We wanted to build a ‘social home’ – a place at the heart of the community (the ‘Spartans Village’).”

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Douglas went on to talk about how the Spartans brand has the power to help grow and lift the community to new heights with growth built around innovation such as initiatives like Spartans AM Breakfast Club, Friday FooTEA, Girls Only Club and Making Magic Memory trips which take young people aged from 7-18 on day trips around Scotland.

“We are focused on linking elements of the Spartans family together to make our ‘family’ stronger, building a team of ‘blue coats’ – positive role models & leaders in our community. Our aim is to build meaningful relationships and partnerships around thematic areas, to be responsive and address current needs of local people today.”

Judging by the headlines Spartans has certainly made a huge impact with over 300,000 using the facilities each year, 30,000 free meals provided for children & young people, 500 young people attending residential trips and experiences and more than 100 Academy ambassadors invested in, developed and nurtured.

Mel Young, a leading Social Entrepreneur, President of the Homeless World Cup and Chairman of Sports Scotland describes Spartans as a “world leading social enterprise” Finishing off by relaying the Starfish story below, Douglas explained how we have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference and if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our vision, the power to shape the future.

If you would like to know more about the work that Spartans Community Football Academy does or become a Friend of the Academy and donate regularly please visit https://www.spartanscfa.com/donate THE STARFISH STORY: ONE STEP TOWARDS CHANGING THE WORLD Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.

Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.”

The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”

The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”

(Adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)

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Headmaster appointed as Chair of the Boarding School Association for 2020.

M

R LAUDER TAKES OVER THE REINS FROM NICK WERGAN, EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER AT STEYNING GRAMMAR SCHOOL. He brings with him

excellent experience in a boarding environment, having begun his teaching career at Shiplake College in Henley-on-Thames, where he was Head of the History Department and Master I/c Rowing. Over a career that has taken him to St Edward’s, Oxford, Felsted School in Essex, and, before Strathallan, as Headmaster at Ashville College in Harrogate, Mr Lauder has been embedded in boarding as a Housemaster, Head of Boarding and Deputy Headmaster, and Headmaster, as well as a passionate rugby and rowing coach and CCF officer.

Mr Lauder said of his appointment “I’m honoured and excited to take on the role as Chair at the BSA for 2020. The BSA’s mission ‘for better boarding today’ is one close to my heart, having spent so much of my career in boarding schools endeavouring to provide just that. It’s a mission that mirrors that of Strathallan’s founder Harry Riley when he set out to reimagine what a boarding education could be in 1913, as relevant today as it was a century ago. I look forward to playing my part over my term as Chair in 2020, and putting Strathallan at the heart of the UK’s boarding sector as we seek to continually improve what we do and how we look after our pupils.”

Strathallan leading the change with unique Sixth Form programme

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TRATHALLAN BECOMES THE FIRST IN SCOTLAND TO OFFER A TRIPLE OPTION PATHWAY TO FURTHER EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT designed

to provide choice and flexibility in the face of a diverse range of tertiary education and employment options after school.

From September 2020 One-year Highers have been added to Sixth Form curriculum options. These will run alongside the current A-Level and Two-Year Higher options.

With 24 subjects to choose from, this means Strathallan will offer one of the broadest curriculums available in Scotland, as well as the opportunity for pupils to tailor their programme to their strengths, interests, and future study or career goals. In response to pupil demand, a selected number of subjects will also be made available for Advanced Higher from 2021, offering Strathallan pupils breadth, choice and flexibility, as well as a clear route to selective Scottish university courses.

Strathallan’s Headmaster Mark Lauder said: “With this addition, Strathallan will be able to offer a genuine and unique triple-pathway system and will be the

only Scottish boarding school offering both A-Levels and One-Year Highers. For those pupils on course to gain excellent GCSE results and not wishing to limit themselves to one specialism through A-Levels, the Scottish Higher model and its curriculum fit neatly with our philosophy and that of our founder Harry Riley of an academic, holistic, forwardthinking school offering opportunities for all to excel.”

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CHANGING LIVES IN KENYA S

TRATHALLAN SCHOOL’S KENYA PROJECT CELEBRATED ITS TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN 2019 and a staggering £100,000 has been raised to further

support the vital work it does in some of Kenya’s poorest communities.

The project which has been running since the 2009/10 academic year, raises funds, awareness, and volunteering with sister projects in Nairobi and Kenya’s Rift Valley.

The pupil-led initiative has brought about pop-up tuck shops and the Kenya Café at school events, patriotic face-painting on rugby international days, and the hugely successful Tasty Tuesdays, which alone has seen over 22,000 bacon rolls served and £15,000 raised in the last decade.

Each year, Strathallan pupils spend time in Kenya directly engaged at the coal face of the projects their fundraising activities have been supporting. The Suswa Soila Maasai girls rescue centre in the Rift Valley is home to around 75 girls aged between 7 and 15 years old who, via skilful negotiation with tribal elders, are liberated from early marriage and FGM in favour of being educated. Strathallan pupils spend a week in Maasai Land, living in school with the girls, promoting STEM activities including building rubber band cars, newspaper tube bridges and geodesic domes. Much of the time is spent playing sports with the girls, swapping songs and dances – the school always takes bagpipes along – and sitting with the girls, listening to their aspirations, and supporting their academic work.

Located 5km from the centre of Nairobi, the Kibera slum is the biggest in Africa, and one of the biggest in the world, housing 250,000 men, women, and children. In 2010, supported by the Gloag Foundation, Strathallan’s Kenya Project set out to run a 2-week summer camp at the Mashimoni Squatters Primary School. Over the last ten years, the project evolved from the original programme of sports, arts & crafts, bible classes and a toddler group that also included meals and a nurse health check, and Strathallan’s Kenya Project has now sponsored forty children in the greatest need. Covering their entire schooling, books, uniform, food and medical expenses, this commitment equates to 400 years of Primary School education that would not have happened without the School’s support.

The project also worked to improve the facilities at the school: installing transparent panels and solar lighting and paying unofficial rent until the school was demolished in July 2018 (along with the homes of over 30,000 people) to make room for a new road development. Strathallan’s team of volunteers then helped with re-schooling the children who were displaced, including placing some at the Jonathan Gloag Academy and the Soila Maasai Girls School in the Rift Valley.

In November this year, the school welcomed Dalmas Bukasu Atsowa, one of the boys displaced by the demolition of Mashimoni Squatters Primary School. Now 15 years old and Head Boy at Jonathan Gloag Academy, Dalmas has been sponsored through the Strathallan Kenya Project since the age of five. Having completed his High School Entrance Exams, Dalmas visited Strathallan’s Perthshire campus for the second half of the autumn term.

Whilst Dalmas was visiting Strathallan, we had the pleasure of speaking with him about his life, his extraordinary achievements, and his ambitions for the future.

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“IT’S WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART THAT COUNTS” I MMEDIATELY YOU ARE DRAWN INTO WHAT DALMAS HAS TO SAY, HIS ABSOLUTE LOVE OF LIFE AND HIS KIND, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE NATURE. He speaks eloquently and with a wisdom beyond his years. He tells us

about his life in Kibera Slum with his mother, father, elder brother Davidson, sister Flavian and younger brother Deryl.

Living in the Kibera slum in Nairobi is tough. No running water or sewers, 50 families per toilet, 80% have no electricity, dwellings made from mud, sticks and corrugated iron, families living in one room and population density estimated up to 250,000/km2.

He explains “we have no sink; no shower and our houses are all close to each other.

You can jump from one person’s house to the other with literally 1 to 1.5M between each dwelling and there are rows and rows of houses as far as the eye can see.”

The moment you visit Kibera Slum the smell will welcome you before you can even see it. With raw sewage running through the dwellings, there are frequent Cholera and Typhoid outbreaks. Fire is also another big problem and when it burns it does so fiercely with many houses being made of corrugated iron.

However, talking to Dalmas, he focuses on the positives and makes you realise the important things in life. He tells us “East or West home is best” and explains that whilst they may not have much and the conditions are appalling, there is an enormous sense of community and in times of trouble they all come together in the slum and help each other out.

With a great big smile that lights up the room, he explains that in life it is the love you have for each other and the hope for a better tomorrow that gets you through. “If we don’t have anything we have hope for tomorrow.” It's humbling to listen to him.

Dalmas started school at Mashimoni Squatters School and when it was demolished in 2018, he describes this as “a very sad time”.

“I thought that was the end of my schooling, he said, and I was very worried but that’s when Strathallan School stepped in and helped me to go to my new school, Jonathan Gloag Academy.”

My parents give us hope, encouraging us, telling us we can do it, we can make it. They have high expectations for us and big love.

In the space of two weeks Dalmas had made a big impression and was chosen as Head Boy, quickly followed by Class Prefect and Sports Captain. He went on to say: “It is a good school, a middle-class school and I work extremely hard. I really enjoy making new friends and sharing ideas and values. I speak to my school friends and keep saying to them it’s not all about money it’s about what is in

your heart that counts, being honest and respecting each other, our teachers, and our parents.”

After receiving his KCPE (High School Entry Exam) results, Dalmas was delighted to learn that he was placed within the top 2.5% of 1.08 million candidates across the nation. Quite an achievement for a boy from Kibera Slum and one which means he was able to go to a State National High School in January 2020.

An able sportsman, he also won several medals on the schools’ annual sports day, including a gold in the 400 metres, a silver in the 100m and a bronze in the relay.

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Dalmas is looking forward to the next stage of his education which he explains will be High School. He has been offered a place at Kakamaga School, 400KM North West of his home. The school has top academic credentials, but with Dalmas’ many talents as both an able sportsman and gifted musician, Strathallan is going to be working with its partners in Kenya to look at all the options, in order that Dalmas has a real chance to pursue everything he is interested in.

When asked about where he gets his pure joy for life, work ethic and ambition from he answers with conviction “my parents” He explains

Dalmas talks candidly about his father telling us how he started off as a street boy, living on the streets of Nairobi with no parents and sleeping in cardboard boxes. He tells us “my father led a bad life at that time often having to steal to survive but he was transformed, someone helped him, helped to transform him from being that bad person to being a good person and he became a pastor.”

The sad fact is that this is all too common with tens of thousands of boys living on the streets of Nairobi and exposed to starvation, violence, sexual exploitation, poor sanitation, substance abuse and emotional torture.

I would love to be a paediatrician, working with children. I want to be a leader and give back to my community in Kibera Slum. I want to give and help others. I believe a leader has to have kindness and compassion. he is truly blessed and very proud of his mother and father who both work very hard.

“The love we have for each other, coming together as a family and a community that comes from my parents, they brought us up that way. The credit must go to them. My parents give us hope, encouraging us, telling us we can do it, we can make it.

They have high expectations for us and big love.”

Talking to Dalmas you can’t help but be inspired by this young man from Kibera Slum and you can see why he is admired by his fellow pupils, friends and teachers and how people truly look up to him and want to follow his example. He is a leader in his community and when he walks through the Slum children shout his name and call him over. He can’t go anywhere without being recognised and everyone loves him.

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Dalmas explains that now his father spends his life preaching and helping others, not for money but it is a calling.

Of his mother and with a big grin on his face, Dalmas describes her as the “breadwinner”, buying sweets and then selling them outside their house on a small wooden table to earn enough money to keep the family fed. Some days she makes no money and the family do not eat but Dalmas is very pragmatic about this as he explains that it is not normal for them to eat every day anyway.

His older brother Davidson is now at college in Nairobi Town and walks almost every day 2 to 3 hours there and back. He is studying entrepreneurship and his sister Flavia is at college studying nursing and is a boarder. Dalmas explains that they must fund themselves through their courses, coming home between units and working to raise enough money to pay for the next semester.

“It’s not easy getting work as there are no jobs.” he says. “They both just come home and ‘hustle’ and when they have enough money to go back to college, they study.”

Dalmas tells us that Davidson walks to building sites in and around Nairobi and offers to carry stones.

For this he may get paid 10 to 20 shillings, equivalent to around 10 to 15p and his sister visits houses offering to do their washing and earning between 50 to 100 shillings, 30 to 75p.

His younger brother Deryl is 5 years old and is due to start school next year with the support of Strathallan School, he will also be one of the lucky ones, following in Dalmas’s footsteps at the Jonathon Gloag Academy.

Dalmas laughs and says, “there must be something in the fact that my mother and father named all of their sons with a first name starting with D”.

Since arriving at Strathallan in November, Dalmas immersed himself into school life and followed a normal timetable, loving every minute of it.

He laughs when he talks about his experiences since arriving in the UK. “I could not sleep on the plane

coming over. I have never flown before and I kept having to pinch myself to remind me it was real. When I arrived in Edinburgh I saw a double decker bus and thought wow and then I couldn’t believe how cold it was” He grins when he tells us that at Strathallan “I have learnt how to use a knife, we don’t use knives and forks at home so it took a bit of getting used to” Dalmas has also been learning how to play the piano, the recorder and the base guitar and has shown a natural aptitude for music. He took part in the schools Christmas concert attended by over 1,000 people and sang in the school choir as well as reading lessons at both Kinross Church, St John’s Kirk in Perth and Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh.

He has been showing his prowess as a sportsman and took part in the Perth Park Run coming 17 out of 400 and 2nd in his age group. One of the favourite sports he has learnt at Strathallan though is Rugby and he says he will be taking that experience back home with him.

When asked what he wants to do in the future when all his schooling is over Dalmas answers with conviction: “I would love to be a paediatrician, working with children. I want to be a leader and give back to my community in Kibera Slum. I want to give and help others. I believe a leader has to have kindness and compassion.”

Dalmas left Strathallan just before Christmas to return home to Kibera Slum and will be taking many fond memories of his time at the school.

At the end of our interview Dalmas looks at us and smiles, thanking us for talking with him and genuinely surprised and humble at why we would want to spend so much time with him. It’s hard not to get emotional.

