Dr Keith D. Thomson

Skrine's 1961-1965

Could there be a more beautifully situated school than Glenalmond College with such a dramatic backdrop provided by the Scottish Highlands and a salmon river running by?

Four years at Coll with its daily chapel services, excellent teaching and sporting facilities not only gave me a great sense of self sufficiency but an unforgettable experience of important aspects of community living especially learning to consider and serving the needs of others which I feel has helped shape who I am today.

I particularly enjoyed Saturdays in the Summer terms when I was not involved in sporting activities (Cricket or Shooting) and could take to the hills on my bicycle armed only with my fishing rod, reel, flies and some sandwiches or a tin of baked beans (sometimes even eaten cold!). The names Tullybelton, the Sma Glen, the River Braan all bring back memories of a bygone carefree era for me. Of too slight a build I was never a formidable rugby player but I did enjoy tackling - the height of my rugby career was once having to mark John Frame, who later played for Scotland,in a house rugby match.

I am the proud parent of two OGs: Rebecca (Lothian 1996-2000) pictured with me above and Duncan (1997-2002). I could not have wished for a better education in the broadest sense for either of them.

Keith is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust. For the last 20 years he has volunteered for a few weeks annually as an anaesthetist on board Mercy Ships and has visited ten different African countries in this work. He is now Vice Chair of Mercy Ships UK. Since 2007 he has also organised anaesthetic and midwifery conferences in Africa. Read about his adventures on: www.africansmiles.co.uk