James
Gillespie's
High School

Edinburgh

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UK

Scotland

Edinburgh

Murial Spark attended James Gillespies from 1923 to 1935.  During that time she displayed a real talent for writing though she did not study literature at university.  During World War II she worked in army Intelligence.   As a result, she was almost 30 before she began writing seriously but went on to enjoy massive success.  In 1961 she published The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie about a teacher in an Edinburgh girls' school. This was clearly based on her time at James Gillespie's High School and when the book became an international hit followed by a highly popular film, she had managed to make the school one of the most famous in the world.   Over the years Muriel won numerous awards for her writing as her standing in the world of literature grew, and the Sunday Times included her in it's list of the greatest British post-war writers.  Muriel died in 2006 leaving behind a large body of highly-acclaimed work  (more)

Richard is a good example of the many talented people who were educated at James Gillespie's High School and went on to make their mark in countries around the world. He studied computing and business at the University of Manchester and then took up a number of posts in Scotland and Europe before joining Life Technologies, one of the world's top biotechnology companies.  Within 3 years Richard had been appointed  as Digital Marketing Director based at the company's headquarters in California.

Louise realised a childhood dream when she qualified as a nurse. Now as a ward sister in a busy A&E department of a major hospital, she works very hard and has a great deal of responsibility. After all, she makes life or death decisions every day. However, Louise loves her work. She is not rich or famous but she gains great satisfaction from helping people when they are in real need.

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Linda has been highly successful both in the world of Law and Business. She is Chairman of one of Scotland's top law firms and is a former Chairman of CBI Scotland, the key employers' organisation which works closely with the Scottish government.  Linda is also a member of the Prince's Trust Scotland and an Ambassador for Girlguiding UK.  All in all, she is one of the busiest people you could meet but her talent and drive mean she is not only busy but actually gets things done and makes a difference to the community and country in which she lives.

James Gillespie's has produced many talented sports stars over the years.  Callum is a good example.  He is one of Britain's most promising young cyclists and  in 2008 became the first winner of the Chris Hoy Trophy.  He was awarded the trophy by Sir Chris who was also born in Edinburgh and who has won a number of cycling Olympic gold medals.  As a British Youth Champion and a Sprint Youth record holder, Callum seems set on the right path to emulate his great hero. 

Maddison achieved her dream when she became a professional model.  She now works for a model agency based in Scotland and has appeared in a number of photo shoots and fashion shows.  She loves clothes and enjoys walking down the catwalk in front of a packed room.

Robert is a highly successful actor who has also directed a number of successful films.  He has appeared in TV programmes such as Eastenders, Cracker, Rebus, Silent Witness and The Bill.  He has also written, produced and directed three short films including The Soldier's Leap.  Robert is a fluent Spanish speaker who lives between London and Los Angeles.

John was one of many whose great achievement was to help Britain and its allies win the First World War. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price as a report in a local newspaper in 1916 tells: "Corporal J. Watson has been killed in action near Somme in France.  He was educated at James Gillespie's School in Edinburgh and before being called up, worked as a trainee bookkeeper.  Corproal Watson was 19 years of age."

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Dorothy Dunnett was a hugely successful author who is best known for her two superb series of historical fiction - The Lymond Chronicles, and The House of Niccolo - set in the 15th and 16th centuries and ranging all over Europe and the Mediterranean while being anchored in Scotland,  Dorothy was Intermediate Dux during her time at James Gillespie's where she showed great talent in English but actually specialised in Art, leading to an early career as a professional portrait painter. She was also a a sculptor as well as being involved in many aspects of Scottish public life and business. (more)

Many pupils choose to help people less well off than themselves. For example, James spends a lot of time working with a volunteer group which helps the families of local children with special needs. James is happy to give up his spare time in this way because he finds it very satisfying and has also made many good friends. Now he is considering a career in education.

* representative profile