The time we have spent with this inspirational young man will stay with us for years to come and we are sure we will be hearing many more amazing things about Dalmas in the future.

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my

CATHERINE HOWETT, ENGLISH TEACHER AT STRATHALLAN

books…

“2020 was the year of resolutions. Faced with the restrictions of lockdown, how many of us vowed to get fitter, bake more and tackle the mountain of books by the side of the bed? Well I attempted the first (thank you, Joe Wicks,) the second undid any benefits of the first and the third was a joy. On several occasions I wondered whether I should amend this list. Would Hilary Mantell, Maggie O'Farrell or Caitlin Moran be offended if I left them off? Well of course not. And as my original intent when I sat down to compile this at the beginning of the year was to produce a list of books I have loved as a direct result of being at Strathallan, nor should they.”

THE HANDMAID’S TALE MARGARET ATWOOD The Handmaid’s Tale has been central to our A-level syllabus for many years now and for good reason. Its extraordinary prescience makes it as relevant today as when it was first written in the 1980s. It explores issues of gender and power with the recent TV adaptation and Atwood’s own sequel, The Testaments, giving the novel renewed attention of late. But nothing beats the experience of reading and thinking about the ideas and implications of the original. Atwood is one of the most extraordinary writers of our age and this is her at her poetic and political best.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE It seems so obvious, if not pretentious, to suggest The Complete Works of Shakespeare for an English teacher but the fact is that while I didn’t set out to write a ‘desert island’ list, this would certainly be included if I had. It’s only in the process of becoming really familiar with these plays, either through studying them or teaching them, that you can fully appreciate the language, the structure and the ideas. There are certainly plays that I love to revisit, finding even more riches in them every time I do, and I look forward to being disciplined enough to give those I’m not so familiar with the attention they deserve.

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THE SECRET COMMONWEALTH PHILIP PULLMAN When I first came to Strathallan, one of the books I most enjoyed teaching the younger years was Northern Lights, the first of Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials trilogy. It’s our introduction to Lyra Belaqua / Silvertongue and the alternative universe she inhabits. Considering use of the alethiometer and wondering what your daemon might be really generates interest in young readers, but Pullman’s work goes so much deeper and doesn’t shy away from some challenging ideas about the institutions we invest power and belief in. He has now revisited this world with a second trilogy, of which The Secret Commonwealth is the second and most recent instalment. Lyra has grown up and so has the tone of the story. You don’t have to know Paradise Lost or The Faerie Queen, but it helps. You don’t have to read it as stunningly contemporary with its focus on refugees, but you can. Ultimately you will simply marvel at the richness of Pullman’s story telling power and the audacity of his metaphysical conceit.

ALL THAT REMAINS: A LIFE IN DEATH PROFESSOR SUE BLACK In focusing on books which mean something to me in the context of Strathallan, I can’t not have Professor Sue Black’s 2018 memoir All That Remains: A Life in Death on my list. She was an excellent and memorable speaker at Speech Day not so very long ago and her book is equally enthralling.

Surprisingly moving, unsentimental and informative, this really is a five star read.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD HARPER LEE Finally, To Kill A Mockingbird is another classic in the department’s trove and one which would feature prominently in many best of or favourites lists. There is a sense, with some books, that your understanding of culture or society is somehow incomplete without them and I do believe that To Kill A Mockingbird is one of those which tells us something about ourselves that we need to know. It’s so much more than a ‘coming of age’ story or a snapshot of mid-west American society in the first half of the 20th century. It captures the values of kindness, compassion and integrity embodied by Atticus, once voted the greatest fictional American, and remains as relevant in its espousing of these as it ever was.

“The real quandary, I realise with some hindsight, is not that I shouldn't add new favourites to this list but that there simply isn't room for some brilliant books which do absolutely fit the criteria I set for relating to my life at Strathallan. If you haven't already done so, you must read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.

It's my literary indulgence for Second Form. If you've seen my classroom you will no doubt be astounded that Harry Potter hasn't made an appearance and I'm still not entirely sure why Darren McGarvey's Poverty Safari isn't in here. Maybe next time ...”

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STRATHALLAN SCHOOL ATHLETICS RECORDS EVENT 100m

200m

300m

400m 800m

1500m

GIRLS

1 Mile

3000m High jump

Long jump

Pole vault Triple jump Shot putt

Discus

Javelin

4x100m Relay

4x400m Relay

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AGE J M S J M S J M S J S J M S J M S J M S J S J M S J M S J S J S J M S J M S J M S J M S J M S

RECORD 12.58 12.90 12.12 25.33 27.80 25.20 39.65 43.65 41.72 63.65 60.00 2.26.2 2.42.5 2.15.2 5.14.09 5.21.3 5.05.10 6.15 6.09 5.49 10.59.2 11.51.37 1.50 1.40 1.55 4.52 4.55 4.64 2.30 2.60 7.80 8.32 10.23 9.07 10.49 25.75 20.54 26.60 26.46 20.12 27.52 53.73 56.26 52.63 4.37.48 4.33.8 4.29.61

HOLDER Sophie Wallwork Lois Garland Alison Edmunds Sophie Wallwork Jade Paterson Alison Edmunds Sophie Wallwork Lois Garland Katie Fleming Lauren Giles Sonya Reid Katie Fleming Amber Paterson Katie Fleming A Barlow.

Georgia Glen C Meiklejohn Amber Paterson Amber Paterson Jenny McGuire Ciara Elwis Olwyn Jenkins Amelia Inglis I Wilson/S Wright/I McMichael/G Glen R Rutherford Jade Paterson Shannah Goddard Anna MacDonald, Kirsty Hay Sarah Nicol Sarah Fleming Ciara Elwis Lorna Brown T Sang Sarah Cameron-Sutcliffe Amber Paterson Yasmine Forbes Halle Sword Rhona Chapman Anna Younger Charlotte Gilmour Anna Younger School Team/Scottish Champs Glenbrae School Team/Scottish Champs Thornbank Glenbrae School Team

YEAR 2019 2017 1990 2019 2016 1990 2019 2017 2002 2004 1990 1999 2014 2002 1992 2018 1990 2012 2013 2018 2008 2011 2011 2015/18/18/19 1987 2015 2015 2004/05 2011 2005 2008 2015 1992 2016 2016 2009 2018 1998 2010 2019 2011 2003 2015 2006 1999 2016 2015

200m

400m

400m Hurdles

800m

1500m

1 Mile

1500m Steeplechase 2000m Steeplechase 2000m Steeplechase 3000m Steeplechase 3000m 5000m High jump

Long jump

Pole vault Triple jump

Shot putt

Discus

Javelin

4x100m Relay

4x400m Relay

AGE J M S J M S J M S J M S J M S J M S J M S M M S S M S S J M S J M S J J M S J M S J M S J M S J M S J M S

RECORD 11.90 10.9 * 10.91 24.00 23.20 22.84 56.50 52.50 50.30 64.41 60.80 57.70 2.12.90 2.03.06 1.55.02 4.32.07 4.14.05 4.09.02 5.24 5.06 4.51 4.51.11 7.00.23 6.37.48 10.44.44 9.28 9.24 18.25 1.63 1.77 1.95 5.61 6.17 6.52 2.50 10.68 11.29 12.49 12.83 14.73 18.30 36.27 42.00 61.25 49.81 (unverified) 49.81 (unverified) 57.07 (unverified) 50.50 46.60 45.32 4.09.07 3.53.49 3.41.03

HOLDER Peter Wallwork Ogilvie Jonathan Bull Richard Wallace T Ling Jonathan Bull C Cook Millar G Roger Stuart McDonald Scott McKinlay Scott McKinlay C Lawrence C Lawrence G Roger C Lawrence Roger Bond Roger Bond Joe Higginbottom Colin Gordon Connor Collins Tom Fleming Chris Rennison Tom Fleming Tom Fleming Chris Rennison Tom Fleming Juraj Sabol Holmes Cuthbertson Okki Colquhoun Peter Wallwork Lawson D Smellie Callum Nicol Marcus Adams Marcus Adams Gregor Duncan L Walker G McKenzie George Evans S Knox S Knox George Evans J McBride J McBride J McBride Ruthven Simpson School Team Simpson Simpson Freeland

YEAR 2016 1978 2016 1993 1973 2016 1987 1977 1982 2002 1999 2001 1984 1985 1982 1985 1988 1989 2016 2013 2016 2006 2009 2008 2007 2009 2007 2009 1965 1984 1999 2016 1967 1978 2011 2006 2007 2004 1992 1973 2015 1974 1976 2015 1969 1969 1971 1987 1972 2015 1995 1995 1992

BOYS

EVENT 100m

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The Arts at Strathallan Dancing to Success

Dancers from Strathallan and Ardvreck passed their RAD Ballet exams with literal flying colours. A record number of twenty-five dancers took part in their exams last year ranging from RAD Primary to Intermediate in the last year of long-standing teacher Kimberley Stewart’s tutelage.

Taking over Kimberley’s dance programme is former English National Ballet dancer, Kelly McCole. Kelly’s vast experience has taken her to Ballet West, Central Ballet School, Birnam Arts, Dollar Dance and MGA. She was also a finalist for the Adeline Genee Award and winner of the RAD Solo Seal.

Strathallan Director of Sport, Audrey Sime said: “We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our young dancers last year and look forward to following their progress again this year. With Kelly in place, we can look forward to continuing to expand the range and quality of our dance offering, supporting pupils for whom dance is their passion.”

Strathallan Pupils open Perth Festival of Arts

No fanfare, no fuss, but a tranquil place in the middle of a sunny city, beautifully decorated with special flowers, St Johns Kirk was the venue for the opening of the Perth Festival of Arts, given in 2019 by pupils at Strathallan School. With three singers, five instrumentalists and a brass ensemble to follow, the programme was varied and, in every way, rounded and satisfying.

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Magician of the Year

Congratulations must go to Ethan W who was shortlisted for young magician of the year in his district. He was nominated for performing magic on stage with David Blane on his UK tour in 2019 in front of thousands at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

CCF Scottish Schools Piping and Drumming Championships In 2019 the annual CCF Scottish Schools Piping and Drumming Championships were held at the School for the first time in 10 years. A fantastic day was had by all and congratulations to Archie McF on his 1st place in Dress and Deportment and the whole pipe band in coming 3rd.

Excellent LAMDA results

17 pupils obtained Distinction (80% and over) in the October 2019 LAMDA exams including all seven of those taking Grade 8. The top mark of the whole session went to Iona F for Grade 6 Devising.

Win at RSA Schools Art Award

The 2019 award went to Flora W and is the most prestigious award. Flora’s painting went on display at the RSA for the school’s exhibition.

On winning the award Flora said to the RSA: “Developing a range of skills allows me to visually record my ideas, thoughts and feelings towards the world around me. Exploring different media and processes presents a range of challenges and I enjoy the process of reviewing and refining my research.”

Variety is the Spice of Life

In 2019 the School Variety Show not only showcased the huge amount of creativity but also the breadth of talent and skills of our pupils.

Highlights of the show included a magic show, a Riley rendition of the “Cups” song from Pitch Perfect and an emotive performance of the classic, “Hallelujah”. The winning act on the night was the highly entertaining 1st XV rugby choir.

Pitlochry Festival Performance

Performing Arts Scholar Joely F played Belinda Cratchit in Isobel Mc Arthur’s adaptation of Dickens classic tale, “A Christmas Carol”. Having previously appeared at Pitlochry as Hendrika in “Miracle on 34th Street” (2014) , Susan Waverley in White Christmas (2015) and as Cathy Cratchit in “Scrooge The Musical” (2016), Joely F was delighted to return for her first professional theatrical (non- Musical) appearance.

MAADSS Week

As part of MAADSS week, here are some highlights from the Art Scholars work. They were creating miniature installations across the school campus in the style of famed street artist, “Slinkachu”

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SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS AT STRATHALLAN

TENNIS Role of Honour in Tennis Congratulations to our tennis players who have all had an amazing year.

Jed M played for the Scotland Junior Team in the Junior Home Nations Our girls won the regional group stage of the British Senior Students Competition and qualified for the knockout stages.

Alexander E qualified for a GB National Tennis Tournament in Bath.

Marcus M won the North Winter County Tour Men’s Singles in Leeds.

Several of our pupils also played in both the boys and girls Scottish School Cup and the Girls British Under 15s competition, Scotland & North England Finals.

Lucas B competed in his first ever green ball/U10 Winter County Tour Event and won 3 out of 4 matches, finishing in 3rd place.

GOLF

CLAYS

FOOTBALL

Solheim Cup Pupil, Alexander E was selected to play in the Solheim Cup Diversity Event and played in a team with BBC and Sky Sports presenter Eilidh Barbour. He was one of only 4 young Scottish golfers who were asked to play.

Holland & Holland Independent School Championships Holland & Holland, the bespoke gun makers famed all over the world, set up a new competition for Independent schools, at which the cream of independent schools from across the UK fought out for the inaugural trophy.

Strathallan was represented by 11 pupils, four of whom swept all before them in and secured the wonderful trophy, designed by the top apprentice at Holland & Holland. Congratulations go to pupils Iain G, Hamish A, Flora M, Rob S, Ali T (Sr) ,Ellen MacD, Ralph C, Fergus McL, Archie F-I, Angus and Arthur B.

Scottish Youth Cup Final Pupil Nathan Y-C scored the winning goal for Rangers in the 2018/19 Scottish Youth Cup final victory over Celtic at Hampden Park. Nathan joined Strathallan after signing for Rangers Youth Academy in early 2019.

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PENTATHLON

FENCING

Junior Sports Personality of the Year Pupil, Blake H won the junior sports person of the year award at the Clubsport Ettrick & Lauderdale Regional Sports Awards. Blake had a successful 2019 representing Pentathlon GB in the European and World Championships.

