Obituaries

Obituaries

Gavin Scobie (teacher)

Taken from The Scotsman

Born: 1 March, 1940, in Edinburgh. Died: 14 March, 2012, in Dingwall, aged 72

Gavin Scobie was a pioneer of modern sculpture in Scotland who left a highly individual body of work. It often looks abstract, but it is not really so. Indeed he once said: "I've always found it difficult to make abstract sculpture, (or) abstract anything." In consequence, although his art is sometimes austerely formal, it also usually suggests associations with the human figure, with landscape, or with simple things like books, tables and chairs.

Gavin Scobie did not train as a sculptor. Born in Edinburgh, he went to Leith Academy and thence to Edinburgh College of Art to study graphic design. He took his diploma in 1962 and went on to become director of art at Merchiston Castle School. He was evidently a gifted teacher; he no doubt approached his pupils with the same patience and care that marked everything he did.

He had always had a passion for making things, however, and it was perhaps this that led him to sculpture. He held his first one-man show at the Richard Demarco Gallery in 1972. In the same year he won a competition to design a sculpture for the Invergordon Aluminium Works. This commission (now destroyed) prompted the brave decision to leave teaching to work full-time as a sculptor.

In 1964, Gavin had married Stroma Somerville and in 1973, now with two small children, they moved to Tarvie in Easter Ross, a cottage that he did up himself and made beautiful. There were outbuildings for a studio and gradually the fields round about filled with sculpture.

Winning the Century Aluminium Award that year also provided Gavin with a ton of extruded aluminium and some of the most characteristic works of the early 1970s, for instance Step in the Gabrielle Keiller collection in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, were made in that material.

Another work, Eve, also in the national collection, explores a similar iconography of abstract forms that echo the figure in movement. It is made of Cor-ten steel, however, cut in sweeping lines that, for all the weight of the material, seem as light as free-hand drawing.

Gavin's father, James Rollo Scobie, was a painter-decorator and a craftsman in the old school. Working with him as a boy, Gavin learned the importance of care and of order in the workshop. His own workshop was always exemplary, as was his craftsmanship. Indeed he was gifted with a remarkable practical intelligence that was backed by a lively curiosity about ways of making things and found expression in the diverse techniques he employed in bronze, aluminium, steel and other metals, in clay, in wood and in glass.

In 1976, Gavin won the commission for a sculpture for the new Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. Made of Cor-ten steel, Eden is a complex form composed from simple elements. Reminiscent at once of Ben Wyvis, the mountain behind Inverness, and of Picasso's Demoiselles d'Avignon, it presents a marvellous conjunction of visual ideas to bring Inverness into the 20th century.

There was nevertheless a predictable outcry at such a modern monstrosity. It is satisfactory to record that it is now a listed monument.

In the late 1970s Gavin taught himself the techniques of bronze casting and later also worked with the Beaverbank Foundry in Edinburgh. The works in bronze that followed this initiative were among his most remarkable.

A series of bronze books is particularly notable. The first of his books, Book Berlin, was made in steel, however. Its great hinged pages suggest some mighty text like the lament of Job: "Oh that my words were… graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever."

Gavin's work became directly anthropomorphic in a group of massive clay pots that he exhibited at the Talbot Rice Gallery in 1984. Variations on the female form, they were inspired by neolithic sculpture. With them he also exhibited a number of stylised heads and several very beautiful, low-relief masks, also in fired clay.

The move north was a gamble that there would be enough public support to provide a living as there was no real market for sculpture at the time. In the 1970s this was perhaps possible. In the 1980s, it was not. Gavin should have been able to find art school teaching to support him, but, like William Johnstone before him, the establishment did not take kindly to one who had ploughed his own furrow so bravely.

In the end, therefore, the romantic venture of living as a sculptor in the Highlands proved unsustainable and in 1986, the Scobies moved to London. Gavin taught for a number of years at the Byam Shaw School there and maintained a studio where his work continued to evolve.

