I joined MES in 1984 with the benefit of the government backed Assisted Places scheme (alongside my two sisters Claire (Class of 1991) and Alison (Class of 1996), we followed in the footsteps of our grandmother, Kathreen who had been a “Queen Street” girl in the 1920s. I am grateful for the opportunity but also need to acknowledge the financial sacrifices made by our parents to send all three of us to MES. Looking back, I can say with complete certainty that I would not be where I am today without the education I received there.
The teaching at MES was exceptional. It wasn’t just the academic rigour, but the passion, humour and dedication of the staff. My History teacher, Dr Iain Scott in particular sparked a love of the subject that shaped the course of my life, inspiring me to study History at St Andrews and giving me the analytical and communication skills that became the foundation stones of my legal career. As someone who sat firmly on the “arts” side of the curriculum, I have great memories of history & geography lessons, classics and English and these subjects were all taught by staff who brought energy and care to their subjects, each contributing something important to my development.
I wasn’t naturally gifted at maths, it was always my challenge, but the support I received from my Maths teacher made an enormous difference. She gave me the confidence and grounding I needed, and those skills have stayed with me throughout my professional life, even as numbers have become a key part of my job.
School life was full and joyful. Hockey played a huge role, as did golf, and I have wonderful memories of Carbisdale where I even met my future husband. Being a prefect taught me responsibility, and I left in 1992 with deep friendships that have lasted more than 30 years. Those bonds truly transcend adolescence; I still count a large number of my school friends among my closest today.
After university I joined Henderson Boyd Jackson as a trainee solicitor in 1999 and have been with the firm, now Addleshaw Goddard, ever since. I became a partner in 2014 and now sit on the managing board of our international firm, which has 21 offices worldwide.
When I look at my own career, my family, and the paths my sisters and their children are now taking at ESMS, I can see the lasting impact the School has had across generations. The opportunities I was given through bursary support changed my life. I am deeply proud to be an MES alumna, and I will always be grateful for the chance I had.
