Assistant Master: Ian Balfour Paul
(1916-2010). Assistant Master, Assistant Housemaster, Housemaster, Orraman (“extra man” in Scots gaelic).
“Born in Bournemouth in 1916 and educated at the Wellington College and Pembroke College, Cambridge, Mr Paul began teaching at the Merchiston Castle school in 1939, turning his back on the military career his father had intended for him. However, in the same year as starting at the school he was called up to fight in the war. After initially being assigned to serve with the Royal engineers, his intelligence and leadership skills soon saw him seconded to one of the military’s most important regiments, the GHQ liaison regiment, which was popularly known as “phantom”. After rising to the rank of Captain, he received the military cross for distinguished service in the North West European campaign, passing on important tactical information to progress allied operations. After the war he returned to the school where he would remain for another 45 years.”—Obituary in The Scotsman (8 July 2010)
Ian Balfour Paul obituary
Ian Balfour Paul, who has died aged 94, devoted 51 very fulfilling years to Merchiston Castle school, Edinburgh, as a housemaster, schoolmaster and self-styled odd-job man. “BP” was held in affection by the whole Merchiston community and was the inspiration for many future careers.
Obituary: Ian Balfour Paul
The third of the four sons of John William Balfour Paul and Muriel Monteith, Ian Valentine Balfour Paul was born in 1916 in Bournemouth and educated at Wellington College and Pembroke College, Cambridge…He had the gift of making people think they had a friendship with him that was special, unique, perhaps even exclusive, and a love of words and wit…There are many boys whose best memories of Merchiston will be the annual Scout camp at Blakerstone in Berwickshire, the Christmas ski parties on the Continent or the birdwatching and ringing expeditions in Scotland, Denmark and Scandinavia.
Obituary: Ian Balfour-Paul
Ian Balfour Paul, who has died aged 94, served with the “Phantoms” and won an MC for his bravery in the battles of Normandy, Walcheren and the Rhine Crossing; a gifted schoolmaster, he had a profound influence on generations of pupils…He was a lifelong bachelor, but loved the company of women. He was childless, yet he was wonderful with children….Ian Balfour Paul had a deep Christian faith which found expression in his zest for life and in many acts of kindness.
Obituary: Ian Balfour Paul, 94, former school master
Mr Paul enjoyed 51 years at the school from 1939 until 1990, initially teaching biology before going on to become housemaster and then schoolmaster. Mr Paul, who was affectionately know as “BP”, devoted his life to teaching at the school, where his interests in naturalism, ornithology, photography, scouting and philosophy inspired his pupils to follow their hobbies and interests.
Obituary: Ian Balfour Paul, MC
After the war, Ian devoted the rest of his life to Merchiston Castle School, where he taught biology, became a housemaster, continued teaching until 1971 and remained closely involved in school life for very many years afterwards. He had a profound influence on generations of pupils. He loved travelling, had a very cosmopolitan outlook, never married but loved the company of women and was much loved by nieces, nephews and god-children. Ian had a deep Christian faith which found expression in his infectious zest for life.
Ian Balfour Paul Obituary
BALFOUR PAUL Ian (Gatehouse of Fleet) Peacefully, in Dumfries Infirmary, on June 16, 2010, Ian, aged 94, dearly loved brother, uncle, family member, friend and cherished school master at Merchiston Castle School for 51 years.
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