MESSENGER

SPRING 2010

MESSENGER

JANUARY 2010

SIXTH FORM

MY FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK

The Ottoman Affair began as a

short story in May last year. It is a crime novel, set in the 19th century, which follows the adventures of Captain Henry Simms as he attempts to track down a mysterious Turkish assassin after the disappearance of George Burnes, a British diplomat in Venice. Partially inspired by the work of George McDonald Fraser and Bernard Cornwell, The Ottoman Affair is a fast- paced read which follows a trail leading from London to Venice, to Ragusa, Athens,

BY GRAHAM WILSON, UPPER SIXTH FORM The Summer Term concluded with the Whole School End of Term Service and First Prizegiving followed by the Second Prizegiving and the Upper Sixth Graduation Ceremony. The Upper Sixth Form graduation is always preceeded by the Leavers’ Ball, which is a highlight of the School calendar as boys, family, friends and staff members celebrate the boys’ school careers and wish them well for the future.

PRIZEGIVING

Constantinople, and finally ending in the hellish mud of the Crimea in 1855, when the war is at its height.

Accompanied by his faithful companion George Bradley, Simms encounters a whole cast of shady characters along the way as his adventures plunge him into the nefarious underbelly of Europe’s great nations. I began to approach several publishers before settling on London’s Athena Press.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF LAIDLAW HOUSE

On Friday 30 October 2009 the new Sixth Form House, Laidlaw House, was officially opened by Lord and Lady Laidlaw of Rothiemay. The event welcomed guests who had donated to the Sixth Form House appeal, along with key members of staff who had been involved in the project from concept to fruition. The day started with a welcome address in the Memorial Hall, followed by tours of the House and a drinks reception. Pupils from across the School were involved in the proceedings. Guests gathered outside Laidlaw House for the official ribbon cutting by Lady Laidlaw, as Pringle boys let off balloons to mark the occasion. The day was a landmark in Merchiston’s history, and will be remembered by all those in attendance for many years to come.

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