Merchistonian Newsletter
January 2026
Happy New Year to all our readers!
We are excited to bring you the first Merchistonian newsletter of 2026: read on about achievements, updates, and stories from across our community
In this edition, you will find out more about the latest sporting successes, new facilities at Merchiston, and inspiring alumni making their mark in research and beyond We hope these stories will keep you connected to the vibrant life of Merchiston and its wider family
Merchistonian Wins National Science Communication Award
The Merchistonian community is celebrating a recent success by Johnny Tam (MCS 2005-2013), who has won the Medical Research Council (MRC) Max Perutz Award for Science Communication in the video category.
The award challenges MRC PhD students from across the UK to explain why their research matters to a nonscientific audience. Entrants must do so in a 60-second, YouTube Short–style video.
Johnny’s winning video was published in The Observer and is also available to view on YouTube. His research focuses on motor neurone disease (MND), a devastating condition that progressively robs people of their strength and their ability to speak. His work is funded by the MRC’s Clinical Research Training Fellowship
Using speech technology, Johnny’s research aims to empower patients, improve clinical care, and accelerate research towards future treatments This achievement is particularly relevant to the Merchistonian community, given the school’s strong links with rugby and ongoing motor neurone disease fundraising efforts Johnny hopes the video will raise awareness of MND and show how science communication can make complex research accessible to a wider audience.
29.01.26
The Merchistonian Club is seeking any copies of a series of three picture books produced by the late Dave Stranock, a former teacher at the school
One of these books is believed to contain photographs of sport at Merchiston. If any members hold copies of these publications, or have further information about them, the Club would be very grateful to hear from you
Please contact the Merchistonian Club if you can help.
Merchistonian Johannus Monday Shines at Nottingham Challenger
Merchistonian Johannus Monday kicked off his 2026 season in strong fashion at the Lexus Nottingham Challenger, finishing runner-up in the singles event at this major British professional tennis tournament.
Seeded No. 1 in the draw, Johannus dropped only one set on his way to the final, where he faced France’s Clément Chidekh in a thrilling threeset match. After winning the first set, Johannus was narrowly defeated 5-7, 6-2, 7-6(5) in a contest that lasted nearly three hours.
With this result, Johannus rises to No 218 in the ATP singles rankings, nearing his career-high position of No 211
It was an excellent start to the year on home soil for Johannus His performance at Nottingham demonstrates both his talent and his growing presence on the professional circuit
Merchiston Golf Centre
We are delighted to announce the opening of the new Golf Centre at Merchiston
The facility features two state‐of‐the‐art golf simulator rooms, fitted by Foresight Sports, bringing cutting‐edge technology to our coaching and practice provision.
The new simulators were generously sponsored by a Merchistonian family, whose support has helped make this project possible. Their contribution reflects a strong commitment to the development of sports at Merchiston. We are also honoured to welcome Merchistonian Cameron Adam (MCS 2015-2021) to perform the official ribbon‐cutting ceremony, marking the centre’s formal opening The Golf Centre will enrich the sporting experience for pupils of all abilities and will be a wonderful resource for the whole school community
Obituaries
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of the following Merchistonians:
Mr Deans to Leave Merchiston at the
End of Term
Merchiston will bid farewell at the end of this term to Roddy Deans, Director of Rugby, who will be leaving the school to take up a new role with the Scottish Rugby Union.
Roddy has been a central figure in Merchiston rugby for the past twelve years. During that time, he has been an outstanding leader and a true custodian of the school’s rich rugby tradition.
Beyond his many professional achievements, he will be remembered for the relationships he has built and the values he has instilled across the programme Under Roddy’s leadership, Merchiston rugby has gone from strength to strength He leaves the programme in a stronger position than he found it, having laid firm foundations that ensure continuity, clarity, and confidence as the school moves into its next chapter
Rugby will continue to thrive at Merchiston. The strength of the programme lies in its shared values, strong systems, committed staff, and a culture that develops boys not only as players, but as teammates and young men.
The Merchiston community extends its sincere thanks to Roddy for his exceptional contribution and wishes him every success in his new role.
You can read here the letter written to the Community by Mr Deans
We’re thrilled to send our best wishes to Merchstonians Grant Hardie (MCS 2005-2010) and Hammy McMillan (MCS 20042010), who are representing Team GB at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina as key members of the men’s curling squad
Nearly four years on from Beijing, the team is focused on going one better and bringing home Olympic gold - the one medal still missing from their impressive list of honours.
From everyone at Merchiston, we’re behind you all the way.
Good luck, Grant and Hammybring that gold home!