The voices of those who experienced Craigflower firsthand bring the school to life. These recollections—some humorous, some poignant, some vividly descriptive—capture the atmosphere, discipline, friendships, and formative experiences of a preparatory school education.
Arriving at Craigflower
A poem composed in 1962, possibly after his first pint of beer
We arrived in style,
entranced
the hall enhanced
by a pile
of old grey flannels, abandoned in some earlier carefree idleness.
Veronica appeared,
her head askew
with new
worries
of lorries
in the drive
alive
with little curious boys,
toying within.
Tony loomed from the porch and stormed,
fury inane,
his cane swirling menacingly:
"You little toads", he gloated,
deliberate and bloated
from the long menus - of soup,
through duck, meringue and quince.
"Farmsworth" he bellowed.
Farmsworth's ill-mended backside
was evidence of many a menu.
Form I Latin Lessons
A vivid transcript of a classics lesson, capturing the rigorous (and colorful) teaching style of the era
This remarkable transcript captures the voice of a demanding classical schoolmaster—exasperated, theatrical, and utterly committed to drilling Latin grammar into reluctant young minds. The prose moves rapidly from one student to the next, with sharp comments, corrections, and periodic outbursts.
The language is authentic to the period and reflects the disciplinary culture of mid-20th-century preparatory education: "Oh well, I suppose you'll have to do exercise 41 for the fifth time... You are the end. You silly little playboy. You lazy swine."
Despite the harshness by modern standards, these lessons clearly left an impression on students, many of whom went on to classics education at leading public schools like Glenalmond and Merchiston.
Uncle Podger on 2nd Game
A vivid account of a rugby or football match, capturing the intensity and character of sports at Craigflower
This transcript captures the voice of a games master in full flow, urging his team forward with a mixture of encouragement, exasperation, and colorful language:
"Kinnear you selfish pig! WILL YOU PASS!!? You damn fool, don't kick like that, can't you see that Adam will kick it straight back again!!! All right free kick."
The transcript reveals much about the culture of sports at Craigflower—the emphasis on teamwork, the competitive intensity, and the unfiltered commentary of teachers who were clearly passionate about instilling sporting values in their charges.
The class consciousness is also evident: "All you people with double barreled names think you're so important you don't need to tackle, you Irvine Robertsons, Hunter Blairs, Blair Oliphants and Gordon Duffs etc."
Help Us Preserve These Memories
We are actively collecting additional recollections, photographs, and documents related to Craigflower. If you have memories to share—whether a humorous anecdote, a photograph from your time at school, a story about the buildings, or reflections on your teachers and friends—we would love to hear from you.
Your memories help bring the lived experience of Craigflower to life for researchers, future generations, and others with connections to the school. Whether your time there was recent or many decades ago, your perspective is valuable.
Email: craigflower@example.com
Please include your name, the years you attended, and any relevant context about your memories or materials.
Themes in the Memories
The recollections we have collected reveal several consistent themes:
- Rigorous Discipline: Teachers were demanding and uncompromising, maintaining high standards of behavior and academic achievement.
- Formative Friendships: Deep bonds formed during school years that often lasted into adult life.
- Sporting Excellence: Rugby and cricket were central to the school's identity and culture.
- Character Building: The school aimed not just to educate boys academically but to form their character and sense of duty.
- Preparation for Leadership: Many alumni went on to positions of responsibility in military, political, and professional life.