A six-month residence in the Scottish Arts Council Studio in Amsterdam in 1982 had brought a love affair with the work of Vermeer; it was the Dutch painter's use of light in a domestic setting that inspired the use of etched glass combined with forms derived from household furniture seen in works exhibited in London in 1994.

The theme of furniture and interior spaces was continued in 2003 in his last major project, the Tyrebagger Circle. Set in a forest near Aberdeen and paying homage to a celebrated stone circle nearby, it consists of three concentric timber circles with, at their centre, a contemplative space that is private, but open to the sky.

It was a cruel blow of fate that Gavin's sudden death came barely two weeks after he and Stroma had returned north from London to live in a house in Beauly. He had given up his London studio some years earlier and so could only work on a small scale, but in Beauly he was planning to build a studio so he could make large works again.

When I last saw him a few days before his death, he seemed fired with new ambition. We have lost a fine sculptor and a remarkable man.

Gavin Scobie is survived by his wife, Stroma, their two children, Caroline and Justin, and four grandchildren. Duncan Macmillan

Ian R Taylor (48-52) has died.  Our thoughts are with his family at this time. 

J S A Forsyth ('29 - '34)

"Scott was a second generation, his father John S. 1895 - 98 was a sportsman and successful businessman in Glasgow.  He was a School Governor at the time of the move from Merchiston Castle out to Colinton.  A member of the buildings committee, he was tireless in his efforts, and his travelling through from the West.  Scott was at school throughout the period.  He was a scholar and winner of many school prizes.  He captained the Athletics team.  He very much enjoyed his school years and was importantly involved in most of what was available, gaining amongst other assets a life-long fondness for cold showers!  A scholar at St Andrews University, he read Chemistry; and he gained a Blue as a hurdler, again captaining the team.  He then read for a further degree at Oxford.  Most of a very distinguished career was with I.C.I.  This included pioneering work on a 'new' substance to emerge on the world stage in 1946: polythene. 

Scott was a passionate gardener with a particular love of trees.  As he travelled the world he collected great knowledge and seeds.  Merchiston benefited greatly from his expertise and generosity.

Yvonne Spawforth writes:

" Scott played a very important role in the planting of many wonderful trees in the grounds of Merchiston and he inspired friends of the school to donate and plant a great variety of unusual trees, and this is continuing today.

The first tree that Scott planted was in 1972, and was a Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron Gigantem).  He had brought the seed back from San Francisco in 1962, and planted it in his garden in Devon.  It flourished and needed somewhere with plenty of space.  Wellingtonias grow to become one of the largest trees in the world and live to a great age.  For some time Scott had been wanting to donate something to the school in memory of his father, and he and his wife Joanna planted the sapling in 1972 in front of the Castle Gates, and there it is today, well over 50 feet!

Quite by chance I met Scott with Joanna when I came across them in 1984 measuring the tree.  We had coffee together and realised that Scott adored his old school, and trees, and would love to plant unusual trees in the grounds on his visits from Devon to the school.  This he continued to do and amongst the many saplings he planted are another Wellingtonia Gigantum and also a Wellingtonia Sempervirons, a Weeping Spruce and in 1988 he planted the Handkerchief of Dove Tree (Davidia Involucrata).  This is a particularly unusual tree, which is found in arboretums.  It originated in China, and should grow to about 60 feet, but so far has not produced any of the white leaf bracts which give it its name.   The trees I have just mentioned are all planted in the West Garden.

In his latter years, and after the death of his wife Joanna, to whom he was devoted, his visits became less frequent.  He would be pleased to know that now so many friends have donated and planted so many trees, so continuing something that Scott instigated.  We do owe him so much. "

On his last visit in October 2007 to Merchiston Scott brought and planted a Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides).  This is a new species for the collection, and it is a memorial to Dr John W Dowden who was Chairman of the Governors at the time of the removal.  Scott was assisted on this happy occasion by two great-grandsons.  He was then able to wander in the grounds and to enjoy his many contributions.  In 1930 when money was short and the new buildings were  just opening Scott's mother presented us with the Coats of Arms on the front gates and the Honours Boards in the Pavilion.

