Thomas
Carlyle

Writer

A great writer, thinker and historian. Thomas was a master at the school between 1816 and 1818. He eventually moved to Edinburgh and then to London where he wrote on many topics and mixed with literary greats such as Dickens, Tennyson and Elizabeth & Robert  Browning. He also became Rector of Edinburgh University where he had studied earlier in his life. (more)

Thom
Young

Law

Many Kirkcaldy High pupils have gone on to successful careers in the law. Thom is a good example. After a spell as a university lecturer and time spent working in a legal practice, he set up his own law firm which proved very successful. Thom, who is a specialist in Employment Law, recently co-founded a new firm called Worklegal which is based in Fife.

Robert
Adam

Architect

The famous architect, Robert Adam, was a pupil at Kirkcaldy Burgh School before it became the High School. He became not only a brilliant architect but also a greatly talented interior designer and furniture maker. Robert was born almost 300 years ago but he had a very open mind and travelled all over Europe to study buildings and design. (more)

Bill
Raeper

Writer

Bill was a highly talented individual who not only starred in the school's 1976 production of Oliver! but also gained enough 'A' passes to be accepted for Oxford University. He went on to become a successful academic and respected writer before he tragically died in an air crash in 1992. Many warm tributes were published following Bill's death.

Anne

Gourlay

Business

Over the years, Anne has spent a lot of time living abroad thanks to her work in international finance. She is now back in Scotland working with RBS.  Anne is also one of the founders of a new and imaginative company which encourages networking between women in senior jobs while supporting a range of charity and mentoring projects.

Bob
Barclay

Music

Music became a life-long interest of Bob's after he was given piano lessons while still at primary school. He enjoyed the subject in secondary and went on to complete a degree in music at Edinburgh University. After this he became a music teacher himself. Bob has performed many great works and until recently was the musical director of Kirkcaldy Choral Union.

Prof. Bruce
Shawyer

Maths

Bruce showed a talent for Maths at school and went on to complete both a degree and a PhD at St Andrews University. This opened the door to a career as a university lecturer. Bruce has worked at universities in England, Canada and Germany. He is now a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Newfoundland. (more)

George
Smuga

Education

George is one of many former pupils to enjoy a successful career in education. He went to Edinburgh University before becoming a Modern Studies teacher. George was subsequently promoted to a number of important posts and is now Head Teacher of the Royal High School in Edinburgh.

George
Bain

Artist

A very talented artist who fought bravely in the First World War before returning to Scotland to take up the post of Principal Teacher of Art at the school. He remained in the post until he retired in 1949. George loved and wrote books on Celtic art. Indeed, he became widely known as the 'father of modern Celtic design'.