Chemistry Staff
Dr Lynden Whyte studied chemistry at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, where he obtained a first class degree. He then spent a further three years completing a PhD, researching the photochemical reactions of the atmosphere. After two years as a Chemistry teacher at Stafford Grammar School he gained promotion to Head of Science at Abbotsholme School in Derbyshire. He so enjoyed his time at this rural boarding school that he stayed for nine years gradually working his way onto the Senior Management Team as Director of Studies. Before moving to Fettes, Lynden spent two years as Head of Science at Scarborough College. He has a keen interest in football, following his beloved Liverpool and though raised in Lincolnshire, is an ardent Scotland supporter, having been bribed throughout his early years by his Scottish father.
Mr David Goude graduated in Chemistry from Nottingham University in 1974. After spending a further three years at Nottingham researching into the reactions of liquid alkali metals he moved to Leeds University where he gained his PGCE. He came to Fettes College in 1978 with the intention of spending a couple of years experiencing teaching in Scotland. Somehow he keeps forgetting to leave. In addition to his teaching commitments he is the school's Examinations Officer.
He devotes much of his limited spare time to refurbishing his cottage (a partially converted farm granary) but when he is released from this he enjoys sailing and yomping the Yorkshire moors (provided there is a good pub at the end of the trail). He has an extensive video and DVD collection and is very proud of the fact that it contains nothing made by Disney!
Mrs Eva Young studied Applied Chemistry at the Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh where she graduated with a first-class degree in 1969. For the next few years she worked for Shell Research in Manchester, developing new uses for plastics. On getting married, she moved back to Scotland where she completed her Teaching Certificate for Secondary Education at Moray House, Edinburgh. She began her teaching career at Kirkcaldy High School, then took a rather prolonged career break to bring up her two children. In the late 1980s she began part-time teaching again and in 1993, she took up her teaching post at Fettes College. Apart from teaching Chemistry and Science, Eva helps out with Careers. She enjoys cooking, gardening and creative crafts.
Dr Kate Fairbairn started teaching at Fettes in September 2006. She is originally from Lichfield in Staffordshire, but arrived in Edinburgh in 1996 to study chemistry at the University of Edinburgh. After finishing her BSc Kate went on to complete a PhD in inorganic chemistry, researching the extraction of metal salts. During her PhD Kate enjoyed working along side various industrial chemists. Following her PhD she then completed her PGCE and has since worked at Bannockburn High School, where she helped introduce the Eco Schools Scheme and an after school science club for younger students. Apart from teaching Chemistry and Science, Kate is a tutor in College East and helps out with U14 girls hockey. Kate enjoys spending her free time hill walking, camping, skiing, playing tennis and travelling.
Mrs Val Murray worked for 13 years as an Analytical Chemist in the QA Department of Macfarlan Smith Ltd, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. During this time Val studied at Napier University, graduating in Chemistry in 1984. Later she gained Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Chartered Chemist status. After a career break, Val joined Fettes in 1994 as Chemistry Laboratory Technician. She is responsible for the day to day running of the Prep Room and is involved in the setting up of practicals for new courses. Val‘s hobbies include gardening, D.I.Y. and watching her son playing football. The latter has certainly helped Val in the College Fantasy Football League.
Miss Sarah-Jane Rennie studied Natural Science at the