National Selection Pupil Angus K was selected for the Scotland Fencing team and competed in the Challenge Wratislavia event in Poland. The event is an international fencing tournament for children under 15 held in Wroclaw, Poland and has a great tradition.

EQUESTRIAN Horse of the Year Show Pupils, Millie W, Amelia E and Eliza E all competed at the Horse of the Year Show.

Millie competed for Strathearn in the Mounted Games where her team reached the final and finished in overall 3rd place. Amelia and Eliza competed in the Working Hunter, with Amelia finishing in 6th place.

CRICKET Bowling against World Cup Stars Being invited to be a net bowler for the Scotland, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan international men’s cricket team is something pupil Fergus D, will cherish and remember for the rest of his cricket career. He travelled to Grange Park Cricket Club in 2019 and bowled to some of the world’s best batsmen, including Mohamed Shazad, Angelo Matthews and Kyle Coetzer. The whole experience was extremely valuable, and he came away with a better understanding of the standard you need to reach to be the absolute best, from the intensity of training to the tactical awareness of each player.

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Development

THE ITALIAN JOB

I

N MAY 2019, STRATHALLAN HELD A RUGBY FUNDRAISING DINNER TO SUPPORT THE 1ST XV RUGBY TEAM PRE-SEASON TOUR TO ITALY.

This along with other fundraising activity was organised by a committee of parents, alumni, pupils and the school with the intent to continue as a group into the future to help support rugby for many years to come.

Neil Campbell, parent, and a member of the fundraising committee explained: “It’s a pleasure to be involved in the Rugby Fundraising Committee where lots of ideas are discussed around how to support Rugby at Strathallan. It is particularly pleasing to be part of a group involving the School, Parents and Alumni

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who all have the same objective in mind of furthering Rugby at the School. Many activities took place during the year including, the boys cycling, running, and rowing the distance from the school to Italy and a BBQ stall at sports day culminating in a dinner to support the V and VI Form Rugby Squads Tour of Italy.”

We also asked Andrew Henderson, Director of Rugby at the school to tell us why they decided to take 50 young men to Italy.

“Well they all love ice cream and pizza so Italy seemed the right choice!!

Well they do! but seriously it was for many reasons and one of the main ones was getting back into touring internationally.

We had enjoyed some great success with a couple of domestic tours to Loughborough and Preston so it was a natural progression to present the opportunity to travel further. The other desire for me was to have a rugby dinner to celebrate the game and help raise funds to support the players who wanted to tour. There are lots of moving parts to touring and a fundraising dinner was new territory. So a committee was pulled together which consisted of mainly parents, whose energy and ideas I give thanks for as nothing we did would have been possible without them, also Aileen Wilson, Alumni & External Relations Manager, who steadied the ship all the way through and steered the dinner to a resounding success.”

The dinner itself was held in the School Dining Hall, all decked out with marquee lining and decorated in the theme of the Italian/Scottish venture. Guests were piped into the event by the pupils going on tour and others escorted them in under umbrellas. The guest list included parents, Strathallians and friends of the School including former pupils and Scotland team players, Zander and Matt Fagerson, Jamie Ritchie, Murray McCallum and Josh Henderson who came back to support the night and were interviewed by Willie Allen onstage. The boys told lots of amusing stories and anecdotes about their time at the School – obvious fondness and gratitude for the opportunities they were offered at Strathallan.

This was hugely enjoyed by all the guests, but none more so than the pupils listening at the back of the room.

We really had the best time. It was great to see the first XV getting involved to ensure that no one was left behind when they went to Italy.

Laura Wiseman, parent on the fundraising committee

Yamika Banda, Coach of the Rugby team told us: “The Rugby fundraiser was an absolutely wonderful evening that demonstrated what is special about Strath. From the effort that went into the organisation to the way the pupils helped, the event showed what a special community we have. It was great fun and an exceptional celebration of the proud Rugby tradition we have. What was particularly special was to see the professional players who started out at Strathallan spend time with parents and pupils and hopefully this interaction helped them believe that they can reach their goals. The event also showcased how much our parent body are willing to support the school without any hesitation.”

During the evening one guest asked to buy the rugby ball that had been used to decorate the table and Matt, Zander, Jamie, Murray and Josh all signed it. This provided the catalyst for another 30 balls to be sold off in the same fashion, with the only issue being, running out of balls to sign. Willie Allen then hosted an incredibly successful silent auction, keeping up a great pace and entertaining guests along the way.

Anne Griffiths, another parent on the fundraising committee said, “It was such a happy evening, with a fabulous atmosphere generated by guests having a great time and the boys participating so positively. Their help and enthusiasm (and singing) highlighted the importance of supporting fundraising for their tour and for Rugby generally at Strathallan. Having a number of former pupils at the dinner who are now International Rugby players was the icing on the cake.”

What a night! Great company, food, entertainment, atmosphere, and a huge amount raised to support all that is Rugby at the School. There was lots to reflective positively on but for me a particular highlight of the evening was seeing and hearing current players, professional alumni rugby players, alumni and parents all interacting and having a great time underlining the strong sense of community there is at Strathallan. Thanks to all and looking forward to other events in the future.

Neil Campbell, parent on the fundraising committee At the end of the evening, two senior pupils entertained guests by singing several crowd pleasers including “That’s Amore”. The touring pupils then joined them on the stage for a rousing rendition of “Flower of Scotland” which got everyone to their feet.

After the dinner, the fundraising didn’t stop, players continued to carry out a number of initiatives including a run, row and cycle challenge. The boys ran the equivalent from Perth to Dover, rowed the channel and cycled from Calais to Venice. Bringing this challenge to the players started pulling them together as a team before they even left and in a fun way started getting them fitter! They also made and sold burgers at School Sports Day and ran their final lap together to complete the journey to Italy.

The tour took place in September 2019 and provided the boys with excellent pre-season preparation. As U16 and U18 teams they play in the top Scottish Schools Conference and being together as a group in a different country living, eating, training and being together had a magical effect on the players.

Firstly, in the mountains with breath-taking scenery and a bit of training at altitude really got the ball rolling. After a few days in the mountains they travelled south to the beach resort where they would be located for the remainder of the tour. They played two matches against very tenacious opposition providing great competition for both the U16 and U18 groups.

The performances from these matches definitely showed what being together had brought to these teams. The adventurous way they played brought a great sense of pride to the coaches and certainly demonstrated good signs for the season to come. The players that travelled out came back different people and improved as players; this is the magical effect of touring with teammates providing memories that will be remembered for many seasons to come.

Ed Anderson, ex Strathallian and a member of the fundraising committee summed up by saying: “Rugby tours are a special part of any players career, and I was fortunate enough during my time at Strathallan to visit Narbonne in the South of France on three occasions and South America. These pre-season tours allow for the players to sharpen their skills and improve their fitness with valuable game time and training sessions. They also strengthen friendships and create memories that last a lifetime. I was therefore delighted to be part of the fundraising committee for the Italian tour and thoroughly enjoyed the fundraising dinner. On a personal level it was fantastic to catch up with old friends and see the planning culminate in raising a considerable amount. I’ve no doubt that this was the first of many future tours for the school and I like to give my thanks to those who supported the event by donating and supplying raffle prizes and attending the event.”

It has been great to be part of the fundraising committee, raising funds for both the Italian Rugby Tour and ongoing Rugby development at Strathallan. There were lots of other fundraising events throughout the term, but the Rugby dinner was the main event. There were so many highlights on the evening but seeing all the tour pupils helping out and being part of the evening itself was particularly special. The Strathallians’ who have gone on to be part of the Scotland and various professional teams, who returned to talk at the School for this evening was inspirational for this generation of players. I very much look forward to further Rugby fundraising events in the future.

Daren Wallwork, parent on the fundraising committee Blue & Gold 29

THE RISE AND RISE OF PLANT BASED FOODS

a 21st century culinary revolution

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E

NTER ANY RESTAURANT, CHAIN PUB OR FAST FOOD OUTLET TODAY AND YOU WILL LIKELY BE GREETED BY A MENU THAT FEATURES AT LEAST ONE OR TWO PLANT-BASED FOOD OPTIONS, with many

offering a fully plant-based alternative without even raising an eyebrow.

From Greggs’ famed Vegan Sausage Roll, to Burger King’s Impossible Whopper the options for those who choose not to eat animal products are growing at an exponential rate.

Even our supermarket shelves are groaning under the weight of new plant-based products from big name brands (think meat-free Richmond sausages and veggie burgers from Birds Eye), which is no surprise considering the rapidly expanding market for animal-free food alternatives.

Just a generation ago, plant-based eaters found themselves on the fringes of culinary society, excluded from dinner party invites and forced out of food-centric celebrations by a lack of understanding of, or provision for, their dietary choices.

But fast forward to 2020 and the days of toting a Tupperware full of self-made food to every eating event are a thing of the past for plantbased consumers.

So what has changed? And why?

POST-MILLENNIAL MENUS Where veganism was once the preserve of ethical eaters, the years since the turn of the millennium have seen a massive explosion of plant-based eating styles – making the mass production of plant-based alternatives a viable option for mainstream manufacturers in the 21st Century.

Younger consumers appear to be more flexible in their approach to eating and are throwing the ‘meat-and-two-veg’ shackles from their meals in favour of a more experimental approach that espouses a selection of positive-eating principles.

Veganism is not a diet, but a lifestyle that eschews the exploitation of animals for human gain. Ethical vegans, as they style themselves, avoid any product or process that involves the killing or controlling of animals.

WHO IS EATING PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS? While it may be common to refer to consumers who choose not to eat animal derivatives as vegans, in many cases this is a misnomer.

Veganism is not a diet, but a lifestyle that eschews the exploitation of animals for human gain. Ethical vegans, as they style themselves, avoid any product or process that involves the killing or controlling of animals.

Self-declared vegans number around 600,000 in the UK today, according to The Vegan Society of Great Britain — a fourfold increase on the figure of five years ago — but just over one percent of the population isn’t enough to explain the explosion in plant-based edible products — so who else is eating these options?

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE FLEXITARIANS A thoroughly modern phenomenon, Flexitarians choose not to constrain themselves to a single eating style, opting instead to enjoy each meal on its own merits, while being conscious of the wide range of issues surrounding food production and consumption.

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HEALTHY FOCUS PROMOTES PLANT-BASED CHOICES Health advice in recent years has emphasised the potential pitfalls of both red meats and processed animal products, advising reductions in consumption of both, a call that has been heeded by the Flexitarian generation with the enthusiastic adoption of concepts such as the self-explanatory “Meat-free Mondays” and the growing Veganuary trend.

Veganuary challenges both carnivores and existing vegetarians to sample the world of plant-based eating in January. Well-timed to coincide with the post-holiday guilt trips of the New Year, the initiative has seen its participation rise to almost a quarter of a million over just five years, helping some to discover a new way of everyday eating, and introducing others to interesting new meat and dairy free alternatives which they can go on to incorporate in their daily diets.

NUTRITIONISTS AND CAMPAIGNERS ARE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY Veganuary is just one of a number of plant-based initiatives that has trended online in recent years. Others include the #cleaneating explosion of the last decade, which saw Instagram influencers such as Deliciously Ella and Freelee the Banana Girl, propelled to superstardom on the back of their plant-based food photos.

Over on Facebook, groups such as What Fat Vegans Eat attract tens of thousands of members to share recipes and product tips alongside mouthwatering images of meat- and dairyfree meals, while savvy Twitter users know that sharing #veganfortheanimals and #crueltyfree products is a sure way to engage a new audience.

PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS AND ETHICAL EATING While not everyone who eats meat- and dairy-free options is a cardcarrying vegan, there is no denying that the ethical element of these aliments is a consideration for both consumers and marketers.

Graphic vegan viral content such as the Joaquin Phoenix narrated documentary “Earthlings” have opened many eyes to the ethical questions surrounding animal products, while popular documentaries such as “Forks over Knives” have turned the spotlight on potential links between animal product consumption and health issues in the general population.

WHAT DOES PLANT-BASED EATING LOOK LIKE IN 2020?

With so many influencing factors at play across the varying spheres of modern life the plant-based community is growing larger and more influential, resulting in an explosion of options for diners who prefer mock meat and want to ditch the dairy.

While clean eating and wholefoods play a huge role in the market, plant-based alternatives are proving more and more popular as newly minted vegan-eaters attempt to navigate their diet without feeling like they are missing out on favourite foods.

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21ST CENTURY CONSUMERS ARE DITCHING THE DAIRY Plant based milks are now the pour of choice for around a quarter of Britons, with one 2018 survey putting the market share for this range of dairy-free products that includes soy, coconut and oat milks, at an impressive 23%.

And did you realise that choosing to eat a plant-based diet does not mean you have to give up cheese? There is a booming trade in plant based cheese products with options created using everything from soy beans and sunflower seed to cashew nuts and tapioca! Animal product avoiders can choose from a range of grab and go supermarket-shelf stock cheeses, or opt for something special from the growing army of plant-based artisans creating exciting dairy-free alternatives.

Family favourite chain restaurants such as Pizza Express and Ask Italian even offer fully vegan pizzas topped with their chosen vegan mozzarella brands, ensuring even families with a selection of eating styles can enjoy an easy dining out experience — something that would have been hard come by just a decade ago!

A GUIDE TO MODERN DAY DIETS

BUT IS MEAT MURDER? Of course, the shift towards plant-based eating is a controversial one in some VEGAN: Vegans choose not to use any product that exploits animals, and circles, with concerns for the as a result do not eat any animal derivatives, including meat, dairy, eggs, future of traditional farming gelatine or honey. and the lives (and indeed PLANT BASED: Strict plant based eaters follow the same dietary principles ways of life) that depend on as ethical vegans, but may use animal products in other areas of their lives. the established pastoral norms.

