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fact, when you ask anyone in the Heriot’s explanations to help concepts become
community about Andrew three words well and truly embedded. In those early
invariably resonate: kindness, courtesy days, teaching for Andrew was followed
and loyalty. by curling after school on Tuesdays,
Saturdays and sometimes Sundays;
As a boy, Andrew enjoyed life at Heriot’s. bridge on Wednesdays; Games Club
In his own words: ‘I really loved the place. on Thursdays and The Literary and
I was very shy but watched extroverts Dramatic Society on Friday evenings! In
having fun and forced myself to be his own words again: ‘I was young and
more outgoing. Consequently, I had a had too much energy then.’ However,
great time interacting with peers and over the years, Andrew’s contribution to
teachers. Hugh MacLennan (French) a vast range of co-curricular activities
and Jim Wilkinson (biology) stand out as across the school has continued to be
exceptional.’ However, Andrew was less outstanding and perhaps all the more
keen on ‘freezing at Goldenacre’ and not impressive for providing a welcome
at all happy when in his school uniform niche for so many young people. In
which is perhaps why he has evolved his his classroom and in his clubs, Andrew
unique trademark style – for Andrew, establishes an atmosphere that is as
clothes (and sandals) are there to be
functional! welcoming and secure as it is entertaining
and fun. Robert Dickson, former Head
In a school rich in characters at that time, of Senior School, reflected that: ‘Andrew
Andrew was quick to learn; however,
Ave et Vale: was at his teaching best when he
Andrew he also got caught up in a fair share gathered pupils around a bench in a hub
of mischief for which he would collect (before social distancing was required)
Ramage an annual pass to the Headmaster’s and, in so doing, facilitated genuine
study! This comes as no surprise to understanding and learning. Moreover, it
his colleagues in the current Biology is unlikely that any of Andrew’s hubs will
For many people, the year 1966 has Department, where he often revealed ever forget his capacity to write upside
some connection to a game of footy his boyish charm, enjoying as he does down to reinforce the most important
played at Wembley. Interestingly, I the funny side of jokes and pranks. points which he was communicating!’
believe that it is still to this day the Watching Jim Wilkinson and Monty
televised event with the most viewers Faithful teaching inspired Andrew to Pupils lucky enough to be taught by
in the UK, namely 32.3 million. Equally apply to teacher training at Moray Andrew won’t forget him easily. Nor will
interesting, the current Chief Medical House following his degree in Biology, those in attendance at a senior assembly
Adviser to the UK Government, Professor with Honours in Botany, from Edinburgh forget his flawless recital of Tam o’
Chris Whitty, was also born in 1966. University. His first teaching post was at Shanter, without notes – no mean feat.
However, from a Heriot’s perspective, Whitburn Academy in West Lothian; but, Most pupils also know him as a man of
1966 will perhaps be remembered as when the opportunity to teach in his old the hills. Accompanied by his wife Debbie,
the year when a shy, young boy called school came along, he couldn’t resist. And he started bagging Munros in 1992; by
Andrew AN Ramage started P1 at so began the daily journey along Forrest 2010, they had scaled every Munro and
Heriot’s in what was to be a very long Road, through Greyfriars and to the Corbett and are now happily ticking off
and happy association with Lauriston Lodge to collect his keys, before striding the Marilyns and the Grahams.
Place. Little did anyone realise at the purposely across the playground at a
time that Lauriston Place would be pace more akin to a jog for the rest of It was after a year’s teaching exchange in
hugely significant for Andrew and for so the us! Personally, I think he just couldn’t New Zealand in 1994 that Andrew’s view
many other people: not only has Andrew wait to get started on each and every of outdoor activities was transformed
taught with distinction at Heriot’s for 35 day. Such was Andrew’s enthusiasm for and made his association with the Duke
years and changed lives but he has also his subject and his desire to inspire his of Edinburgh’s Award a logical fusion of
literally saved lives, due to his regular pupils, he literally leapt out of his chair interests and skills. Indeed, no valedictory
appointments at the Edinburgh Blood when the bell for class sounded! report about Andrew would be complete
Donor Centre where he has donated, to without recognition of his enormous
be precise, 166 pints of blood and, more Right from the start, Andrew taught with contribution to Gold DofE at Heriot’s. He
recently, platelets. Nursing staff at the his own unique style, exposing his pupils has been committed to the Award since
Donor Centre certainly know Andrew to his vast knowledge base and delivering 1997 and has trained over 600 pupils for
well as a living embodiment of the lessons embellished with activities and Gold expeditions. Andrew acknowledges
Heriot’s motto to distribute chearfullie. In that the proudest achievement of his

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