The Development Team is sad to announce the passing of Former Pupil James Scott Duncan (1963). His friend, Adrian Ford has written a few words about him below. 

James Scott Duncan

1945 – 2025

Scott Duncan was a ‘private person.’ In retrospect, I can see and hear him more clearly. Never boastful; reticent in talking about himself or his private life, but keen to be a lively contributor in any group he may be part of. He spoke often but also paid attention to others. He had opinions but was not self-opinionated.

Scott and I first met when he came to Heriot’s School at age twelve – the first year of senior school. We were in class 1C, distinguished from the other first-year classes (except 1D) in that we studied French as our one foreign language - interesting in that much later in life he lived in and loved rural France.

Born in the ‘Kingdom of Fife’, coming into a large Edinburgh secondary school must have been a daunting prospect for a twelve-year-old. However, rugby became where his fighting spirit may have been born. He was a very skilled and competitive wing-forward with an ‘uncompromising’ hand-off that shook up many an opponent. Rugby was always one of his passions whether playing or watching. Doug McCallum, Ian McCallum and I practised and played rugby both with and against Scott over the years.

After doing our final exams, we both went to Edinburgh University, but Scott did Maths and Physics and I, Geography. We did not see much of each other although Scott often joined me at my home village of Currie where he seamlessly joined into my social group there.

Career and family commitments led us to various parts of the UK and Europe and our contact diminished. However, we remained in touch and when we ‘retired’ Scott and I joined Ian and Doug McCallum, meeting in various places in the south of England. Scott was always keen to jump on a train to meet up in Salisbury, Winchester or Fleet. I believe we became closer over these last few years, building on our strongest bond – being Heriot Former Pupils.

Scott was a generous man, of money and time. He consistently supported Heriot’s June Day and other functions and celebrations but unfortunately was too ill to attend this year’s special service at St Martin-in-the-Fields. Yet he endeavoured in his latter months to attend every Heriot event in and around London.

I was part of one of the many groups that met with Scott regularly. This exemplifies his character and the enduring legacy he will leave behind. Scott lived up to his Christian name – a true, talented, well-travelled, much-loved and kind Scottish Gentleman.

His absence will be deeply felt.

Adrian Ford