Was what you are doing now (either career or hobby) inspired by your time (or a teacher) at Ardvreck?  

Absolutely!! I didn’t actually realise, while at Ardvreck, that I wanted acting to be my career. All I knew was that I loved it.  Mrs Cameron was in charge of all the school plays while I was there and she was brilliant. She took a huge risk and cast me as Smee in ‘Peter Pan’. Being the comic relief character was enormous fun and my first main part in a school play. Entertaining people and making them laugh (trying too) while on stage was a brilliant feeling. Mrs Cameron then, to my complete shock, awarded me my Drama colours in assembly on the following Monday. These were my first colours. Again, at the point in time I had no idea that I wanted acting to be my job, but it was a nice little nudge in the right direction. All I knew was it made me happy and was so much fun. 

What is your overriding memory of your time at the school?

Under 9’s Rugby 2004 – Mr Gibson giving me a hug after I scored my first ever try against Craigclowan and telling me I would be Captain for the next match. My father was watching. 

What do you think sets an Ardvreckian apart from the crowd?

The inspiring leadership an Ardvreckian receives, in all aspects, during their years at Ardvreck allows each child be who they desire to be and not what they assume they should be. An Ardvreckian’s individuality is admired and they are encouraged and able to be themselves. Being an Ardvreckian inspires you later on in life to appreciate your surroundings and realise how lucky you are too have grown up in such a special place. Creativity outside of the classroom is always encouraged. I don’t know another school that encourages pupils to build dens out of whatever they find on the ground or build dams out of nothing but mud and rocks.