Cargilfield - Past to Present

Spending time outside playing has always been an important part of the Cargilfield day!

We were delighted to host a reunion of Old Boys from the 1960s today, some of whom hadn't stepped foot on the grounds since they had left, while others had previously returned as parents and governors. Our school prefects gave them a tour around the buildings and grounds and they commented on what is was like in their day. From sitting in the library being read stories before bedtime, to taking the Latin teacher's car for a spin around the rugby pitches in the dead of night, we were truly entertained by some shared stories from their time here.

Though much of the school has evolved, there are parts of the Cargilfield that hadn't changed at all in their eyes. They were impressed by the ambiance, our well-mannered pupils, and state of the art facilities. Special gratitude goes to Mr. Colin Liddell, who approached us about organising the reunion. Mr Liddell was a former Chair of Governors in the late 80s and early 90s and was instrumental in overseeing the design and build of our DT and Art centre during his time here.

We extend an open invitation to all former pupils interested in reuniting and reminiscing over tea and scones - please do get in touch with Fiona Craig at [email protected].

Please fill out this form

It is with great sadness that we announce the death in August of Mrs Jenny Sale, the founding Head of our Pre-Prep and Nursery.

Jenny came to Cargilfield in 1979 to set up the Pre-Prep in Benbow House, which was on the site of today’s Pre-Prep. She started with 9 children all of whom she taught in one class spanning P1-3. The Nursery was later opened in 1982 and when Jenny left Cargilfield five years later, the department had grown to 80 and there was a waiting list.

Our first Pre-Prep parents took a leap of faith in sending their children to Cargilfield and were not disappointed. After the Pre-Prep 40th anniversary celebrations in 2019, I received a letter from Jenny’s first parent to say how much she was impressed with the Pre-Prep and what a wonderful start Jenny had given her boys all those years ago.

Throughout the years Jenny continued to show a keen interest in the work and development of the Pre-Prep. She was guest of honour at our celebrations in 2019 and the oak tree she gave us then will be an ongoing reminder of her invaluable contribution to the School.

All in the Pre-Prep are very grateful for the kindness and thoughtfulness of Jenny in requesting that rather than send floral tributes to her funeral, donations are instead given to the Pre-Prep development fund.

Our thoughts are with Jenny’s husband, Tim and her children and grandchildren at this difficult time.

Ready for a swing of excitement? The Cargilfield 150 Golf Event is just around the corner, and we're extending our registration deadline for a limited time only. Join us on the 27th August at Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society, the 4th oldest golf club in the world, for an unforgettable day on the greens. Brush up on your skills, challenge fellow golf enthusiasts, and enjoy the camaraderie at this historic golf club.

This is your final call to register for this exclusive golfing experience ⛳🏌‍♂

Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society

Good luck to former pupil Harry, and the rest of the team!

The Scotland U19 Men's squad are packed and ready to fly to the World Cup Qualifier in the Netherlands ✈️

Safe travels and good luck!💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Former pupil Ruby has just competed in the Tall Ships Race 2023 (Lerwick to Arendal) on Gordonstoun yacht, Ocean Spirit of Moray, which won 1st prize for speed in its class!

The Headmaster is currently walking part of the The Western Front Way as part of Cargilfield’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The WFW was conceived by former pupil 2nd Lt Alexander Gillespie who wrote a letter to his Headmaster at Wi******er College in 1915 to tell of his vision of ‘a via sacra’ (a sacred road), a route for peace between the enemy lines where he had witnessed such devastation whilst fighting on the Front Line.

“when peace comes, our government might combine with the French government to make one long avenue between the lines from the Vosges to the sea….I would make a fine broad road in the ‘No-Mans Land’ between the lines, with paths for pilgrims on foot and plant trees for shade and fruit trees, so that the soil should not altogether be waste. Then I would like to send every man, woman and child in Western Europe on a pilgrimage along that Via Sacra so that they might think and learn what war means from the silent witnesses on either side.”

Gillespie was killed in action just days later.

The Headmaster is being accompanied by various former pupils and parents for part of his walk which will end at the Menin Gate. He is laying wreaths at many of the graves of the 125 old boys who died in action during WW1.

