Neil A R Robertson
House and Years at Fettes:
Junior – Moredun 1973 - 1980
Qualifications and career:
Solicitor, England & Wales; Avocat, France.
1985-90: Ashurst, London
1990-94: Coudert Frères, Paris
1994- Carreras, Barsikian, Robertson & Associés, Paris
Founder shareholder and director of a driving range and golf course.
Director of a professional rugby club in the Top 14 (Brive).
Vice-President of the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
What is your most cherished memory from your time at Fettes?
Playing 1st XV rugby; 3-3 draw against a Glenalmond side of which David Sole was the Captain.
And your least?
Attending a friend’s funeral who died at Fettes.
What event or personality left a lasting impression on you?
Many events (such as those mentioned above) and the following personalities: The Headman, Mr Chenevix-Trench; Teachers, Nicolas Ridley and Kate Eveling.
Were you awarded a scholarship at Fettes and, if so, what did it mean to you?
Yes. And I was one of the first day boys at the senior school. Otherwise, I would have gone to the Edinburgh Academy after the junior school as my parents could not afford the boarding fees.
Were you a conscientious student?
Not sufficiently! If I had received an A grade in my Spanish A-level, Nick Ridley and Kate Eveling would have done their first sweep! If I had worked a bit harder, I might have made it to Cambridge...
Outside the classroom, how did you spend your free time at Fettes?
Apis Press: printing invitations and cards; Farrago: editor of the school newspaper; Drama: putting on a play with Tilda Swinton in the Fringe Festival (“Dogs Hamlet, Cahoots Macbeth”); playing as much sport as possible; chasing Fettesiennes! Attending classical music concerts; gossiping with my piano teacher during lessons (because we both knew I was never going to be any good!)..