VEGETARIAN: Vegetarians choose not to eat meat or fish but will eat With meat being taken off eggs and dairy many menus livestock farmers PESCATARIAN: Pescatarians do not eat meat but will eat fish, eggs and have understandably raised dairy. concerns over the demonisation FLEXITARIAN: Flexitarians do not ban any food groups from their diets, of their businesses, which but will happily eat fully plant based options as part of their regular diet have also come under attack as well as including meat and dairy options in a healthy balance. from environmental angles with campaigners attempting to lay blame at their door for everything from climate change to water shortages.

Celebrity chefs have leant weight to the movement with campaigns for more ethical meat consumption, which endorse the consumption of organic and free-range options, often at a higher price point, which encourages the consumer to opt out of a system that demands meat at every meal, fuelling demand for plant-based products.

IS THE FUTURE FLEXITARIAN? While trends in everything, eating included, often ebb and flow, the growing prevalence of plant-based products seems to be indicative of a seismic shift in our approach to everyday nutrition.

Many, when questioned, are open to trying or are already eating these options. Local education authorities in many areas are offering plantbased options without the need to order in advance, as was once the case, and a new generation of Flexitarian eaters will soon be the walletwielding decision makers in the supermarket aisles.

It remains to be seen if we (and the planet) will be healthier and happier as a result of this newfound eating equilibrium.

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DOWANS HOTEL WHERE EVERY GUEST IS A VIP Strathallians, Steph and Lauren, talked to us about their family business the ShawFern Group which now operates two hotels in Speyside, Dowans Hotel and Hotel 1881 Archiestown, and explain what made them decide to go into business together.

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Tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Steph: I’m not entirely sure what would be said about me, but I think I’m a fairly sociable person (I guess you have to be in our line of work!), friendly and conscientious. I’m ambitious in terms of both my personal and private life — turning 30 definitely impacted on the things that I now expect of myself!

— generally that means that I’m always striving for more. That ambition impacts on my ‘hobbies’ in so much as they are often based on furthering a skill that I already have i.e. researching new dishes and finding an opportunity to cook them in order to better our offering at the hotel.

Deciding to work together with Lauren was a family based decision due to a building frustration for myself of trying to find a job after I finished my post graduate degree in Human Rights and International Politics and Lauren’s aims after finishing her degree in Hospitality Management.

Rather than continuing to try (and struggle) to find jobs working for others, we decided that it would be far more beneficial to work for ourselves and then we started to look for a business that would allow us to start the beginnings of an enterprise and the Dowans Hotel was it!

Lauren: I am an avid book reader of which the non-fiction element of that has certainly come in handy over the years when we are looking to expand on our offering. As Steph spoke of, the ability to create conversation with pretty much anyone would be one of my personality

Spé Restaurant The Dowans Hotel

traits that I am sure would be picked up on by my friends — although I’m not sure if it is always a positive one ha!

Tell us about what inspired you to set up Dowans Hotel?

As mentioned before, one of the factors in our decision to go into business together as a family was the frustration of filling out job application after job application once Steph had completed her postgraduate degree and the lack of options for Lauren when she completed her undergraduate degree.

Unfortunately, we both happened to graduate at a time when the world economy was still bouncing back from the economic crash of 2008 and each role that Steph specifically looked at increasingly asked for more experience that she just couldn’t match. As a consequence, she had continued her work in the hospitality industry which is how she had put herself through her latter degree; on receiving a promotion to management and realising that it was an industry that she loved, a move to opening our own business empire was the next best tactical move.

After deliberating over a few small Deli based properties in Glasgow, we decided that our family of 5 would be better suited to a larger space allowing us to each have our own to work within: a hotel dream was born. Out of the group of those style of businesses that we looked at back in 2011/ early 2012, the Dowans was the only one

Sisters Lauren and Steph

that had a stable structure from the point of view of the ‘books’ Hospitality, as with many other industries, was only itself bouncing back from the economic crisis so many hotels that we viewed had very little operational ‘business’ of which to speak. After many conversations that often led late into the night, we decided that the Dowans was the only viable option as it was a business that needed substantial investment, had the ground work for us to start from and was the best option in terms of target audience as Speyside and its attached whisky industry was also getting increased investment.

Almost 8 years later and the target whisky consumer/corporate audience is still our mainstay at the Dowans, however, with a business that is now 4.5 times the size of the original and with a new hotel (Hotel 1881 in the village of Archiestown — about 10 minutes away from the Dowans), they are not the only audience!

Our central ethos as owners of the newly expanded Shawfern Group (our business name under which we operate both hotels) is that there is no one VIP — all of our guests are treated with the same level of respect and will be given the exact same, high class, 5 star, service.

With very many awards that reflect that investment in time and energy with our guests, we can safely say that we have a business that has taken that central ethos into its every day operation and it is the first ‘lesson’ that our staff are taught when they are brought on board.

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...there is no one VIP — all of our guests are treated with the same level of respect and will be given the exact same, high class, 5 star, service...we can safely say that we have a business that has taken that central ethos into its every day operation and it is the first ‘lesson’ that our staff are taught when they are brought on board.

What’s it like owning your own business and what have been your greatest challenges and top highlights?

Steph: Owning your own business is certainly tough — it takes a huge amount of work, sacrifice, and dedication over and above anything else. Our first few years at the Dowans were extremely tiring and it was us and our parents who conducted every element of the everyday operation of the business, whether that was taking bookings or cleaning the toilets and changing the beds.

Our staff, who now number 30, were only a small part of the business back then as we believed that investment was required elsewhere and that meant not paying large salary bills. There were a lot of long days, long weeks, and even longer years! But, with time, energy and investment of ourselves, we can now look back at what we have put in and see the very clear success that has consequently resulted — most prominently, the ability to expand by purchasing and fully renovating another Speyside-based hotel.

Lauren: Alongside the success that Steph speaks of, one of my highlights has been the number of people that we have met who we would now call friends. Equally, being an integral part of some of the major festivals in the area such as the very first Speyside Gin Festival has been brilliant fun!

Obviously, the current pandemic can probably be pointed to as one of our greatest challenges and we have yet to see how we come out of that so watch this space with fingers crossed!

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Any unusual incidents or stories you can tell about owning your own business?

Steph: Without going into too much detail, people can be very, em, let’s say ‘unique’ so we just always have to try to maintain our ‘poker face’ when rather strange requests are made! It is also amazing the line that people draw as to what they think is ‘free’ to take home with them — we had someone take one of our bed cushions once!

Lauren: Steph loves when I mention how many times people have thought she was my mum, ha!

What advice would you give anyone who wants to set up their own business?

You need to live, dream and breathe the business every day even if (or probably even more so) if you are absolutely exhausted otherwise you lose sight of why you are doing it. Equally, asking for help and taking a step back every now and then to ask for other insight (whether that is from friends, family or, in our case, staff) is very important as occasionally you can find that you have become blinkered by your dedication to the business and can’t see that there is another way.

What are the latest trends in the industry you are in and how do you harness them?

Pre-Covid 19, we would have said that the greatest changes that we have noticed over the last few years in our industry is the push towards locally and seasonally sourced produce and an increased interest

from our guests about where their steak/ langoustines/carrots (and whatever else!) have come from, to such an extent that it is often one of the first conversation points between ourselves and our guests, whilst they peruse the menu. Along the same lines, the growth of ‘craft’ produce has been intense with gin not being the flash in the pan that we believe a lot of big spirit producers thought it would be which is great for Lauren as she loves it! PostCovid, we’ll have to wait and see!

How do you keep motivated as business owners?

We are very interested in what others are doing in the industry — keeping abreast of new trends pushes us to keep up to date with what we do here and causes us to focus on innovation as a key part of our success as it challenges us to learn on our feet — something we believe that you should never stop doing as individuals!

Luxurious bedrooms...

...delicious food...

...and a roaring fire

The Still has over 500 whiskys to choose from

Luckily, we love being on both sides of the industry as well (in front of the ‘bar’ as well as behind it!) so travelling to other places to see first-hand what other businesses are doing whether that is nationally or internationally is fundamental.

Tell us about your time at Strathallan Steph: I was at Strathallan for my sixth form years which was a relatively short space of time. Having to make the decision to start at boarding school was not an easy one for our family to make however, due to circumstances outside of our control, we started a search in 2000 and, in our search for the boarding school that would best suit our needs, Strathallan was the one that gave us the friendliest of responses when we made our visit. That impact cannot be underestimated for my brother, Sean, and I as the feeling that we got on our other visits was decidedly less so.

On starting, the person who instantly made me feel most at ease was my housemistress Mrs Evans: a substitute mum for someone who was badly missing her own. She often made the effort over and above that which was necessary to ensure that I was settling in ok and that made a huge impact on my first term.

Mr Evans, equally, was ‘on side’ when I needed it most at the end of my lower sixth year and I will never forget that.

Lauren: For me, independence was certainly one of the greatest things that I learnt during my time at Strath. Mr Thomson (or Tommo as we all called him!) — my philosophy teacher — remains the prominent figure in my memories of Strathallan; he really played a pivotal role in my own self confidence by teaching that my ideas and voice were valid and that it was essential that I stood up for myself. In terms of my fondest memories, the

musicals and plays that I took part in were great fun! It is also one of the things that I miss about my time at school. I would love to get the opportunity to be a part of group theatre again.

Tell us anything that you both learnt at Strathallan that you have taken through to your business One thing that we think we both took away from our time at Strathallan is the ability to be independent not only in our everyday interaction with the world but also within our thinking, planning and deliberation about how we want our business to operate — what direction we need to take to get there and our hopes and aspirations for the future.

What are your hopes for the future of your business?

Our main hopes for the business are that it continues to be as successful as it has been over the last 8 years and that, despite the current pandemic and the very serious consequences that it has for our business and chosen industry, it can continue to grow with new ideas and investment: we never want to sit back on our laurels and think that our job is done!

Assured of a warm welcome Dowans Hotel and Hotel 118 Archiestown are in Speyside, arguably one of the driest and warmest parts of Scotland.

Speyside offers first-class whisky and so much more: unspoilt beaches, walking on the highest peaks, kayaking down the River Spey and mountain biking on renowned trails.

To find out more about a stay at either Dowans Hotel or Hotel 118 Archiestown please visit www.dowanshotel.com or call 01340 871488 Blue & Gold 37

Alumni Interview

Bubbles

& Beer

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Adding a bit of sparkle to events Harry Richards, (R’ 15), The Perthshire Piper and member of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers spoke to us about how his entrepreneurial spirit and spotting a growing trend in the hospitality industry led him to establish his business.

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H

ARRY LEFT STRATHALLAN IN 2015 WITH A SPRING IN HIS STEP AND A BURNING DESIRE TO WORK IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. At Strath he

had been a keen member of the Pipe Band and under the auspices of Pipe Instructor Craig Muirhead, he was both inspired and encouraged to follow his passion.

After a brief stint at Gleneagles, working in the private dining department, he joined Celtic Rock Band, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers in 2016 and never looked back. The band's achievements have reached incredible heights with their ground-breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop anthems which they proudly call 'bagrock'.

Harry started touring all over the country and indeed the world with the band and playing at many events, festivals and gigs including an impromptu busking gig with double Brit nominee Tom Walker and playing at Murrayfield for Scotland’s opening Six Nations game against Italy.

Whilst attending these events he noticed the growing trend in artisan mobile bars and street food catering and was drawn to the air of spontaneity, creativity and doing things a bit differently.

The Bubbles & Beer Co was born, and Harry quickly set about making it a viable business, obtaining the necessary licenses, branding the business and promoting it through existing industry contacts.

Based in the rolling Perthshire countryside The Bubbles & Beer Co travel far and wide providing professional bar services, perfect for getting the party started. Its fully licensed bar can be personalised to suit every occasion, be it a corporate event, birthday party or wedding. They offer a range of packages and their team of fully trained and personable hosts ensures that customers can look forward to a fun, exciting and bubbly experience.

As a natural born performer, and used to taking to the stage as a member of the Chilli Pipers, Harry was able to bring an extra sparkle and instinctively knew what was needed to make events rock and make his offering stand out from the crowd.

The Bubbles & Beer Co has been praised for its “red carpet treatment” and “first class hospitality” throwing out all the stops to make any event that extra bit special. It has gone from strength to strength and Harry puts this down to sheer hard work and a genuine desire to want to make people happy.

“I love making a difference and bringing a smile to peoples faces. It’s an honour and a privilege to play a part in someone’s special event or day”

The rise in DIY catering at weddings and events got me thinking and as a person who always has an eye for doing things myself, in a fit of creativity I decided to renovate an old horse box and make it into a pop up mobile bar serving quality champagne, craft beers and artisan nibbles. It's perfect for any occasion

Red Hot Chilli Pipers on stage

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Harry Richardson

When asked about his success since leaving school, both as a musician and business owner, Harry references Strathallan as an excellent springboard.

When asked about the challenges of owning his own business Harry believes it’s about trusting in what you deliver and going out there and promoting it. Taking success and failure in equal measures and if you try something and it does not work, take it on the chin, roll with the punches and find another way.

“It's been a steep learning curve especially manoeuvring my way around the regulation and rules of running a pop-up bar. I was thrown into a world of personal licences and temporary event notices” Harry explained.

Looking to the future Harry is keen to grow the business. Already he is building a small team around it, with a manager in place for when he is away on tour with the Chilli Pipers. He intends to build on the vintage pop up concept and would like to have a fleet of renovated horse box bars at music festivals and events. Eventually his dream is to own his own bar/pub.

On talking to Harry its clear he is not one to stand still and at the tender age of 22 has achieved so much. He wanted to thank everyone at Strath for their encouragement and support as well as put a message out to all ex Strathallians that he would be happy to cater for any upcoming events or parties and would of course offer “mates” rates.

