Kimmerghame House

Kimmerghame House is the youngest boys' house in Fettes, being a mere 124 years old! It started life in a private house, off the school campus, before the present boarding house was built. It is now home to 50 young gentlemen (both boarding and day pupils), between the ages of 13 and 17.

It is an enormously friendly place where the boys quickly develop a fierce sense of loyalty towards each other and the House's name and this is probably in part because Kimmerghame is sited in the south west corner of the grounds, making it the house furthest from the main school. Without setting ourselves at odds with the rest of the College, the relative distance does create a sense of independence in the boys. That said, it is less than a five minute walk up to the school!

Over recent years, Kimmerghame has established an enviable sporting reputation for itself and last year the boys won a raft of inter house competitions, including Fives, golf, rugby, squash and tennis. Within our ranks, we also have this year's Fettes College Conker Champion! However, it is not a case of all play and no work and once again, Kimmerghame was this year's winner of the, as yet, unofficial Overall House Effort Competition for academic endeavour. In addition, a huge number of boys scooped academic prizes on Founder's Day. This term we will be putting on our House Play, The 'Which Blair?' Project. The play is being written by the house's Resident Tutor and director, Mr David McDowell, although there will be plenty of opportunity for input from the boys during the rehearsal period. A large number of boys also play in the College's Pipe Band, sing in the Chapel Choir and play in the Orchestra, so we see ourselves very much as a group of all-rounders.

Assistance with much of the day-to-day running of the house comes from the Lower 6th Prefect Team, which is led by the Head of House, Kit Gammell, and his two Deputies, Murdo Armstrong and Alexander Torrance. The House is also very proud of the fact that this year's Head Boy. Gregor McLennan, and the Head of the new Craigleith House, Mungo Strachan, are both Kimmerghamians.

The Housemaster, Mr Richard Smith, was, until June, Head of Drama and he is ably supported by his wife, Dr Sharon Lewis, who is Head of Science. They have a two year old German Wirehaired Pointer called Wilf, who will no doubt become a well-established member of the house too. The final member of the resident team is our indispensable Matron, Mrs Kathleen Smeaton.

Should you like to learn more about the House and Fettes College please contact the Housemaster at rf.smith@fettes.com.

P.S. Mr McDowell has just become the proud owner of a rescue dog; a Collie cross, called Daisy. Welcome to Kimmerghame, Daisy!