Here is his latest update:

Day two of the walk took us from Irles north of Albert to Arras. We were joined by Rufus and his father Ewan who assisted with the laying of some of the wreaths. The photo shows us at the grave of Captain Keith Mackenzie at the Rookery British Cemetery.

We all dined that evening with James and Bob, Archie's father and grandfather and raised a glass to the brave Cargundians.

Calling on Cargilfield’s avid golfers!

As part of Cargilfield’s 150th anniversary, we are hosting a golf event on Sunday, 27th August at the fourth oldest golf club in the world and one of Scotland’s most prestigious clubs, the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society.

The day will start at 8.30am Shotgun Start with teams of 4 in a Stableford competition.

Prize giving and lunch will be served after the game.

The Golf Day is open to former pupils and former and current parents.

The entry fee is £60.00 per person.

You can choose to sign up as a team or as an individual and we will allocate you to a team.

Michael Braidwood, CEO of Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society Limited, says “Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society is delighted to be involved in the Cargilfield School 150th anniversary celebrations. As neighbours it is apt that we host the celebratory golf day. Many of our members past and present have attended Cargilfield School and we are forging closer ties now with our Professionals offering the children golf lessons.”

To enter please follow this link - https://lnkd.in/gUBuFTMt

For further information please contact us on [email protected]

We look forward to hosting you!

Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society

Former pupils Rory and Glen playing for Cricket Scotland U15s v Lancashire U16. They lost but Rory scored 71 and he and Glen enjoyed a 50+ partnership. Glen also took 4 wickets. Now at Rugby School and Fettes_College

Good luck to former pupils Hugo, now at Sedbergh School and Glen, now Fettes_College playing U16 Scottish Rugby District Rugby tomorrow.

Well done to former pupil Chris Sole! A fabulous achievement.

🌟 Brandon McMullen and Chris Sole have been named in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 Team of the Tournament!

Congratulations 🙌

FULL STORY 👉 https://www.cricketscotland.com/brandon-mcmullen-and-chris-sole-named-in-team-of-the-tournament/

Former pupils Emma, Caitlin and Flora completed their 47km cycle on Thursday! They made a quick stop at Cargilfield on their way home too which was lovely. They raised over £1000 for St Columba's Hospice Care who looked after Mrs Mackenzie so well in her fight against cancer. A fabulous achievement, girls!

Good luck to former pupils Edward and Jack!

Many congratulations to Chris Sole on taking 3-33 in his 7 overs and being named Man of the Match as Cricket Scotland beat Zimbabwe in their ICC World Cup qualifier in Harare yesterday. A fabulous effort!

Many congratulations to former pupil Sophie who has won a national Arabic speaking competition run by the British Council and the Quatar Foundation. A fabulous achievement!

We are celebrating our 150th anniversary throughout 2023!

Well done to former pupils Jack and a Edward who were playing for Scottish Hockey U18s this weekend against Wales. Two wins and Edward scored in today’s victory!

Former pupil Mark Agnew is currently kayaking the 2,000 mile Northwest Passage. If he and his team are successful, they will be the first people to kayak the entire route, from Baffin Bay to Beaufort Sea. Mark is raising £25,000 for Wilderness Foundation UK.

You can track his journey here https://adventureagnew.com/northwest-passage

Former pupil Chris Sole was in at the end as Cricket Scotland sealed a dramatic final ball win against Ireland in the ICC World Cup qualifiers today. He also took a wicket. Well played, Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Let’s Talk – Former Pupils' Art Exhibition

An Interview with Cargilfield’s Head of Art, Ms Alexa Hare

Cargilfield is proud to present the a Former Pupils' Art Exhibition to celebrate our 150th Anniversary, taking place at Cargilfield, 45 Gamekeeper’s Road, EH4 6HU on Friday 23rd June from 17:30 to 19:30.