We are indebted to Scott's son Dick for a wonderful eulogy which I would with to have published entire.  There was also a footnote from son Angus ('58 - '63) who played his pipes at his father's funeral.  It included a paternal quotation 'Loch Duich' which was on of the tunes used to maintain the synchrony of the entire pupil population of Merchiston Castle School as they stood in the Chalmers Quad, in serried ranks, in shorts and singlets in all weathers, in the 1930's keep fit regime of Indian Clubs!  Each boy including the teenage Scott swung his pair of clubs to the strains of this tune, played loudly on a gramophone which, alone, enjoyed the shelter of the cloisters.

We have planted a Sequoia Gigantum in memory of Scott Forsyth and near his handsome memorial to his father.  We look forward to welcoming members of the family who come to visit it."  JRB

(Stanley) Russell Nicolson (36-29)

Peacefully at the Royal Infirmary on 28 March 2012 after a short illness.  Beloved husband of Sheila, much loved father of Moray, Graeme and Fiona and much loved grandfather. 

Chay Corsar (40-44), Govenor (71-89)

From The Scotsman (14 April 2012) "After a gallant fight, Chay died peacefully, on 9 April, 2012.  Dearly loved husband of Mary and father of Geordie, David, Katie and Mollie.  A very special grandfather of nine."  A thanksgiving service will be held on 24 April in the Kirk of the Canongate, Edinburgh, at 11.30am. 

From the Scotsman on 21 April 2012. 

"Born: 13 May, 1926, in Edinburgh. Died: 9 April, 2012, in Edinburgh, aged 85

Chay Corsar, who died at home in Edinburgh on 9 April at the age of 85, devoted his long life to public service and concern for others. He had exceptional qualities of leadership and was universally admired by those with whom he worked.

Charles Herbert Kenneth Corsar, always known as Chay, was the son of Kenneth and Winifred Corsar. He was educated at Merchiston Castle School and enlisted to join the army before the end of the Second World War.

To his great disappointment he was turned down on medical grounds because of asthma, a decision that was ironical in view of his later career. Instead he went to King's College, Cambridge, where he studied agriculture. He then went into farming near Pathhead at Frostineb, a farm that has remained in the family ever since. He was a county councillor for Midlothian between 1958 and 1967 and a Justice of the Peace in 1964.

At Cambridge he had joined the university Officer Training Corps (OTC). This was followed by a Territorial Army commission with the 8th Battalion the Royal Scots in 1948.

As an officer he was extremely popular and rose to command the merged 8th/9th Battalion from 1964 to 1967. He commanded the Edinburgh and Heriot Watt Universities' OTC from 1967 to 1972 and became a full Colonel advising the General (GOC Scotland) on TA matters between 1972 and 1975.

This was not, however, the end of his connection with the army, as he was appointed Honorary Colonel of the First Battalion, 52nd Lowland Volunteers. This was a ten-year appointment, but at the request of his fellow officers he remained in this post for 12 years, retiring in 1987.

He was chairman of the Lowland Territorial and Auxiliary Volunteer Reserve Association from 1984 to 1987 and of the Earl Haig Fund (Scotland) from 1984 to 1990. As a Territorial Army officer he had been widely admired for the quality of his leadership and was universally popular.

In 1966 he had become secretary for Scotland (in effect chief executive) of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and for the following 21 years this was to be his main activity.

It was virtually a full-time job and was to be the crowning achievement of his career. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award was for young people between the ages of 14 and 25, initially only boys, but in 1958 it had been extended to girls and Chay greatly encouraged this.

