ALEC MUNRO

Alexander Munro, FEIS, Headteacher of Robert Douglas Memorial School, Scone from 1973 until 1991 has died at his home in Lewis. Alex Munro was a committed member of the Institute and an activist with an enormously distinguished pedigree. He had served as a member of the Local Association Executives of Clackmannan, Old Deer and Perth and Kinross almost continuously from 1954 until his retirement in 1991. He had been Perth and Kinross local association President in 1976- 77 and the first President of Tayside Regional executive from 1974-76. Alex was a member of the Council of the Institute from 1981-90 and of its Law and Tenure Committee.

Alex Munro was a formidable figure, a man of stature both physically and in personality. He
represented the very best of Hebridean stock and brought to his outstanding professional career a passionate belief in equality of opportunity for all and a pride in every aspect of educational
achievement. Everyone he encountered in his professional life, whether pupils, parents or colleagues, was treated with scrupulous fairness but he would yield to no one if he felt that that person might be interfering ill-advisedly. Alex feared no-one. He would as easily administer a dressing-down to a Director of Education as to a pupil guilty of some misdemeanour and either would long remember having crossed him. He had scant respect for the 'latest' educational theory or fashionable nostrum if it was impracticable in the world of the classroom and his dismissal of such would be delivered with such magisterial contempt that few, if any, would dare argue.

If this paints a picture of a type of Headteacher now largely extinct in this country, that may well be accurate. It would equally be true to say that education is poorer without figures of such unshakeable integrity. Moreover, Alex's patrician exterior hid a man with a warm if mischievous sense of humour who enjoyed the company of others, especially if accompanied by a fine malt whisky. Staff nights out or EIS functions with Alex are remembered with warmth and affection.

Alex built a school which epitomised the equality, excellence and opportunity that many politicians espouse but have less idea how to deliver. He achieved this through his trust in other professionals, his sound judgment of character in both adults and young people, his personality, his courage and his integrity. All those who knew Alex respected and admired him hugely. They will sorely miss him and mourn his passing.