Watch out for The Bubbles & Beer Co at an event near you soon and in the meantime visit the Bubbles & Beer website at www.bubblesandbeer.co.uk. Get in touch at hello@bubblesandbeer.co

What I learnt most at Strath was to believe in myself and it gave me so many opportunities to expand my horizons, taking me out of my comfort zone and equipping me with the skills I use in my business every day. You learn how to network without even realising it at the time. The teachers at Strath are so much more than teachers, they are mentors, and there is a mutual respect of each other that becomes engrained

Since talking to Harry the world changed dramatically and with the advent of COVID-19, Harry was forced to return from a tour of the states with band Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Since then he has thrown himself into helping the NHS and providing a little bit of “happiness and sunshine” in the lives of others where he can.

He has worked with Skerryvore and other friends to pay tribute to frontline NHS workers, reaching the number one spot in the iTunes UK download chart, with a song dedicated to the NHS workers battling the coronavirus outbreak.

Harry has also played at local nursing homes and along with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and featuring the Soul Nation Choir, reworked their version of Hallelujah, dedicated to frontline workers.

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We caught up with Strathallian, Andrew O’Donnell to find out what he has been doing since leaving school and what led him to set up his own business, Rocket Monkey Roastery.

READY STEADY ROAST

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Tell us a little bit about yourself I am a very motivated person; I find it difficult to have down time.

I never take for granted the privilege of being busy and tackling the next challenge that owning a business can throw at you. I take pride in what I do. People who care and find fulfilment in their jobs do not have careers — they have passions. I would say that I am one of those people. I am known for being a coffee geek. I will happily talk about coffee until you beg me to stop.

What led you to set up Rocket Monkey Roastery?

When I left Strathallan, I did a stint at university studying Crime and Psychology, then headed to drama school to satisfy that urge I had to perform. This performance training now helps me have confidence in the business world. I’ve replaced Shakespearean soliloquies with serious sales pitches, although, “Is this a coffee cup I see before me? Its handle towards my hand?” does have a ring to it!

I then fell in to becoming a sales account manager for a coffee roastery. At the time, I naively didn’t really care what the product was, it was just a commodity that needed to be punted for more than it was bought for. Always learning, always asking questions, I spoke to other sales people and got great advice — that in order to sell the product you need to know everything about it; you need to be an expert; if you don’t know what you’re selling, potential customers will go elsewhere. That’s when I began to learn all about coffee. I read, I asked questions, I listened, I learned. The more I learned, the more I realised there was to learn. I became obsessed.

After becoming disenchanted with the way the business I worked for were starting to cut corners, selling cheaper quality coffee and taking advantage of their customer base, I decided to go it alone. For me, honesty, transparency, and integrity had to be corner stones of my business, so I set about building the brand.

Tell us more about Rocket Monkey Roastery Rocket Monkey Roastery is a Scottish coffee roastery that experiments with flavours; pushes the boundaries of coffee alchemy; and explores the coffee roasting process from start to finish. Using state of the art equipment, we examine, create, and refine flavours — leaving the old rule book firmly at the door.

“Providing the morning (wake me up) coffee; that extra boost after a long day; or the cup of relaxing, taking time for myself coffee, comes with a great deal of responsibility. My team and I work closely with importers to make sure we get consistently highquality harvests. We focus on quality all the way from farm to cup”.

The business is a wholesale and online retail business, but we have plans to open coffee shops and expand into the hospitality sector. We also have plans to set up a Community Interest Company that focuses on teaching disadvantaged kids a range of barista skills that will help give them a leg up when applying for careers in the hospitality sector. Knowledge is key so to pass on skills, tips and tricks will make these kids more appealing to potential employers.

What trends are you seeing in your industry now and how are you harnessing these?

One of the latest trends is packaging and the impact that has on the environment. Roasting coffee comes with a great deal of

responsibility. I am not here to serve sub-standard coffee or flog last season’s crop to make a quick buck, I am here for the long run, but I do realise that selling coffee comes with an inherent environmental cost. “I want my conscience to be clear when the next generation asks me what I did to help the environment.”

Most coffee bags in the industry contain plastic in one form or another. They are used for a short period of time to transport beans from the roastery to the customers’ hoppers, then spend an eternity in landfill. This has a significant environmental cost that does not sit easily with me.

That is why at Rocket Monkey Roastery we are 100% committed to providing our customers with a zero-waste solution for their coffee. We have started using reusable tins that are perfect for hand delivering coffee, using a simple bucket swap system. When we deliver a 7kg lidded bucket of freshly roasted coffee locally, we simply take away the old ones — clean them and reuse them. To provide a truly sustainable solution and cut down on single use, throwaway plastics, we have also devised a process that means no single use plastics need be used. We send our coffee further afield in completely compostable cellulose 1kg bags for immediate decanting into our tins upon arrival. This process provides, for both commercial customers and private consumers, a more environmentally sustainable system for transporting our coffee without the added process of secondary packaging that will just be discarded into landfill. Our mantra is simple, “From my hands, to the barista’s hands, to the customer’s hands”. Since implementing this revolutionary system we have saved tens of thousands of single use coffee bags from going to landfill.

“We all need to do our bit. If you buy coffee from a supplier, ask them about their environmental packaging solution. If they do not have one, ask them why not, then find one that does. If we all make a small, simple change, collectively it will have a massive impact.”

What is it like owning your own business?

Anyone who starts a business will tell you that you do not have a single day to day role: I’m primarily responsible for sourcing raw coffee beans, roasting and blending them, selling and training.

“My business card says Head of Coffee and New Business, but it could equally say, “Head of sweeping up and cleaning toilets.”

For me motivation comes from completing goals. I structure and plan out short and long terms goals. By having day to day, monthly and quarterly goals, it means I have lots of small wins daily: whether it’s a new sale; ticking off a smaller piece of a big project; creating new recipes; conflict resolution; budgeting — Blue & Gold 43

will definitely help to create reliability and minimise mistakes.

I wasn’t always an angel whilst I was at school. I did get in to trouble a lot and I didnt always follow the rules — surely rules are meant to be broken? This rebellious streak hasn’t left my mindset and it has helped me tremendously in starting up a new business, not following the crowd, thinking differently, creating a niche and changing the rules, all give wiggle room for a new business to find its own space in a crowded and cut throat market.

What would your advice be to anyone thinking of setting up their own business?

One of my strongest pieces of advice would be to first, do your research. It's important to find out as much as possible about your product, service, market, and competition (what they do and more importantly don’t do.) I literally phoned my competitors and asked them lots of questions.

It's also good to be bold, be passionate and think about what your customers need and expect. If you’re passionate about your business, that will rub off and customers will remember you.

Honesty is also another key trait to have, be honest with yourself and your customers.

If you’re struggling or need help — say that. If you’re confused about an aspect of business, then ask for help. There is plenty of advice out there for new starts and young people getting involved in business.

Most importantly be proud of what you do. Enjoy the small wins, enjoy the process.

Yes, it is stressful, worrying at times, you will have to make tough decisions and take responsibility for them but if you are true to yourself and your ethics, you will succeed.

Since catching up with Andrew, the world changed dramatically and with the advent of COVID-19 and lock down, 80% of his customer base is shut. Rocket Monkey Roastery is primarily a wholesale business so it has had to quickly shift the brand to a retail business.

This has presented its own set of challenges. Getting a website that is attractive to as wide a demographic as possible, easy to use and navigate and adequately showcases a quality driven product is new territory for Andrew but he has persevered and told us that: “As long as you have momentum to keep a business going, say what you do, and do what you say, I believe we will get through this. I passionately believe the hospitality sector will bounce back: people’s need or curiosity to try new flavours, new venues or revisit firm favourites will rejuvenate this industry. Personally, I find that keeping my mind focused on moving forward, being flexible and diversifying my business from one sector to another and keeping my message strong has really helped me to keep positive during this lockdown. It means I have mental stimulation and I don’t have time to overthink these difficult times. No one knows the future but I firmly believe that if your core customers adore what you do, you do your best and keep those qualities of honesty, transparency and integrity, these customers will return after this temporary hibernation.

From my family to yours — I hope you are all safe and healthy.”

Providing the morning (wake me up) coffee; that extra boost after a long day; or the cup of relaxing, taking time for myself coffee, comes with a great deal of responsibility. My team and I work closely with importers to make sure we get consistently high-quality harvests. We focus on quality all the way from farm to cup.

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whatever it may be keeps me motivated. When I am not following a structure, it can very quickly become a free for all. So many parts of my life are important, and I can start to become distracted by things that are not maximising or optimising the business. Structure shows progress, creates accountability, and grows motivation.

Owning a business seems like a great deal of fun. Visions of being an eccentric Richard Bransonesque entrepreneur, having a team of people working for you and the joys of success are not really the reality of new start businesses. A lot of sacrifices must be made. A new business will need to be your priority. You will, of course, need to work hard but the harder you work, the more you will gain. Success will be a direct result of your input. The true joy comes from seeing the small stuff materialise. I vividly remember when I first started and I saw a bag of my coffee, that I had sourced, roasted, and packed in a bag I had designed being displayed in a shop window. It was my first ever sale, it was a small deli in the town where I lived, and I nearly burst into tears with pride. That feeling never goes away — every time I see a bag of Rocket Monkey Coffee in a bar, restaurant, deli or hotel — I remember the feeling of making my first sale.

What do you remember about Strathallan and what skills do you think you learned?

I started Strathallan in the first year that 1J was introduced in Riley and stayed until Upper Sixth. I have many fond memories: the longer I am away the more memories resurface and the stronger they become. The strongest memories I have and the ones I drift off day dreaming about are the ones that involved group activities: playing rugby and going on a rugby tour to Australia with a bunch of over fifty teenagers certainly creates memorable stories (I still feel I can’t share them publicly.)

One of my happiest memories was when I was involved in a school production of Les Misérables. For someone at the time who was relatively new to performing to stand in front of the school and sing (whilst wearing an ill-fitting wig) filled me with fear. Would I look like an idiot? Would this forever damage my already tentative street cred, which at 17, I thought was important. Would I fall over and make an idiot of myself? However, nothing could be further from the truth, the support and excitement from both staff and my peers was monumental. I think that is what is uniquely Strathallian, having that “we are all in this as one” mantra, whether it be on the rugby field or on a stage.

During my time at school, I learned several things that have made me into the person I am today and have helped me enormously in setting up and running my own business; the importance of structure and routine, the ability to work in a team but most importantly a key skill I learned wasn’t taught directly but observed by me in countless people, and that was going above and beyond a duty of care. Numerous people instantly spring to mind but my house master, Mr Giles, without a doubt went above and beyond his duty as House Master, effectively acting in a paternal role for numerous kids growing up away from their parents. I put him through a lot as I wasn’t always a stickler for the rules but time and time again, he would pick me up and push me in the right direction.

Also, my music teacher Mr Metcalfe, taught me far more than quavers and crotchets, he taught me the value of caring, being honest with yourself, treating everyone equally, listening to others’ opinions and to not focus on negativity. These are all qualities which I still use today in my business and pass on to others.

A day in the life of a Strathallian was structured all day from morning to night. I believe that structure is one of the most important, unspoken parts of a successful business. Being able to create a working structure, process and maintain a routine

A day in the life of a Strathallian was structured all day from morning to night.

I believe structure is one of the most important, unspoken parts of a successful business, being able to create a structure, process and maintain a routine will help to create reliability and minimise mistakes.

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Reflections

“We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference and if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our vision, the power to shape the future.”

Douglas Samuel, CEO Spartans Community Football Academy during lecture to Strathallan staff in January 2020.

“We need conscious robots to make decisions, invent around unseen problems, and be adaptive.

Today’s AI is not really AI – it is a glorified search engine with some game-playing skills.”

Professor Lee Cronin, Regius Chair of Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at the University of Glasgow, UK, on exploring complex chemical systems and the digitisation of chemistry. Lecture series to sixth form pupils at Strathallan.

“At my previous school, I remember the careers advisor asked me what I wanted to do when I left school. When I said I wanted to be the number one alpine skier in the world the advisor smiled and then asked what I really wanted to do. When I GB Skier, Charlie Guest (G ’12) 2nd from LHS started at Strathallan I was asked the same question and, when offered the same answer, the advisor said ‘That’s amazing! Where do we start?’”

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In Memorium DAVID CAIRNS FULTON MC WS (1922-2019) Soldier and leading Edinburgh Lawyer

D

AVID FULTON WAS A MAN OF REMARKABLE COURAGE, STEELY RESOLVE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY AS WAS EVIDENT FROM HIS WAR SERVICE.

A man of total integrity, he required from those he led the same high standards he set for himself. If this makes him sound a forbidding figure, nothing could be further from the truth as David had charm (many will remember his flashing smile) and a genuine concern for others.

He was the elder of the identical twin sons of John and Edith Fulton, his father being Deputy Secretary of the Prisons Department of Scotland. The twins developed a strong bond.

They were educated at George Watson's College and Strathallan School becoming talented sportsmen. David then read law at Edinburgh University during his law apprenticeship while his twin John underwent accountancy training.

In September 1941 the twins volunteered for the Royal Armoured Corps. During holidays in Elie David had met Kirsty Orchard. They fell in love. Recognising war’s uncertainties he asked Kirsty to wait for him to which she readily agreed.

After initial training David attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and was commissioned into the 1st Lothians & Border Horse. He then volunteered to go to the 2nd L & B in North Africa which were in need of reinforcements.

John served as a trooper being wounded at El Alamein and was later commissioned. David then managed to have John transferred to the 2nd L & B. The officers’ Christmas performance of Cinderella for the troops made good use of the happy reunion of the twins.

David, playing Cinders, was standing in rags in the palace kitchen when a thunderflash went off with a mighty bang accompanied by a big puff of smoke. When the audience, most of them ignorant of the new arrival, could again see the stage there was Cinders miraculously fully dressed in her ball gown.

2nd L&B sailed to Naples in March 1944. The twins fought at the battle of Monte Casino. David’s part in the battle is described in the citation for his MC. He commanded the Reconnaissance Troop of his Squadron from the start of operations on 13th May showing “considerable bravery” always accomplishing his tasks.