It blossomed greatly under his leadership. Its purpose was to encourage physical activities, the learning of skills, the giving of service and taking part in expeditions. Those taking part, on successful completion of their programme, could receive a bronze, silver or gold medal from the Duke personally at Holyroodhouse.

Before Chay's time the take-up of the scheme had been largely from private schools, but Chay was determined to widen it and encouraged participation by young people from the state school sector as well.

He was also keen to involve industry and an example of this was that Tom Farmer got the scheme going among his Kwik-Fit employees.

There must be many young people who benefited greatly from the opportunities this scheme provided. One of his colleagues from that time has said simply that he admired Chay more than any other person with whom he worked in the course of a long career.

During these years, despite a heavy job, Chay found time for several other voluntary and unpaid activities. He was Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian in 1975, chairman of the Standing Conference of Voluntary Youth organisations in Scotland from 1973 to 1978, a member of the Scottish Sports Council from 1972 to 1975 and Secretary of the Prince's Trust (Lothian and Borders) from 1982 to 1993.

He was for a many years a member of the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh and a key member of its financial committee during the kirk's refurbishment. He was national vice president of the Boys Brigade from 1968 to 1991, chaired the brigade executive and was president of the Edinburgh Battalion for 20 years, something he particularly enjoyed. He commanded an immense Boys Brigade parade to mark its centenary in 1983.

Chay's time at the head of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme came to an abrupt end in 1987 when he suffered a very severe stroke. He defied expectations by making a remarkable recovery, but the stroke left him lame and was to lead later to more serious physical disability.

He continued to do some part time work for the award scheme but was later diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Remarkably, he lived for another 25 years from the time of his stroke, with prostate cancer held at bay by continuous treatment. Amazingly, it was from neither of these things that he eventually died.

It was characteristic of him that, if asked how he was, the cheerful reply was always, "Oh, I'm very well thank you", although we all knew that was not true. He spent much of the time in his last years at the house that he and his wife owned in Mull and returned to Edinburgh to live only when increasing frailty made life in the country no longer possible.

Even then he was frequently to be seen in Edinburgh in his electric powered buggy, often going considerable distances at its top speed of 8mph, to the local library or the shops.

In 1953 he married Mary Buchanan Smith. She herself became Chairman of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service in the UK and was awarded the DBE. Without her long and devoted help he could not have remained at home in his last years. He is survived by her and by their two sons and two daughters."  Gavin McCrone, The Scotsman, 21 April, 2012.

Michael Barratt (54-59)

Peacefully in the excellent care of Leven Beach Nursing Home on Monday, 19 March 2012, after a long illness.  Former Headmaster of Rannoch School (82-97) and Govenor of Merchiston Castle School (04-06).  Dearly belved husband of Valerie, devoted father to Chris and Susannah, much loved grandfather and dear brother to Norma.  Thanksgiving service in Elie Parish Church on Thursday 29 March at 3.30pm to which friends are welcome.

A clipping of his obituary in the TES can be found here.

The full obituary in the Scotsman can be found here.

Peter Slessor (53-59)

Peter James Hadley Slessor was born and brought up in Fraserburgh, the son of a doctor, and from his childhood retained a deep love of the sea, nurtured by holidays spent working on trawlers.  From Fraserburgh Academy he came to Merchiston in 1953 at the age of thirteen, and quickly distinguished himself academically.  He won the Hope Prize for Modern Languages and a Rogerson Scholarship, and in his last year was Captain of the School.

After leaving Merchiston in 1959 Peter took a good degree in Jurisprudence (Law) at Worcester College, Oxford, making the most of the advantages of that ancient seat of learning.  A talented raconteur, he used to tell the story of how, while working as a bus conductor in Hawick during a transitional period after leaving Oxford, he was challenged by an elderly Merchistonian passenger for wearing a Merchistonian tie!

