Painting by Richard Demarco

The Colinton Estate was much more heavily wooded when Merchiston moved out to occupy it midway between the wars. Many acres of parkland were cleared for the new buildings and for the extensive playing fields, but the several hundred trees in other areas and especially around the developments, essentially contributed to a beautiful, near-100-acre campus. Yew and Holly precede the famous cedars of around 1750, and then the inspired and extensive planting at the end of that century are responsible for a rich inheritance. Now many of the specimen trees of that era are reaching the end of their lives. There is a busy programme of replacement of the existing species and many newcomers are appearing.

Richard Demarco has known Merchiston for over half a century and has visited it in various capacities, but this is his first picture, an amazing achievement in inclement conditions, showing his fondness for the trees, his undiminished skill as a draughtsman, and his creativity in the composition. We are honoured, and of course most grateful for his present of the original.

Richard Demarco is an Edinburgh man in every sense. Born here, schooled here, and then a student of the Edinburgh College of Art. Since then he has benefited the city with his indefatigable promotion of the visual and performing arts. He has managed to be artist, teacher, broadcaster, while being the inspiration and energy behind countless projects. He is inextricably connected with the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe, having been involved every year of its existence!

Signed Limited Edition Prints of the Demarco painting are available from the Merchistonian Club Office (0131 312 2237), merchistonians@merchiston.co.uk at a price of £150. All proceeds will go to the Sixth Form House Appeal.