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.
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.