Having decided on a business career, Peter worked for PMR Ltd as South European Manager and then as Market Research Manager for Bass Charrington Ltd.  Most of his career, however, was spent based in Geneva, working for the UN's International Trade Centre, of which he became Project Co-ordinator.  This work took him all over the world initiating and developing trade projects in a host of developing countries, including lengthy stints in Bermuda and India.  When at home in the Geneva area he was deeply involved in the international community and an active member of the English Church there.

After retirement Peter and his partner Andrea settled in Scarborough and became equally committed to the local community in their new home.  In these years he was a frequent visitor to Scotland, keeping up contacts in Fraserburgh and with his Merchistonian friends, to whom his death from cancer, on 20 January 2012 at the age of 71, is a huge loss.  He is survived by his two sons.    

Alexander (Sandy) John Buick (53 - 57)

Died on 9 February 2012 after a long illness.  Our condolences go to his beloved wife, Elspeth, and daughters Tracy and Barbara. 

Richmond McWilliam Haig Haddow (41-44)

Died on 1 January 2012 at Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital.

Well-known Perthshire farmer Richmond McWilliam Haig Haddow has died, aged 85.  He was president of Alyth Farmers for many years, president of Blairgowrie National Farmers Union and chairman of the local Conservative Party.

Born in Glasgow, Mr Haddow attended Belmont House prep school followed by Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh between 1941 and 1945. He then joined the Royal Navy and spent two years aboard HMS Glasgow as a navigator's yeoman.  He enjoyed his time at sea and constantly referred to his travels in the Far East and Africa.

On leaving the navy, he attended agricultural college in Glasgow for a year then spent a year in practical training at Roxburghe Mains Farm in the Borders.

He created a partnership with Gordon Sim and bought Morton farm at Tayport. Mr Haddow sold out to his partner a few years later and bought Westfield Farm, Alyth. At this time he was also factor, farmer and salesman for the Honourable J. D. Carnegie.  In 1964 he bought East Tullyfergus Farm, Alyth, followed by Whiteside farm in 1970. In 1980 he bought Kirkland Bank Farm. He also farmed Easter Rattray for some time.

Mr Haddow married Patricia McGlashan, from Paisley, in 1955, as the start of a 57-year partnership, and they had three daughters and one son.

A popular man in the community, he expressed gratitude for the acceptance and advice he received from local farmers when he was an incomer. He passed his farms to son Jeffrey John Haig Haddow in 1995 and retired to Strathellie, a property he kept on Westfield Farm.

Mr Haddow enjoyed shooting, and shot all over Scotland with various friends and syndicates. He was also a keen yachtsman and was the proud owner of a yacht for many years and enjoyed holidays on the west coast with his family and friends.

In his retirement he enjoyed extensive travel around the world with his wife.

Described as one of nature's true gentlemen, he was renowned for his sense of humour and keen interest in the lives of his children, grandchildren, daughter-in-law and three sons-in-law. He is survived by his wife, four children and 11 grandchildren.

From The Tayside Courier, 24 January, 2012

Ian W Turnbull  (62-66)

"Ian was the older of the two sons of William S Turnbull, who was at Merchiston in the early days here at Colinton at the start of the 30's.  Ian joined Chalmers West with his fame as an athlete preceding him from Lathallan Prep school.

He had a huge talent as a sprinter, big, strong, fluent and devastatingly quick.  It was easy to imagine a great future for him; and he started breaking records straight away, performing for the team in all of his four years at school and captaining it in his final season.  There was a little group of very promising Scottish schoolboy sprinters who competed against each other at regional meetings and with each other in the Scotland vest. Four years after leaving Merchiston Ian ran for Scotland at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh competing in the 100 m and 4 x 100 m relay.  This was a great achievement and one which benefited from none of the knowledge and facilities of today.   Merchiston still held its athletic season in March t the end of the rugby, on the pitches, and often in bitter conditions. Mud, rain, wind, even snow featured, and tracksuits were still a rarity.  In the summer term our best sprint training area was the cinder path in Colinton Dell!  We knew little of how to treat hamstring injuries, the sprinters' curse of which Ian did not escape.  I still wonder just how fast Ian would have run with today's opportunities. The school rugby world valued his pace and he proved a formidable finisher, gaining a place in the 1st XV.