On 29 th May he was leading the advance in his Stuart Light Tank and clearing a minefield. Another Stuart tank was destroyed by a mine. David was within two yards of this blazing tank and, knowing that the advance must continue at all costs, carried on although the burning tank might have exploded at any minute. No delay was caused and the advance was quickly resumed. The citation goes on to describe a later

action that day during which his troop sergeant was killed in which David again showed “considerable bravery”.

Later John was wounded for a second time and recommended for a gallantry award. On 20th June he was mortally wounded when his tank was hit, a devastating blow for David.

In early September David’s sergeant stood on a mine. In the explosion David was seriously wounded resulting in the amputation of his leg far up the thigh. An officer called on David in hospital, writing to David’s mother reporting that David, notwithstanding the loss of blood, “is already talking of walking and cracking jokes about the money he would save on buying shoes in the future.”

These two crippling blows were faced with David’s characteristic courage even though he must have had doubts as to how Kirsty would react to the loss of his leg and how he could cope with a civilian career. Kirsty had no doubts and they were married, the union lasting for seventy-two happy years.

They had three children, Barbara, Susan and John, and many grandchildren.

David completed his degree and apprenticeship and went to work at Shepherd & Wedderburn WS. He now sought a partnership and accepted an offer from Tods Murray & Jamieson WS. This firm had lost momentum in the difficult years of the two world wars and the inter-war period. It still had a large clientele though and a reputation for the quality of its work. Indeed one of the old clerks, sitting on his three-legged stool, was known as “Dukey Robertson” because of the number of ducal landed estates on which he worked.

David was well qualified to deal with the complex legal affairs of large landed estates and many of the requirements of a major banking client. He saw though that the firm lacked depth of expertise in the fields of corporate, commercial and financial work and needed to recruit lawyers at partner level and below to specialise in these fields. The older partners allowed David to have his way and to push forward with other modernising measures.

David was the firm’s driving force long before he became Senior Partner in 1980. In that role he was not going to sit in his ground floor office waiting for someone to knock. No, he would assault the staircase, pulling himself up vigorously with his strong right arm while the Georgian banisters swayed and creaked in protest.

While Senior Partner David still shouldered a burden of client work for a number of Scotland’s aristocrats with extensive land holdings and other commercial interests and also for a variety of companies, not-for-profit corporations and trusts. He retired in 1987.

One can see why he was so much in demand from the words of a partner who worked closely with him:Blue & Gold 47

“David seemed to me to be the last real ‘man of business’ to his clients, the generalist to whom they would turn with any business or legal issue in a time moving rapidly to specialisation. He had a real talent for sizing up what clients were looking for in a lawyer, even when they were not consciously aware of it themselves.”

The Society of Writers to the Signet appointed him to their important office of Fiscal. He was an elder of Inverleith Church and had a period as Session Clerk. David was a

Governor of Strathallan School from 1965 to 1991, serving two terms as chairman, then became an Honorary Governor.

He was regarded as having played a major role in the successful development of the school.

Finally, while David never spoke of his war to his colleagues, he did tell his son that not a day went by without him thinking of his brother John.

Robin Bell

GREG ROSS (1948-2020) Strathallan teacher and basketball coach

I

N SEPTEMBER 1987, A FRESH FACED, BEARDED EX 2ND ROW FORWARD ARRIVED AT STRATHALLAN along with one of the largest cohorts of new staff

in recent years, as David Pighills looked to expand the teacher numbers and subject choices. Greg Ross moved into Alleybank with another colleague (Dave Giles) and set about teaching, tutoring and coaching all sports (as all staff did at the time) he also joined the Royal Navy section of the CCF. Greg was joined after a year of house sharing, by Sally and Philip and they moved into school accommodation and threw themselves into the close knit community, where the “quality of life was highly regarded” as David Pighills always said in his job adverts; and it was! He joined me in Simpson house as a visiting tutor under the guidance of Nick Du Boulay.

I remember after one of many epic report writing sessions into the wee small hours, Greg and I walked outside for some fresh air and stood beside the “longboat” (the copse of trees overlooking Big Acre). Unbeknown to us, some members of the School were out for a “midnight walk”. The three hunkered down in the undergrowth and Greg and I stood and chatted for some time. It all became too much for the triumvirate and they came out and gave themselves up, “We couldn’t take it anymore, Sirs. We thought you were going to stay there all night”.

Teaching Biology and then setting up the Computing Dept with Trevor Goody (Head of Maths) Greg went on to develop the subject as a mainstay of the academic portfolio of the School.

In the CCF he set up the SBS (Strathallan Boat Service) where lads were taught power boating. His desire to let the boys learn on the ground and take responsibility for themselves drove the section. Their night exercises were unorthodox, but hugely enjoyable.

When I became Nicol Housemaster, Greg joined my tutor team and along with Andrew Wands and myself we planted some fun wind-ups on various colleagues, the most memorable one being when we wrote to the Chaplain from the Vatican, asking him to fill in a questionnaire on pupil sexual activity. The letterhead was set up by Greg, while Andrew and I wrote and printed the letter. The letter was sent from Italy by one of the domestic staff while on holiday. The Chaplain got the letter and came to ask me if I thought it was genuine? Without looking I said yes, if the Papal crests were one either side of the paper, as opposed to one in each corner (Greg had printed them one on each side by mistake) it was genuine. The Chaplain was gobsmacked, my response convinced the Chaplain it was real! (Greg did manage to intercept the Chaplains reply to Rome!)

Greg also turned his hand to set building for School shows, making wonderful backdrops to the pupils outstanding performances. Another example of how he would turn his hand to anything if he could help. He coached all three major sports and he also helped set up Basketball in the School in a formal way, with Dave Giles, going on coaching and referee courses.

Greg and Sally brought an energy to Strath and to the staff Common Room. Greg had a capacious ability to drink beer, there were many memorable nights in the MCR with

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Greg, playing MCR cricket, where Dave caught the falling grandfather clock after Greg knocked it overplaying a square cut; or when Greg used the sofa to intercept a Morc as he went forward a quick single, or the time Dr Tod locked Greg out of the MCR and Greg “engineered” his way back in.

The many stories that Greg was part of would be too numerous to recount here; yes in he was idiosyncratic, yes he could be grumpy, but he gave of his time generously and he cared. He was an old-fashioned school master and he will be remembered by many Strathallians with fondness and as someone who influenced their development into adulthood.

Greg Vallot

DONALD CLARK (1944-2020) One of the most colourful personalities in Argyll

F

ORMER PUPIL DONALD CLARK, a highly successful

hotelier, and a wonderful character died aged 75 on January 19th, 2020 after a short illness. For 50 years, Donald was the convivial, larger-than-life host at The George Hotel in Inveraray, a notable bon viveur and one of the most colourful personalities in Argyll.

Donald had been a great rugby player and was a well-known figure among the fraternity of former pupils. Latterly, his mobility hampered by a leg injury, he would sit in the corner of The George Hotel’s cosy public bar on an over-sized carved wooden stool. From his throne he dispensed news, advice, and anecdotes — albeit not always historically accurate! His inimitable irony, perfectly timed humour and the occasional reprimand to a wayward customer were all fuelled by a generous glass.

As former president of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and Keeper of the Quaich, Donald knew the intricacies of the business intimately from personal experience. His taste was eclectic and his appetite substantial, extending from Dom Perignon champagne and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru to Tennent’s lager and GlenDronach single malt. On a hot day he’d have an icy Martini or a gin and tonic, proportionately scaled up in a pint glass. Being asked if he had time for a quick ‘small one’, he would reply: “I’ll decide the size for myself, if you don’t mind.”

The records suggest that his frequent claim to be Scottish Slimmer of the Year, after getting his weight down from 30 stones to 26 stones, was fanciful.

“Big D”, as he was often called, was fastidious about standards in the small public bar, training his regulars to clear tables of empty glasses and plates promptly, and to keep the log fire stoked on winter evenings.

If one of his regulars turned up untypically well-dressed, Donald would raise an eyebrow in mild surprise: “What’s the occasion for the suit? A funeral? Your latest marriage? Or has your court case come up?”

In summer, an erratic stream of foreign tourists would have their first encounter with a Scottish pub, standing in the doorway bewildered as to what happens next — sit or stand? Fight their way to the mobbed bar or go to a table and wait for the nonexistent waitress? Donald would call them over to his corner and was soon plying them with drinks, food and conversation, not infrequently paying the entire bill for his astonished guests.

When a tourist asked him about the quaint red telephone box in Church Square, he told them: “We have the fastest modern communications here — telephone, teletext and tell Donald.”

Donald was a Francophile and loved his summers in Collioure, where “Le Grand Ecossais” was almost as well-known as in Argyll.

A fixture of the local bars and restaurants, and frequently crossing the border to patronise Spanish hostelries, he revelled in the region’s seafood, wine and culture.

His hobbies included cooking, opera, reading and lively conversation on a sweeping range of topics from local history to civil engineering. His knowledge was genuinely wide, but when

occasionally encountering someone with a superior command of the topic in question, he would quickly change the subject and admonish: “Och, you’re showing off now.”

Donald Clark was born on July 18th, 1944 in Glasgow, the youngest child of Donald Clark and Elizabeth Inglis, following his only sibling Fiona by nine years. His early years were spent in Inveraray where family life revolved around his parents’ hotel in the little white-washed town. He was schooled at Inveraray, Helensburgh, then Strathallan from 1958 to 1963 where he acquired his love of sports. Contrary to what his dimensions in later life would suggest, he was athletic when young, excelling at rugby football and playing for the school and West of Scotland First XV. Donald also enjoyed curling, motor boating, snow skiing and water-skiing, where his party piece was to mono-ski down Loch Fyne while drinking a pint of beer. Although not a shinty player, he used his sports experience to coach the Inveraray team in the 1960s and like his father chaired the club.

He started to pursue a naval career, perhaps influenced by the many raucous submariners that visited The George during sonar testing under the quiet waters of Loch Fyne — the collection of Royal Navy vessel badges displayed in the hotel’s lounge bar is said to be the best outside of Portsmouth. However, his plans were cut short by the death of his father in 1964, and he returned to Inveraray to help his mother run the family business. He also took on the Loch Fyne Hotel in 1968 for the next 15 years.

He married Jennifer ‘Jimpy’ Waddell in Glasgow, and sons Donald John and Christopher were soon born. Although they separated when the boys were teenagers, the couple later resumed an amicable friendship. Donald cheerfully celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary in March 2019, remarking as a minor aside that he had been divorced for 35 of those years.

After several weeks of illness Donald died in Oban hospital, where he slowly sucked his last mouthfuls of Dom Perignon from a sponge, despite the notice that read Nil by Mouth. His funeral was one of the biggest held in Inveraray. Over 600 mourners, all requested to wear something colourful, filled to capacity the Church

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of Scotland in Main Street, and over-flowed into the church hall.

The flags of Scotland, France and Catalonia flew from The George Hotel, piper Stuart Liddell played Leaving Port Askaig, and La Marseillaise accompanied the retiral of mourners. Interment was in a gale at Glen Shira cemetery, Inveraray, with the A83 Restand-be-Thankful road to Glasgow ironically blocked by one of the landslides for whose solution he so vigorously campaigned.

Donald was the fifth generation of the Clark family to run the

establishment, a baton which has now passed to the sixth. He leaves sons Donald and Kris, grand-daughters Anouk, Manon and Lola, his long-term partner Jane Somerville, and ex-wife Jimpy Mitchell.

Certainly a man of large stature, he was a giant in so many other ways — personality, sociability, generosity, knowledge — and a friend, helper, adviser and host to many. To quote his own frequent remark upon parting: “We’ll see you around the parish.”

Ken MacTaggart

TIM HUDSON (1940-2019) A doer and a dreamer, whose life was a whirl of excitement and enthusiasm

I

T IS AN ACHIEVEMENT IN ITSELF TO MERIT A FULLPAGE OBITUARY IN THE TIMES. Tim Hudson’s (published

16/01/20 and well worth a read online) was by no means uncritical but painted a picture of a man who never seemed to lose his zest for life or his joy in the company of other people.

Tim came to Strathallan from his family home in Cheshire.

It was a fortunate choice. At that time and, indeed, throughout his life he had a passion for cricket — a passion he shared with the Headmaster Wilf Hoare. This curbed Tim’s rebel streak and allowed him to enjoy his time at the school. He remained a great admirer of Wilf and later renewed his links with Strathallan.

A brief career in his stepfather’s cotton business was soon abandoned for a rather more glamorous life as a DJ, first in Canada and then, as “Lord Tim”, in San Diego. It seems that his chat more than made up for his inability to master the technology. It was a roller-coaster existence of which it is difficult, as ‘The Times’ pointed out, to untangle fact from fiction:- Management of the Moody Blues; presentation, in Canada, of the Rolling Stones (Mick Jagger was later to appear for his cricket team); a tour in the States with the Beatles; presentation of a Gold Disc to Nancy Sinatra. Voice appearances for Disney in ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘The Aristocats’ were followed by a period running an organic restaurant on Sunset Strip. Time was found for three brief marriages.

In the early 1980s came the return to Cheshire, accompanied by his fourth wife, Maxi, with whom he remained for forty years and River, the daughter from his second marriage. The Birtles Hall estate near Prestbury was purchased and he proceeded to create his perfect cricket ground, complete with memorabilia-filled, multicoloured pavilion. Here “Hudson’s Hollywood XI” took on all-comers. Tim’s team was composed of local club players and an exciting mixture of stars including Brian Close (a regular), Ian Botham, Joel Garner, Viv Richards, Geoffrey Boycott (once); even one or two Strathallians. Tim, who had been a good enough wicket-keeper in his youth to merit a Lancashire trial, captained in an eccentric style. The Strathallan ‘Occasionals’ visited and Tim would then accompany them on their Somerset tour. Then, unfortunately, there followed the most publicised part of his career; the management of Ian Botham, ambitious plans, schemes and dreams. It crashed and it crashed hard. Birtles was sold and the return was made in the late 1980s to California.

