The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Old Lathallians ready to turn clock back 50 years
HIGH-FLYERS of Scotland’s business and cultural worlds are among the people invited to a 50th anniversary school reunion.
Lathallan School in Johnshaven will welcome pupils from the class of 1963 to an event in April and has extended the invite to alums of 1962 to 1965.
One of the anticipated guests to have made a name for himself is film producer Doug Mitchell, who is working on a new Mad Max feature in Africa.
Barclay Low, a senior manager with Scottish Enterprise in Dundee, co-signed the invitations with Old Lathallian Association chairman Alastair Shepherd, a lawyer in Edinburgh.
He said: “I went there in 1958 and left in 1963. Next year’s the 50th, so that’s why we thought it would be a good idea to have the reunion.
“A lot of people have kept in touch, although we are still trying to find some.
“We know where a lot of people went because the-then headmaster’s wife was meticulous at keeping details of where everyone moved on to.
“Most went on to other schools in Scotland and some to England.
“We’re trying to trace as many as we can and give them the opportunity to come and are extending it to people who left between 62 and 65.
“In those days, Lathallan was a traditional preparatory school and took boys from eight to 13.
“Everybody boarded. We took the bus to Montrose to go swimming and to the kirk and walk along to Gourdon to go to the beach.”
Andrea Watt of the school said: “Doug Mitchell, who left in 1963 is now a Hollywood movie producer working on films such as Lorenzo’s Oil, Babe, Happy Feet and is currently in Namibia shooting Mad Max – Fury Road.
“If filming allows he hopes to travel from his home in Sydney to the reunion.
“If any former pupil is interested in attending, please contact 01561 362220 or email andreawatt@lathallan.org.uk.
“This is a truly unique celebration of 50 years since leaving Lathallan, a chance to share memories, have a tour of the school and catch up with old friends.”
Mr Low said the anniversary will have an additional special meaning for those attending the reunion and dinner.
“Our head was Raymond Burton, whose 100th birthday would’ve been next year, and he is quite a significant character in all of our lives,” he added.
“He and his wife Winifred – they were called RB and Win – ran the school and were a tower of strength.
“They took the school to a different level in terms of engagement with parents.
“I look back on it, albeit 50 years ago, as a happy place.
“The school has educated one or two people who have gone on to great things in the worlds of sport, academia and medicine.”
Mr Low added: “The school’s chairman, Sir Moir Lockhead, is also chairman of the Scottish Rugby Union
“They can watch the rugby, then we’ll have a reception and dinner in the evening at Brotherton Castle.”