Ian's brother Colin (1968 -' 73 and a useful athlete himself) writes:

'Professionally Ian started out as a chartered Accountant but then went on to become chairman of Grays of Fetterangus (1972) Ltd, Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, a company formed by his father.  He became a Director of the Royal Highland Show and travelled the world extensively promoting the companies Gold award winning product of an innovative Tube-Line bale wrapper.

Having got the travel bug, he and his wife Moyra have visited many countries around the world and have enjoyed some relaxing cruises. However it was his timeshare holiday on Tenerife each year that Ian really looked forward to as he would just relax and 're-charge' with friends they met there each year.  Though not as good as his father, Ian did enjoy an occasional game of golf.  He was a member of Cruden Bay Golf Club for many years, playing off a handicap of 15 at his best.

In November 2009, Ian was diagnosed with Prostate cancer which he fought long enough to attend his daughter's wedding to Rahim at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, USA, in September of 2011.  Unfortunately his cancer became very aggressive and spread rapidly and Ian passed away on January 9th 2012.  He is survived by his wife and his two daughters.'

A lot of Merchistonians and contemporaries will find this very sad news.  We extend our sympathy to all the family, and to Colin particularly. " JRB


Ian was at MCS from 1962-66, brother of Colin (68-73) and son of William S Turnbull (18-34)

Following this he led a full life. His sporting highlight was to represent Scotland in the Athletics team for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. Professionally he started out as a Chartered Accountant but then went on to become Chairman of Grays of Fetterangus (1972) Ltd, Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, a company formed by his father. He became a Director of the Royal Highland Show and travelled the world extensively promoting  the companies Gold Award winning product of an innovative Tube-Line bale wrapper.

Having got the travel bug, he and his wife Moyra have visited many countries around the world and have enjoyed some relaxing cruises. However it was his timeshare holiday on Tenerife each November that Ian really looked forward to as he would just relax and 're-charge' with friends they met there each year. Though not as good as his father, Ian did enjoy an occasional game of golf. He was a member of Cruden Bay Golf Club for many years, playing off a handicap of 15 at his best.

In November 2009, Ian was diagnosed with Prostate cancer which he fought long enough to attend his daughters wedding to Rahim at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, USA, in September of 2011. Unfortunately the cancer became very aggressive and spread rapidly and Ian passed away on January 9th 2012. He is survived by his wife Moyra and his two daughters, Lorna and Jane.

John Leslie Watt (47-50)
Folk singer/songwriter John Watt died peacefully at Perth Royal Infirmary on October 31 2011. He was the beloved husband of Cathy, dear father of Fiona, Angus, Aileen and the late Alistair and dear brother of David

John was a significant figure in the Scottish folk revival of the Sixties and Seventies, and was due to be inaugurated into the Scots Traditional Music Hall of Fame at this year's Scots Trad Music Awards ceremony in Perth on December 3. Sadly this honour will now be bestowed posthumously.

To read John's full obituary please click here.

Maurice George Wilson Gordon (63-67)
Sports Journalist and enthusiast Maurice Gordon passed away on Sunday 23 October 2011 at the age of 62.  Born in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur to a Scottish banker and American mother, Maurice moved to Peebles when he was six years old and entered Merchiston at the age of 14 where he developed a life long passion for cricket and football. He wrote for both the Edinburgh Evening News and Peeblesshire News, but to avoid publicity used the pen names Scoreboard Charlie for Cricket and George Wilson (which was actually the name of his English Master at Merchiston) for football.

Maurice was devoted to his beloved Peebles Rovers club and the Edinburgh Monarchs speedway team, and it is expected all Peebles clubs, as well as other East of Scotland matches, will observe a minute's silence ahead of their games this weekend.