The DJ career was revived, along with a variety of other things. In the late 1990s came another return to Cheshire, an 50 Blue & Gold

attempt to restore the cricket ground (which he had retained) while living in the Pavilion. Thwarted by neighbours, planners and local authorities, he made another return to California. He became an artist, by no means unsuccessful (Years before he had commissioned John Bellany to paint a portrait of Ian Botham and had been fascinated). In 2014 came the final return to Cheshire where, five years later, he died during a heart operation.

Tim Hudson was both a doer and a dreamer. Much of his life was a whirl of excitement and enthusiasm. Sometimes things went wrong, spectacularly, but he remained an optimist to the end.

He had wanted to introduce “instant cricket”, indeed he could be said to have pre-planned the 20/20. How he would have loved both that and the higher profile of the womens’ game. Many will have memories of Tim, perhaps at Birtles; that heady mixture of Blandings Castle and the Caribbean where, somehow, the sun always seemed to shine.

RJWP

Tim Hudson (right) with former Strathallan headmaster Wilf Hoare

ADAM PATTINSON (1983-2020) A proud Strathallian who lived fully and inspired many

B

ORN ON 1ST SEPTEMBER 1983 ADAM ALWAYS HAD UNWAVERING ENTHUSIASM AND BOUNDLESS ENERGY. Along with his sisters, Leila (T’00) and Sara

(T’05), Adam attended Craigclowan Preparatory School where he made many wonderful memories but it would be Adam’s final year there that he would whole-heartily attribute as being ‘the making of him’.

Joining Strathallan as a boarder in Simpson House in 1997, Adam would regale in many a story from his time at the school and openly express his gratitude for the opportunities he was given throughout his time at Strath. The VIth form rugby tour to Australia and Thailand was a particular highlight and he continued to speak with the same enthusiasm about this tour when he was there swimming on the Great Barrier Reef or visiting Sydney Harbour. That was one of Adam’s many qualities; to appreciate every experience with the same sincerity, whether it happened yesterday, or twenty years ago.

‘A fluent writer, an articulate speaker and a quick thinker, Adam left the vital ingredient — getting to know his text — dangerously late.’

Dr Jim Salisbury, English Teacher, 2001 The reports from Adam’s school career at Strathallan, illustrate a consistent theme of his reliance on his natural ability rather than dedication to his studies and forward-planning! However, these comments were also peppered with what must have been an intuitive feeling from his teachers that actually, he had great potential and could achieve many wonderful things.

Adam’s academic path was a little more winding after A-Levels.

Following a gap year, he started studying English and Philosophy at Glasgow University but switched to Stirling University where he was able to combine his love of sport with academia, graduating with an Honours Degree in Sports Studies and being awarded the coveted Dissertation Prize in his final year. He later decided that teaching was his calling, a career in which many around him had always felt he would excel, completing the Postgraduate qualification in Primary Education in 2011. Following a little time in schools in Perth, was overjoyed to return to Craigclowan, teaching form 4.

A remarkable teacher, he encouraged his pupils not only with their academic studies but to be the very best version of themselves. His former pupils have talked of their fondness for ‘Mr P’ or the ‘BFT’ (Big Friendly Teacher), as he would introduce himself to new children at the school. But, more than the mutual respect and rapport he so quickly established, he was inspirational in ways that it seems really mattered. He cared deeply about what are often seen as the more ‘traditional’ values of politeness, manners and taking responsibility for your actions. This, coupled with his warmth and love of all things fun, resulted in a classroom that was energetic, industrious and nurturing.

‘I am sure he has the potential to be an outstanding rugby player...The future looks bright.’

Bruce Thompson, Headmaster, 2001

Outside of the classroom, Adam was a dedicated sportsman and rugby coach. He would often account this love of sport to the wonderful experiences gained throughout his school years and it was his passion for playing as part of a team that led him to Perthshire Rugby Club. For nineteen years, Adam immersed himself into all aspects of club rugby and dedicated himself not only to training and playing but wider committee roles, fundraising and club advocacy, He was a club figurehead who inspired many young players. Although he was approached many times to play for clubs at higher levels, Adam continued to pull on the black and white jersey for the Perthshire 1st XV, captaining the side for 4 years, including throughout the club’s league winning campaign in 201314. This was alongside his own personal achievement of scoring 20 tries that season — quite the accomplishment for a second row! Such was his commitment to the sport and his club, he even returned to rugby after spinal surgery and picked up his captaincy again in 2017-18, but this was to be his final season. With a heavy heart, Adam was forced to retire due to injury. He never knew the total number of games he played for Perthshire RFC, but would have been immensely proud to learn that he achieved 350 club caps.

Adam was tragically taken on 28th February 2020, aged 36. He leaves behind his wife, Claire, along with young son, Fraser. For his family, friends and all who knew and loved him, he has given so many treasured memories and joyful stories to tell for years to come.

He would be humbled by the huge outpouring of love following his untimely death which has demonstrated the remarkable impact one person can have on so many simply by being kind. This, alongside his much-loved son, will be his legacy.

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Alumni News - A Year In Photographs

VALEDICTORY 2019

FOUNDERS DINNER

OVER 65s LUNCH EDINBURGH

EDINBURGH CAROL SERVICE Blue & Gold 53

HAMBURG DRINKS RECEPTION

THORNBANK HOUSE 30TH ANNIVERSARY

OVER 60s LUNCH LONDON 54 Blue & Gold

LONDON DRINKS

UNDER 25 DRINKS

Alumni News

I

T HAS BEEN SAID THAT 2020 WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR OF THE 21ST CENTURY. It is a

year that will be written about, taught in school, and become part of the collective memory of the people who lived through it. We caught up with a few alumni and asked them to share their thoughts and catch up with what they have been doing this year.

SILVER LININGS

Ann-Louise Breaden (T '05) There have been silver linings to lockdown in 2020 and I have taken up drawing as a hobby. My life passion is sport and I have drawn quite a few famous faces, including Lewis Hamilton and my all-time sporting hero Andy Murray! I have also drawn portraits of family and friends. If you are interested in the portraits you can find them on Instagram @ ann.louise.sport.art or you can contact me by email ann.louise.art@hotmail.com.

LOCKDOWN IN MELBOURNE

Paul Laband (R '66) I understand that the COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, where we have lived for the past 25 years, has received a certain amount of publicity in the news, so I thought you might like to see my military style mask! Masks are now compulsory when outside and we are only allowed out for up to 1 hour per day (unless working from home) within a 5-kilometre radius.

An 8pm curfew also applies, which really hits my nightlife at my age!!!

It has been many, many years since I have been back to Strathallan, so I really enjoy the regular communications you provide. Hopefully travel restrictions will allow a visit to Scotland from next year.

30 MARATHONS IN 30 DAYS

Mark McGuire (S '15) I ran a Marathon every day in June 2020 raising in excess of £24,000 in memory of a friend, Ben Forsyth who passed away in 2019 due to a sudden cardiac issue.

The Ben Forsyth Memorial Fund has been set up by the Forsyth family to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death through supporting screening. CRY is dedicated to saving the lives of young people by simple screening and by raising awareness.

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RACING TO THE FINISH

Josh Martin (R '14) In April, I was delighted to have been welcomed into the Bentley Motorsport family, representing Thrustmaster e-Sports through the Team Parker Racing stable. It’s a huge step up in my Esports career and I’m so excited about it. With the announcement of the second season of the SRO E-Sport GT Series, it was a huge honour to be invited to represent Team Parker Racing. The Bentley Brand is esteemed in history within Motorsport and I trust that bringing Team Parker Racing, Thrustmaster and Playseat together to represent on track will lead to a successful campaign.

I look forward to working alongside the entire Bentley team to achieve this

TYING THE KNOT

Robert Dobbie (F '81) I was due to marry Faye Stevenson-Mole in July this year at Glenmore House, Surbiton, Surrey but COVID put paid to that. We will now tie the knot on May 1st 2021 — again at Glenmore House. Following a successful career in the Police I retired in 2013 and became Managing Director of Glenmore House a role I have loved ever since... so it seemed the logical choice of venue!

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In other Alumni news…

British Curling is delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Niven as its new Chair

R

OB NIVEN, WHOSE SISTER IS A GOVERNOR AT STRATHALLAN HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE NEW CHAIR OF BRITISH CURLING. Niven

has an impressive track record in the administration of the sport, as a former Chair of Scottish Curling and a current member of the board of directors for British Curling’s Olympic and Paralympic curling programme.

As past Chair and current member of the organising committee for Scotland’s only World Curling Tour event, the Perth Masters, Niven was recently appointed as one of Scotland’s representatives for the World Curling Federation.

Niven’s appointment comes at an important time, as British Curling prepares to move its headquarters from the sportscotland Institute of Sport to offices alongside the performance hub at the National Curling Academy (NCA) in Stirling’s Sports Village and he will undertake his new role with immediate effect.

“Having had a lifelong involvement in our sport, I am both honoured and excited to be taking on this role at this time,” said Niven. We enjoy strong relationships with our partner organisations and that will continue as before, providing seamless support services through the network of expertise provided by neighbouring sportscotland and UK Sport. It will therefore be business as usual, but with the added benefit of our move to the NCA providing greater efficiency to our operations for all our staff and athletes, enhancing the teamwork within the programme.”

Taking communication to another level

H

OLLY HARVEY, STRATHALLIAN AND COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT,

formerly of Thornbank ’03, recently set up her own business, Redmond Harvey Communications in response to demand for marketing and PR services in the finance and property industry.

Since leaving Strathallan, Holly spent 15 years working in marketing, PR and advertising across both large international agencies and inhouse roles. Her extensive expertise covers a range of sectors including FMCG, beauty and luxury, top-level government, financial services, and real estate.

Holly lived in India and Singapore for over five years where she ran a startup digital marketing agency in Mumbai and held director positions in large agencies such as Ogilvy & Mather and Bell Pottinger. She then returned to London in 2014 to run in-house marketing for Knight Frank, Reditum Capital and Octopus Investments before founding Redmond Harvey.

Based in Mayfair in London, Redmond Harvey is a full-service communications agency whose clients include SMEs and mid-cap finance and property firms. Services include branding, strategy, public relations, event management and crisis communications.

You can visit the website www.hrhcommunications.com or contact Holly for services or job opportunities at holly@hrhcommunications.com.

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Former Strathallan pupil and Invictus Games veteran takes to social media

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J CHALMERS TOOK OVER OUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT IN MAY FOR A SPECIAL Q&A in which he spoke to pupils about his school life, what

it is like to be close friends with Prince Harry and how he was coping with lockdown. Ex-Royal Marine and current BBC presenter JJ answered several questions forwarded by both pupils and teachers.

JJ won a gold medal and two bronze at the 2014 Invictus Games after several years of intensive rehabilitation and 30 surgeries. He decided then to return to the Invictus Games Foundation as an ambassador in 2016 and covered the games for the BBC. He talked about what it was like to overcame severe injuries from an IED in 2011 to compete at the Invictus Games and what he remembered most about his time at Strathallan.

After the Q&A, JJ said he had enjoyed the opportunity to speak with current pupils and had these words for everyone: “Whilst the lockdown has presented many challenges, it is also giving us new opportunities and perspectives. Clearly, teaching and learning can take many forms and I was grateful for the opportunity, platform and most importantly the brilliant questions put to me by students and a few of my old teachers.

As someone who owes much to Strathallan, and particularly the boarding environment, I would personally be missing school by their stage. Look after yourself, keep a routine and try to stay fit both physically and mentally. And even though we must stay apart for now, make sure you continue to look out for each other.”

Partnership aims to help retired

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DINBURGH’S SOVEREIGN ASSIST set up by Andrew Fyfe, Strathallan 05’,

is a special careline offering the over 55’s a helping hand with everyday challenges or a friendly voice if they are feeling isolated.

Recently the company has teamed up with employment specialist Pirkx, to solve many of the problems associated with ageing and loneliness. The tie-in comes amid Pirkx aiming to benefit a million lives by 2025.

The offering includes access to a 24/7 online GP and counselling service, either over the phone or via a video call, and check-in calls.

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First woman in charge of The Grand National It’s challenging, hectic and exhilarating to be a part of, all at the same time.

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OWARDS THE END OF LAST YEAR, STRATHALLIAN SULEKHA VARMA BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE GRAND NATIONAL AFTER BEING ANNOUNCED AS THE NEW NORTH-WEST HEAD OF RACING FOR JOCKEY CLUB RACECOURSES. She has

quickly risen through the ranks to now become clerk of the course at Aintree. This is the first time in the course’s history, a woman has been in charge of the Grand National.

With an impressive CV, Sulekha has quickly risen through the ranks starting in 2007 as a racing secretary for trainer Lucinda Russell and moving to the role of trainee clerk of the course with the Jockey Club at Haydock in 2009. She was also clerk of the course at Nottingham, Market Rasen, Warwick and Huntingdon between 2010 and 2016 and then

became racing manager and clerk of the course at Hamilton Park.

She has also been a part of the Grand National team for the last nine years and knows it well. Speaking to Thoroughbred Racing earlier in the year she said: “The atmosphere is incredible and you cannot underestimate the planning and expertise that goes into making the event happen on the track, even before you start to consider the public areas.

“From the full-time Aintree team, to the numerous vets and doctors, the team of horse catchers, the paramedics – we all come together for three days, once a year, to make it happen.

“It’s challenging, hectic and exhilarating to be a part of, all at the same time.”

Helping the Homeless

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OGER QUICK, FORMER CHAPLAIN & HEAD OF DIVINITY AT STRATHALLAN

and now chaplain at St Georges Crypt, a charity dedicated to supporting the homeless in Leeds, has written a book, “Entertaining 60 Blue & Gold

Saints”. Published to mark the Crypt’s 90th year, the book tells the story of the Crypt through the lives of those to whom it gives safety, shelter, sustenance, and community and is full of humanity in its truest form. It includes

illustrations by Leeds artist Si Smith.

