Page 173 - Herioter 2020

career was when he organised some Sandy’s career included membership of
Heriot’s Gold DofE candidates to join up the Chamber of Commerce, directorship
with pupils from Pilrig Park School who of various companies and advisory roles
had a range of additional needs to help – all of which assisted him in being a
them achieve their Gold expeditions. most effective Chair of Governors.
Andrew recalled: ‘What both sets of
pupils got out of this was extraordinary. Sandy is a real ‘people person’ and
Our pupils often don’t see how hard the enjoyed nothing more than strolling
real world is. Here they had to cope with about the campus talking to all staff and
tantrums, tears and physical limitations, pupils.
and provide leadership. Most of them
were intending medics and it gave them Indeed, because of his notoriety, a
an insight into what they would have to Junior School pupil accosted him in the
face; it developed their people skills and playground to ask for his help with a
it generally taught them to be stronger, particularly stubborn sweet wrapper!
better, more compassionate people.’ Sandy is proud of his Fife heritage and
George Heriot himself would have been of being a former pupil of Kirkcaldy High
proud of these sentiments. School.
Cameron Wyllie, former Principal, who However, he loved being involved with
attended school two years above Heriot’s and really felt part of the whole
Andrew, said: ‘It was always a real community – from supporting Heriot’s
pleasure to work with Andrew. He Rugby every week to attending concerts,
remained, throughout his career, the drama productions and services. Of
same as he was as a schoolboy – clever, course, he and his partner, Nina, are
Ave et Vale:
loyal, principled, kind and cheerful. synonymous with June Day and prize-
He succeeded where many failed in Sandy Paton givings, and their participation in both is
sustaining his reputation and popularity greatly appreciated.
among pupils right to the end of a career At the end of the session, following 19
where he did enormous service for his years of excellent service to the school, Sandy is a bon vivant who enjoys Oyster
old school.’ we said goodbye and thank you to our Club meetings or a Malaysian feast
(preferably cooked by himself and Nina),
Chair of Governors, Mr Sandy Paton.
Andrew is a genuine individual with and he hopes to devote plenty of time to
considerable humanity who is never Sandy was nominated to our Board by cooking in his retirement.
afraid to speak up when he believes the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
injustice and unfairness to be present. and became a Governor of George He loves to travel and hopes that this
We are all losing a piece of Heriot’s in may be possible again in the not-
saying goodbye to Andrew; however, Heriot’s Trust in January 2001. He was too-distant future. If not, then he will
appointed Vice-Chair in 2010 and then
we know his zest for life means that he Chair in 2017. continue to enjoy home pursuits such
and Debbie will continue to travel and as watching rugby, football and playing
enjoy adventures, and that Andrew will Throughout his entire time on the Board, golf, spending time with his family, and
continue to work on his malt whisky he has been supportive, conscientious listening to jazz.
collection! On a personal note, I am and hard-working, and has carried out all
grateful to have worked so closely with duties, even in challenging times, with a Sandy goes with our sincere thanks for
Andrew, benefitting from his vast subject smile and sense of humour. He brought his excellent service, his hours of work
knowledge, wise counsel and unfailing financial expertise, scrutiny and a direct and his real dedication to Heriot’s. He
support when I needed it. We thank approach to all proceedings. has a great many Herioter friends and I
Andrew for everything he has brought to am sure he will keep in touch, and visit,
the Heriot’s community over the last 35 Sandy spent his career in banking, Lauriston Place in the future.
years and wish him a very long and happy culminating in the position of UK Director
retirement. of Small Business Banking for the Bank of Mrs Lesley Franklin

Scotland. He then used this experience Sandy Paton stepped down as
Ms Ann McKenzie
by joining an economics consultancy Chair of Governors in June 2020.
Andrew Ramage left Heriot’s in June business, working in the UK, Europe and He was succeeded by Mrs Joyce
2020. the USA. Cullen.

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