Maurice's full obituary can be read here: ttp://www.peeblesshirenews.com/sport/roundup/articles/2011/10/27/418989-rip-maurice-gordon/

Charles Macnaughtan (38-43)
We have learned the sad news that Charles Macnaughtan (38-43) passed away on 12 October at the age of 86. Charles was one of three Merchistonian brothers, and following school he went on to serve as a Signalman during the Second World War, and then to work with Barclays Bank International.

In 2005 Charles was given the Freedom of Falkirk following a special commemorative service where Falkirk honoured all of its citizens who served in the Second World War. As Provost Jim Johnston said on the day "Many of the veterans with us today were barely 18 when they were called to serve. All choice of life was taken from them because the war demanded a whole generation give up its own freedoms to serve and defend this country".

Charles was last at Merchiston when he attended a Pre-1950's lunch for those who attended the School before 1950. At the time he reminisced about his schooling during the war when regular visits were made to the air-raid shelters and powdered egg was on the menu! Chocolate was nicknamed 'G' for grub, and was in very short supply. Charles remarked that although his days at Merchiston were not luxurious, he gained his appreciation of music through Forbes Macpherson whom he held in very high regard.

John Colin McInnes (51-56)
Sheriff Principal John Colin McInnes QC LLD DL, died peacefully on October 12 2011 after a short illness. He was the beloved husband of Elisabeth and loving father of Ian and Iona, and father-in-law to Benedict, wonderful grandfather to Cleodie, Lachlan and Kinvara, and brother to Sheila. 

He was one of Scotland's leading lawyers and criminal justice reformers, held in exceptionally high regard by those he worked with. A former colleague stated "John McInnes had one of the sharpest legal minds of any sheriff in recent years. He was firm but he was a fair man too and dispensed justice without fear or favour. His passing is a great loss for Scotland's justice system, but his legacy will no doubt be in the reforms he brought to the system in the last few years."

Robert Algie Williamson(44-48)
Robert, known as Robin, was born in Glasgow in 1931. At 13 he attended Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh.  He learnt his Rugby there and subsequently played for Edinburgh Wanderers and had a trial for Scotland before getting a shoulder injury to finish his rugby career.

Chartered accountancy followed school and he qualified in Edinburgh in 1953. He then joined the RAF in 1954 - one of his great loves - and went on to win the aerobatics trophy and the shield for outstanding leadership

Later he became the youngest Board member at John Brown Shipbuilders at the age of 34 and was soon afterwards described in the Scotsman as the financial brain behind the Merger into Upper Clyde Shipbuilders

He had success as Finance Director of a major Sheffield Steel business and then in a series of Managing director roles in Manchester,   London, then Dorset in industries as diverse as Air freight and Electronics, ultimately ending up in Dorset where he was to live out his life.

He leaves a wife Julia, daughter Kay and a Merchistonian son, Roy (76-81)

David Graham Arnot (75-80)
David was tragically killed in a motorbike accident on 27 August 2011, following a collision with a car just before 10am. David was the dearly beloved husband of Karen, loving father to Jamie, Sophie, Phoebe and Will, a much loved son of Jean and the late Graham Arnot and Alan Glen and a dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle and son-in-law. He was also the proprietor of Mains of Errol Farm and important figure in the soft fruit industry.

Thomas Henry Patrick Donald  (61-64)
Patrick [or Tom in business] was born on 11th January 1948 in Kilmarnock of farming and auctioneering stock.  He attended Merchiston from the age of 13 and by 16 had acquired enough exams to go to Royal Cirencester College following a year working on farms.   He qualified as a Land Agent and then as a rural Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Planner. He worked firstly as assistant factor for the Duke of Hamilton's Rural & Urban Estates in Scotland, then as a partner in R & W Hall, CS  in Paisley looking after all matters agricultural.  In 1990 he set up his own firm of Donald's Chartered Surveyors, with his wife, Kim, where for the next 20 years he worked in general practice specialising in agricultural law, landlord & tenant relationships in agriculture amongst other things.