You are welcome to join! RSVP [email protected]

Alexa Hare is a visual artist and has been Head of Art at Cargilfield since 2021. Alexa completed her BA degree in Drawing and Painting at ECA in 2006 with First Class Hons and completed her MFA in Intermedia at Edinburgh College of Art in 2010 and shortly after was appointed director of Embassy Gallery. Previous to working at Cargilfield, Alexa worked at Fettes College since 2006. In 2014 Alexa was selected as an artist to represent Scotland as part of ‘Generations - 25 Years of Contemporary Art in Scotland’. Alexa has exhibited extensively across the UK and Europe. She was also a member of the experimental pop band PET signed to Kutu Folk Records, the band is critically acclaimed and hailed by the likes of NME and BBC 6 Music.

Read more about the former pupils' exhibition here https://www.cargilfield.com/news/post?s=2023-06-20-former-pupils-150th-art-exhibition

Well done to former pupil Cody who played for Scottish HockeyU16 team this weekend against Ulster. The Scotland team won 4-1, 5-3 and then lost 1-3 today.

Great to see former pupils Rosanna and Jack playing for Glenalmond College against The Ship Inn in Elie this afternoon!

Former Pupils' Art Exhibition - Opening Drinks Reception
Friday 23rd June at 5.30pm

On Friday 23rd June, we are hosting a former pupils’ Art Exhibition at Cargilfield in celebration of our 150th Anniversary, and we would very much like to welcome as many keen artists and their families as possible.

In days gone by, the Art Department has been the creative heart of the School. We would like to bring together past pupils’ art works and exhibit these alongside current pupil artworks as part of Cargilfield’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

1730 Drinks reception in Chapel
1800 Welcome speech from Mark Rees, former Head of Art at Cargilfield
1930 Depart

Please do RSVP to [email protected]. If you would like to submit artworks as a past pupil please hand in to the School office before June 16th.

**Please do pass this email on to anyone who you think will be interested in taking part in this event**

I look forward to hearing from you, and seeing you at this creative event!

Very best wishes

Alexa Hare
Head of Art

[email protected]

Great to see former pupils Katinka, Rosanna and Isabella playing for Grange Cricket Club in the WPL today. Now at Oundle, Rugby School and Glenalmond College.

We are looking forward to our Former Pupils' 150th Art Exhibition in Chapel which opens with a Drinks Reception at 5.30pm on Friday 23rd June. All are welcome!

If you are a former pupil and would like to display some of your work, please do get in touch with Ms Hare, our Head of Art, who would be delighted to hear from you.

All pieces need to be handed over by Tuesday 6th June, if at all possible.

Please email [email protected].

Details of our 150th Golf Day have been announced! Do share, and get in touch to take part in what promises to be a fabulous day.

Email [email protected] for more information and to take part!

As we approach the first anniversary of the death of our much loved Head of Games, Sian Mackenzie, the Cargilfield staff are keen to remember Sian and all that she did for our school community over so many years. They have planned an event in June where many members of the Common Room will get active in Sian's memory!

During her final stages of treatment for her Stage 4 stomach cancer last year, Sian cycled an impressive 47km from Costa Teguise to Puerto del Carmen, in a day, with Ellie and friends on her last holiday abroad. Most people would not cycle this in full health whilst on holiday…...!

Sian was dedicated to being active herself as well as encouraging others to be; she was an advocate of any movement for anyone is good. To mark, and celebrate, the first anniversary of her passing, a number of members of staff are completing 47km in the month of June.

Therefore, we are keen to encourage all members of our Cargilfield community to join in too by completing 47km over the course of June, and having family and close friends sponsoring you. You can run, walk, cycle, or swim.....any way you see fit!

We are using the opportunity to help raise funds for St Columba's Hospice Care who gave Sian the best possible care towards the end of her life. They provide wonderful care for those in need at difficult times.

You can donate using this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cargilfield-school-1683021815368?newPage=true

Great to see former pupil Jamie training with Scottish Rugby U18s today at Oroam. Well done, Jamie! Now at Blundell's School

We are delighted to hear that Rowen has been elected an English Scholar at Trinity College, Dublin, following in the famous footsteps of Samuel Becket, Oscar Wilde and Sally Rooney and others. A fabulous achievement.

Former pupil Harris is trialling for U19s Team GB Rowing through his school club George Heriot's.

He is taking part in the Team GB Trials Regatta today in Nottingham.

He was selected to compete for Team Scotland as part of the Scottish Rowing Argonauts for Schools Head of the River in London last month.