Obituary
Dr Farquhar Macintosh

Born 27 October 1923
Died 18 November 2007

He introduced the concept of leisure activities into the curriculum and former pupils still talk fondly of its effect on their lives. He was the first of a new kind of school leader in Scotland who wanted to change the experience of pupils and was not afraid of curricular reform.

As Chairman of the Scottish Education Board he managed the introduction of the Standard Grade examinations through secondary schools in Scotland.

His honorary doctorate from Heriot Watt University was in part, a recognition of his attempt to revolutionise the upper school curriculum, but it was also an acknowledgement of his fresh thinking on Scottish education.

He was always aware of his roots in Skye, in the Gaelic language and in the culture and life of the Highlands and Islands. For 17 years (1965 to 1982) he served on the Highlands and Islands Development Consultative Council and was Convenor of its Education Sub-Committee.

His interest in higher education and the Gaelic language came together in the chairing of the Board of Trustees of Sabhal Mor Ostaig (SMO) the Gaelic college in Skye. SMO became his great interest over the past sixteen years and he takes great credit for the educational revolution that has been effected from the south of Skye.

Over the past 20 years Farquhar Macintosh has been regarded quite rightly as the elder statesman of the Gaelic world. He believed survival of the language relied heavily on the progress of Gaelic medium education. He was convinced Gaelic schools would have to appear in the traditional heartlands and especially in the islands. He gave leadership and vision to the Gaelic world which will be seriously and sorely missed.

A service of thanksgiving was held at St Giles Cathedral on Sunday 2 December 2007.

In the success of Sabhal Mor Ostaig Farquhar witnessed what he saw as the two important strands of the regeneration of his language and culture; education excellence allied to economic development. During his latter years when ill health caused him marginally to reduce his workload, he turned his thoughts to ensuring his ongoing support for this process. In consultation with his family he asked that a scholarship fund be set up after his death to provide for future student scholarships with Sabhal Mor Ostaig and, in his final days, he arranged an initial bequest towards this.

Sabhal Mor Ostaig Development Trust is now honoured, along with the family, to set in place “The Farquhar Macintosh Gaelic Scholarship” as a named endowment fund for the benefit of future students and the language.

Anyone who would like to contribute towards the fund should contact the Society’s Secretary for further details.

DINNER FUNCTION

BORTHWICK CASTLE

17 MARCH 2007

After a number of years of holding the biennial buffet function for the Society at The Royal College of Surgeons a change was suggested for 2007 and the Council opted for holding it at Borthwick Castle, North Middleton, Midlothian.

Over fifty members and guests attended a most successful function.

Many guests opted to stay overnight in the Castle which had ten bedrooms.

Borthwick Castle is a twin towered baronial keep built by the first Lord Borthwick in 1430. It was to this Castle in 1657 that Mary Queen of Scots and her third husband, The Earl of Bothwell, fled from Edinburgh to seek sanctuary in this impregnable fortress. It was here that she and Bothwell spent their final days of freedom before being separated forever.

Nearly a century later it was besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell and the Castle walls still bear the scars caused by the bombardment of Cromwell’s cannon.

Prior to the dinner the Society held its inaugural piping competition and although the member Clan Chiefs had all been invited to attend and bring their pipers with them, unfortunately none were able to take part.

Stewart Morris of Balgonie, Younger brought his piper John Winton whilst D W Paisley of Westerlea entered his piper Robert Gibb. David Waterton Anderson of Kinneddar put himself forward as a candidate for the honour of the Anderson Association for which he serves as chairman.

Pre dinner drinks were served in the State Room where the three pipers performed their repertoire for the assembled guests.

It was up to the guests to choose their favourite based not just on technical ability but on dress, tunes, tunefulness, entertainment value and swagger!

The victor was Robert Gibb who was presented with a certificate and prize of £100 by Major A C S Macpherson Younger of Biallid.

The President, Sir Ian Noble, welcomed members and guests and the Treasurer and Secretary gave a brief outline on the Society’s progress including the new website and promoted the Society’s cufflinks and button badges as well as the new member’s certificates which will be available soon.

A plea was made for new members as numbers have been dwindling for a number of years.

The company then enjoyed an excellent meal including roast leg of local lamb and some excellent wine in the sumptious setting of the candlelit Great Hall.

Following the meal the winning piper Robert Gibb played a Pibroch following which we were entertained by former Mod winners Mr and Mrs Roddy Macdonald.

It was a most entertaining evening enjoyed by all.