Dear ^Name.Title^ ^Name.LastName^,

We hope this finds you well. Our pupils have been in awe over the last few days as we have welcomed the Springboks to Merchiston who are training here ahead of their game against Scotland in the Autumn Nations series at Murrayfield on Sunday. Head along to our social channels to see some of their boys meeting their rugby heros. Elsewhere, our Forest Nursery & Junior School continues to enjoy the mild weather and have still been enjoying the great outdoors on a regular basis.

Here are a few updates from us at Merchiston and dates for your diary:

Bill Donaldson (MCS 1944-49)
We were sorry to learn about the passing of Bill Donaldson who attended Merchiston from 1944-1949. A former Captain of School (as was his father), he was also a Captain of the 1XV rugby team and a player for 4 years. He came back to Merchiston as a teacher of English & History from 1955 - 1973, also serving as a housemaster in Chalmers East & West. A thanksgiving service will be held on 30th November at Colinton Parish Church at 2.30pm which will be led by Rev Nick Blair (Chaplain). Refreshments will be afterwards in the Swing Cafe at the Church.

Remembrance Day service
A reminder that our annual Whole School Remembrance Service will take place this Sunday 10th November, starting at 10.15am. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Old Library.

For those who cannot join us in person, the event will be live-streamed at the following link: There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Royal British Legion. Anyone wishing to donate online can do so here.

Remembrance Day row
The boys and staff of Laidlaw North are embarking on a virtual row across the English Channel from Portsmouth Port to the beaches of Normandy, a distance of 170km! They are doing this in aid of Euan's Guide, a charity very close to the hearts of the boys in Laidlaw North which aims to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confidence and choices for getting out and about.

Any donations would be gratefully received by the boys. You can make a donation on their JustGiving page.

2025 Guinness Six Nations
All rugby tickets requested via the Club have now been allocated and members contacted. A reminder that the deadline to pay for these tickets is Monday 25th November, otherwise your tickets will be released back to general sale.

Christmas Fair - Saturday 7th December 10am
We are delighted to announce the return of our Chrismas Fair in the beautifully decorated Memorial Hall at the School. As well as getting into the festive spirit, you will be able to purchase luxurious gifts, sample delicious treats, enter our fantastic raffle and support the efforts of our enterprise students too. You can purchase free tickets here.

Reunions
We were delighted to welcome back the Class of 2013 and 1999 to Merchiston recently as they got to watch the 1st XV triumph over Edinburgh Academy. If you are interested in coming back to Merchiston alongside your peers, please do email us at merchistonians@merchiston.co.uk.

With best wishes from Merchiston.

The Merchistonian Office