Duncan Munro joined the EIS in 1987 and was active in the Perth & Kinross Local Association from the mid nineties. He was President of the Local Association in 2004 and again in 2008 and served as his school as EIS representative for fourteen years. He was a key local negotiator, especially in matters related to secondary education and had served on the JNCT and its working groups as a teacher representative since its inception in 2002. He was also a stalwart representative for the Local Association at EIS Annual General Meetings over many years.
Duncan was a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher who did more than was required of him and this was shown through his work and service to the E.I.S. There are those in education that see the bigger picture and think of others more than themselves and Duncan was such a man. He was someone who was not afraid to express his deeply held views whether he was talking to a colleague in school or the Director of Education. He could be relied upon to express the concerns of ordinary, classroom teachers in a manner that commanded respect. This approach was based upon his deeply held beliefs of fairness and equality which are reflected in the way he was regarded by those who knew him best. Lorna Dobbins, his Head Teacher at Pitlochry High School, where Duncan was Principal Teacher of Art & Design writes:
The lasting legacy which Duncan Munro has left in Pitlochry High School is that the Art Department was a place where pupils, former pupils and staff felt welcome at all times. Pupils felt that he looked out for them, that they could relax and that he involved them in such a way that they gave of their best. The numbers choosing Art and Design were double the national average and this was simply due to his teaching style and ability. He inspired pupils. They found in him an excellent teacher, a good listener, someone who could make them believe in their own ability and who supported their delicate emerging talents.
Former pupils returned to the school every year. They felt welcome and knew they had come back to the source of the inspiration which had fired their future dreams. Last year, Duncan had four former pupils getting advice, completing portfolios and generally gaining in confidence, ready to face the challenges of higher education studying art.
A fitting memorial to Duncan can be summed up in the words of the Head Boy and Head Girl at prize-giving, just two days after Duncan’s death:
“And finally, a special thanks to a great teacher, who has made Pitlochry so unique and fun. From his best friend, his red coffee mug, to his distinctive style of ties, to his writing that no-one could ever read. He had a great impact on each and every one of us through his enthusiasm for art, his humour and his compassion to everyone he taught. He was a friend to us more than a teacher and will be missed by staff and pupils alike. Rest in peace Mr Munro, God bless.”
As a member of staff, Duncan was a good friend and a loyal colleague, who accepted everyone, offered sensible and practical advice, kept abreast of local and national developments, was alert to current issues and always knew just where and when to seek further advice. He had been the EIS representative for the past 14 years and as such he offered support to everyone, not just those in the EIS.
Duncan touched our lives in Pitlochry High in so many ways and we are so much the richer for having shared part of our teaching career with him.
However, it is Duncan the person that we, in the Local Association, shall miss the most. He was a man with a wicked sense of humour and wonderful smile. Whenever anyone met with Duncan they walked away with a smile on their own face, no matter how glum they had been feeling beforehand. Even when he complained about other people or events, he always had a twinkle in his eye that assured you he was not really upset or taking things too seriously. It will be at E.I.S. social events where his friends on the Executive Committee will really miss his good humour, wit and sense of fun. Whether it was at a dinner to mark someone’s retirement from the E.I.S. or meals out after a day at the A.G.M. we were all guaranteed to enjoy these events in his company and these times will never be quite the same again.
The E.I.S. has lost an activist who cared deeply for Scottish Education, the pupils he taught, his colleagues he worked beside and his friends in the Local Association. We shall miss his common sense, his passion for what he believed to be right and his insight. Duncan’s contribution to the E.I.S. locally will leave a lasting mark for many years to come.