Of the book Roger says ‘All those who come to us have a story to tell. This book is an account of our encounters with them, and shares something of

their stories. Every day, we meet some of the most damaged, hurting, and interesting people, who often show great courage, humour, and generosity.

Every day is a crazy mixture of laughter and tears.

Of the volunteers at the crypt he says “Volunteering in the Crypt can change people, making them less judgemental, more compassionate. People come from all religious traditions, and none. We are all climbing different sides of the same mountain.”

About the Author In a recent interview, Roger told of his own story, going to the Crypt as a client, forty years ago, too drunk to be let in. He was a recent Leeds graduate at the time of that first visit, having been involved in a drunken brawl. Nobody could ever have predicted that 40 years later he would return once more as its chaplain.

Roger grew up in Yorkshire and London, where he was a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music. He took his first degree in Music at Leeds University under Alexander Goehr.

Working as an accompanist, he played at the Wigmore Hall in 1975, and worked with the newly established Opera North. He accompanied a great variety of artists, including Donald Swann, Eugene Rousseau, William Waterhouse and Ted Darling.

He was Director of Music and Senior Lecturer at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, working with many of the world’s leading choreographers and dancers, broadcasting frequently. Whilst there he conducted his own music as part of the inauguration of the Symphony Hall complex at Birmingham. He played accordion on the very first edition of The Big Breakfast Show.

As music director, actor and deviser, Roger worked with Jabbok Theatre, and at the Traverse Theatre and the Young Vic. He wrote and presented an occasional series, Talking Saints, on BBC Radio 2 for Aled Jones’ Good Morning Sunday. His presentation of a sermon in Rap for Advent Sunday 2003 was broadcast on BBC television to great, if mixed, critical acclaim.

He has written for a variety of journals,

contributing a regular column to the Probate Section journal of the Law Society. Several his poems were included in the anthology edited by Barry Tebb, Strangers on the Shore (Sixties Press, 2008) After training for the Anglican priesthood at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, and taking a further degree in Theology, he was ordained in 1996.

After curacies in Leeds, Roger was for seven years Chaplain & Head of Divinity at Strathallan School in Perthshire, and was afterwards Rector of Highland Perthshire, where he was chaplain to the Celtic Bishops’ Conference, and honorary padré to the Cameronians Regimental Association.

His leisure interests have included studying computer science at Kellogg College, Oxford, riding, and glass engraving; he has been a member of the Society of Genealogists and the Yorkshire Archaeological Society, and of the Royal Entomological Society.

In 2013 he returned to Leeds as chaplain to St George’s Crypt.

His two children are the artist blacksmith Ben Quick, and Olivia Quick, who works with him as Development Officer at St George’s Crypt.

Roger’s book, ‘Entertaining Saints: Tales from St George’s Crypt’ was published by Darton, Longman & Todd in September 2020 and you can find it on Amazon.

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Alumni Sporting News

Three former pupils from Strathallan took on Scotland’s oldest rivals in the Guinness Six Nations Cup earlier in 2020 Forwards Jamie Ritchie and Zander Fagerson started for their country, while fellow former pupil George Horne was ready and waiting on the bench.

Zander, who represented Scotland in the U16 and U18 squads, whilst at Strathallan, said it was thanks to mentors like the school’s Director of Rugby, Andrew Henderson, that he is where he is today.

He said, “I wouldn’t be a rugby player today if it wasn’t for the help I received from the staff at Strathallan School and the guidance, facilities and high-quality sport I played there. Period.”

George, Zander and Jamie - Scotland’s three internationalists pictured above while at school.

Strathallians Cameron Henderson and Ollie Smith star in Scotland under-20 rugby team’s Six Nations campaign The duo, who play second-row and full-back respectively, both started the first two matches of the showpiece event against Ireland and England and went on to star in the game against Wales.

The game went ahead behind closed doors amid the coronavirus outbreak and only players’ families could be present at Colwyn Bay’s Eirias Stadium, as they saw Scotland secure their second win of the Six Nations.

Wales and Scotland have concluded their campaign, but the Under-20 Six Nations is incomplete with games involving Ireland, France, England, and Italy called off because of the coronavirus outbreak.

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Twenty-year-old second-row Cameron, who grew up in Hong Kong and spent four years at Strathallan, said: “Strathallan Director of Rugby Andrew Henderson changed my attitude and the way I thought about my rugby.

“He made me a more determined and focused character and helped me to have the belief to join a famous club like Stirling County [in the summer of 2018] and compete for a first-team place.

“I had a brilliant time at Strathallan and what I learnt there has definitely helped me in my journey over the last 18 months.”

And those last 18 months have seen Cameron earn

11 caps for Scotland under-20, play for Stirling County in the Tennent’s Premiership and now the FOSROC Super6 competition as well as training with Glasgow Warriors on a regular basis as a Scottish Rugby Academy Stage Three player.

Ollie spent two years at Strathallan and, like Cameron, feels that experience has helped his rugby a lot.

“Moving to Strathallan was a really good choice for me, I came on so much as a rugby player in my time there and it also helped me develop as a person off the rugby pitch too,” he explained.

“Being in the first XV for two years allowed me to play high-quality matches every week while I was in a vice-captaincy role in my final year which was great and gave me some leadership experience.

“Wherever my rugby takes me in the future I will always remember my time at Strathallan with great fondness, I had some good times there.”

Like Cameron, 19-year-old Ollie has had a busy 18 months since leaving school.

The strong running back has earned six caps for Scotland under-20, played for Ayr in the Tennent’s Premiership and now for Ayrshire Bulls in the FOSROC Super6 competition and also trains with Glasgow Warriors as a Scottish Rugby Academy Stage Three player.

Ollie Smith & Cameron Henderson in action

Instilling new memories of success At the start of December 2019, Strathallian Charlie Guest secured two podiums in the Europa Cup event at Funesdalen, Sweden, the same place that four years ago she broke her spine during a training run.

After having a tough time mentally towards the end of 2018, Guest was all set to give up skiing and do something else instead but thanks to the support structure that was offered to her by GB Snowsport including a stint at a clinic in Harley Street she is back and determined to set her sights higher than ever.

In March 2019, She secured a podium position at the Europa Cup in Jasna in March and then, a couple of weeks later, she became the first British woman to ever win a Europa Cup slalom when she triumphed in Italy.

It was so important having the GBS structure. They got me into a clinic on Harley Street and that was life changing.

Without my specialist and the support from there I wouldn’t be able to do anything I did last year and I would be out of ski racing.

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EXPANDING HORIZONS

An Educational Grant Scheme for the Strathallian Community funded by The Harry Riley Trust.

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HE HARRY RILEY TRUST IS NOW 5 YEARS OLD AND THE TRUSTEES HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED FOR A FURTHER TERM.

It has been a busy year with three current Sixth Form pupils and Strathallians benefitting from grants awarded under the Expanding Horizons scheme.

Application to The Trustees is open to 6th Form pupils and young Strathallians up to and including the age of 25. The Scheme is designed to support those seeking to broaden their horizons and widen their personal educational experience. Applications must be in respect of specific projects which should be fully detailed including costs describing their personal relevance. Applicants should detail the personal contribution they will be making through fundraising activities.

An endorsement is required from the Headmaster. Following the completion of the project, grant recipients will be expected to make a full report on the project to The Trustees.

For more information or to apply for a grant, please contact Aileen Wilson at a.wilson@strathallan.co.uk It has been a busy year with three current Sixth Form pupils and Strathallians benefitting from grants awarded under the “Expanding Horizons Scheme.” Here we find out more about what they have been doing.

Douglas Berry, UVIth attended an engineering Headstart course at Glasgow University.

“The broad-based engineering course I took part in offered a flavour of different aspects of engineering and provide 64 Blue & Gold

an insight into many different highly specialised fields. This Course took place at a very useful time in my school career as it has helped me narrow down the engineering field I would like to apply to, that is Aeronautical engineering. The Headstart course was perfect for finding out more about what exciting career opportunities a degree course might lead to, and it has only made me more interested in engineering.

However, the most interesting to me by far was the session on Aeronautics. We saw a model jet engine in action, a helicopter simulator designed by postgraduates, and multiple different air tunnels. Throughout the experience we were given the chance to connect with professionals and technical specialists whilst developing essential skills like communication and team work in dedicated networking sessions.”

Johnny Boyd (N ’18), currently studying Classics at Oxford, travelled to Italy to take part in excavations of Etruscan sites around the Lazian town of Tarquinia. The trip was organised by the British School at Rome and the Universities of Milan and Oxford and involved both seminars, tours, excavations and visits to several excavation sites.

“Such a broad experience of Etruscan Italy had many benefits. Firstly, I was able to compare and contrast the different styles of structures in various Etruscan cities. All of this has been useful for my analytical skills, particularly when coming across unfamiliar archaeological material, as will happen in archaeological papers in my University exams. I was also able to expand my knowledge of the ancient Mediterranean world which is invaluable for my degree.

Johnny onsite at dig near Tarquinia, Italy

Taking part in digs like this is particularly important for Classicists like me to fully understand how we are able to ascertain the material culture of a society.

However, doing so is not restricted to specific degree disciplines or interests and I would, therefore, thoroughly recommend travelling to take part in an archaeological dig (or even seizing some of the many opportunities in Britain) to anyone who wants to experience the wonder of discovering the treasures of our ancestors which lie beneath our feet.”

Sophia Henderson UVIth, attended a Pre-Vet course at Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa.

“Over the course of my time at Shamwari, I not only got to experience first-hand what it is like to be a wildlife vet or vet nurse, but also enjoyed various lectures ranging from drug dosage per animal to challenging poaching in Shamwari as well as neighbouring game reserves, including being taught how to shoot dart guns (at a target!).

We took care of the rehab animals, set up a volunteer (free) vet clinic in a small town

At the vet clinic near Shamwari

near Shamwari, injected and microchipped rhinos. The new rehab centre is currently being used as a steppingstone for the young animals so that they can eventually be reintroduced to the wild.

We set up a vet clinic in a small village WHAT IS IT? This is a grant scheme designed to support individual Strathallians (current pupils or alumni) looking to broaden their horizons and widen their personal educational experience relevant either to their career aspirations or to a particular subject skill e.g. languages, sciences, arts, music, sport, research etc.

HOW IS IT FUNDED? The scheme is funded by The Harry Riley Trust whose capital represents the capital of the former Strathallian Club which itself was funded over the years by subscriptions and gifts from former pupils of Strathallan and their parents.

HOW MUCH IS AVAILABLE? Each calendar year, The Harry Riley Trust intends to make a number of awards of varying amounts depending upon the merits of the applications. As a guide, awards would be in the region of £500 but may be greater if the case is compelling.

Applicants may apply for only one award

(Peterson) and vaccinated and took care of the dogs and animals, who have been badly treated. We invited the villagers and others from the surrounding villages to the Village Hall, where I was taught to how to and then actually do some injections. Shamwari’s vet and vet nurse do this every few months as a way of giving back to the local community and helping the animals there as there is no health care in these areas.

In addition to all these amazing experiences we also got to work with the vets and animal conservation team, to sedate and microchip a female white rhino and her baby white rhino, I must say this has to be one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had just being able to microchip not only the rhino’s body but the horn as well in order to try and prevent poaching.

At university, I am planning to complete the vet nursing course, I have done clinic work experience in the UK, but without this

experience I would have never been able to see what a career outside the UK would be like, all of these experiences setting me up so well for university.”

WHO CAN APPLY? Current Sixth Form pupils and young Strathallians up to and including the age of 25.

Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals who will also be making a personal contribution either through fundraising or other activity e.g. match funding.

Examples of applications might include (but are not exclusive to) training, attendance at relevant conferences, coaching, masterclasses, research trips, participation in educational or career development events.

If a Strathallian: Year of leaving and House • Amount applied for and the total cost of the activity • Details of the activity to which the application relates • A comprehensive description of the benefits of the activity to the applicant • Dates for the activity The application should be submitted in the first place to The Alumni and External Relations Manager at the School who will review it and, if appropriate, submit it to the Trustees for consideration.

WHEN TO APPLY Applicants may apply at any time during the year. Applications will be considered by the Trustees at regular intervals and successful applicants will be advised as quickly as possible.

POST ACTIVITY COMMITMENT BY APPLICANT In order that others may benefit from the successful applicant’s experiences, a short written or video report/article about the activity for which the grant was used should be submitted as soon as possible to The Director of External Relations at the School This report will be shared with the Trustees and will be available for future alumni communications. It may also act as a guide to future applicants.

HOW TO APPLY Applicants should provide the Trustees with a maximum of 2 sides of A4 as a word document or PDF that includes the following: • Name, Address, Contact telephone, Email • If a current pupil: Year and House.

Sophia with white rhino

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From The Archives

“When people have to obey other people’s orders, equality’s out of the question.”

Dick Deadeye, HMS Pinafore (Gilbert & Sullivan, 1878) HMS Pinafore 1951

“Ha, ha, ha, I understand; you took them in a round, while they supposed themselves going forward. And so you have at last brought them home again.”

Hastings, Act V, She Stoops to Conquer (Oliver Goldsmith 1773)

She Stoops to Conquer 1985

“Twelve Highlanders and a bagpipe make a rebellion” (Scottish Proverb)

Strathallian Pipe Band 1988 Fete

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Gift of a Lifetime When you make a gift to the Strathallan Annual Fund, you give the gift of dedication, persistence and passion.

Thank you.

To make your gift today, visit: https://www.strathallan.co.uk/support-us/ or contact Aileen Wilson: a.wilson@strathallan.co.uk or call 01738 815082

Strathallan School Forgandenny Perthshire PH2 9EG +44 (0)1738 812546 www.strathallan.co.uk