He retained a strong connection with Merchiston over the years, keeping in touch with a number of Merchistonians and by sending his son, CWH Donald to the school [94-02].  He was very impressed with how the school had changed since his days!

Patrick was a collector, an enthusiastic for everything he did, a man of great integrity and passion. His leisure time included his family, his garden, fishing, shooting and racing old motors - a particular delight was racing and fettling his chain driven Frazer Nash.  He was due to retire on 31st August 2011, but after initially being diagnosed with a stroke it materialised he had a fast growing malignant brain tumour, and sadly there was no cure. He died happy and peacefully three weeks after being diagnosed on 14th July 2011. He left his wife Kim and son Charles.

Roderick  Archibald GrahamYoung (53-57)
Major Roddy Young passed away suddenly on July 21 2011. His sudden passing has left a massive gap in the lives of his family and his friends and all our love and sympathy at this time go to his wife Jo, Alastair & Berenice, to Kate & Chris and to Bob and to Roddy's four grandsons Alex, Ivo, Archie and Nic.

Roddy's full obituary can be read here: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Community/Obituaries/article/16348/major-roddy-young.html

David Goodfellow   (44-48)
David, of family bakery business Goodfellow and Steven, passed away at home on July 15 2011. He is survived by his sister Margaret Bruce, wife Audrey, his sons Scott, Ian and Martin, and his grandchildren David, Sam, Luca and Ailsa. 

David's full obituary can be read here:   http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Community/Obituaries/article/15854/master-baker-david-goodfellow-an-appreciation.html

Norman Desmond Metcalfe (48-53)
Norman 'Desmond' died June 26 2011. Darling husband of Sandy and father of Tim and Jonathan. Norman lived in Northern Ireland, where he worked in the textiles industry and was the son of Norman Pringle Metcalfe (15-19) also a Merchistonian.

Alexander Duncan Robertson (67-72)
After a brief illness, Alexander passed away on June 25 2011. He was the beloved husband of Anna, loving father of Sophie, Alexander, Richard and Olivia, dearest son of Dorothy and brother of Alan (70-75). 

Ian Dickson (53-57)
Suddenly but peacefully at Ferryfield House on June 20 2011. Ian, owner of Ian Dickson Travel Ltd, was aged 71 years and husband of Janice, father of Miranda and son-in-law Eric, and grandfather to Violet and Zach.

James Gray Connell (40-44)
James Gray Connell (40-44) known as Hamish, passed away on Wednesday 4 May 2011. He was the much loved husband of Julie, father of William and Ailsa and grandfather of Agnes, Honor and Felix.

Archibald Fraser (45-50)
Archibald (Archy) passed away at home on April 12 2011. He was a much loved husband to Sue and dear father to Richard and Shirley.

Ronald David Merson (38-43)
Dr Merson died peacefully in hospital on April 10 2011 after a few months of ill health, surrounded by his family. He was the adored husband of Moira for 59 years and beloved father to Richard, Claire and Libbie. Dear father-in-law to Liz, Richard and Philip. Loved and loving grandpa to Caroline, David, Emily, Harry, Charles, Tommy and James.

Ian Thomas Russell (61-66)
Ian passed away peacefully at home on March 7 2011 following a long illness. He was a dearly loved husband of Megan, much loved brother of Susan and loved and loving brother-in-law and uncle.

Alexander Mackenzie (47-51)
Alexander (Alec) passed away suddenly but peacefully after a long illness, on February 27 2011 at home in Eilrig. He was a much loved dad of Ian, Sheena, Kenny and Alison, a much loved father-in-law, granddad and great-granddad, and also a good friend to many.

Cameron Errol Dishington (78-82)
Cameron, who died suddenly on November 24 2010, was the beloved son of Mabel and Errol, loving dad of Paige, darling brother of Fiona and much loved uncle of Natasha and Eve.