Death of former Academy rector

Jul 2 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

HIGHLY regarded former Perth Academy rector Neil McCorkindale passed away this week at Ochil Nursing Home in his adopted city. He was 88.

Mr McCorkindale cut an imposing figure during his 16-year tenure at the Perth secondary from 1970 until his retiral in 1986, steering the school through the controversial introduction of comprehensive education.

Under his guiding hand the Academy regularly featured among Scotland’s top 10 best performing schools.

He succeeded John Kerr in the role, having previously been rector of Ayr Academy.

In his first teaching post, he had been an assistant mathematics teacher at the Academy from 1950 to 1953. That sowed the seeds of a long-term commitment to the school, staff and pupils – and the city of Perth.

He played an active role in community life. Mr McCorkindale’s commitment to Cancer Research saw him made honorary president of the Perth and District branch and in 2007 he was awarded the national charity’s ‘Flame of Hope’ for his outstanding contribution over nearly 40 years. He was also made a UK honorary fellow.

A long-time elder of St Matthew’s Church, he was a member of the Rotary Club of Perth, the High Constables and Perth Probus.

Mr McCorkindale enjoyed close links with the Boys’ Brigade, the Gannochy Trust, Perth Festival of the Arts and the Perth Prison parole board, in addition to national ties to various educational bodies.

He was one of seven children and grew up on farms near Campbeltown and Dunoon. He recalled walking four miles to Inverchaolin Primary School before lodging during his years at Dunoon Grammar School.

Mr McCorkindale went on to Glasgow University, taking a war degree in maths, political economy and physics before his radar and telecommunications skills were harnessed by the Fleet Air Arm.

Post-war he graduated with an honours degree in maths and astronomy and also spent time at Jordanhill before moving into teaching.

After his first spell at the Academy, Mr McCorkindale became principal teacher of mathematics at Nairn Academy before assuming a similar post at Elgin Academy. He was appointed rector at Rothesay Academy in 1961 and a move to Ayr followed four years later.

Former pupils and staff recall ‘Corky’ being regarded with a healthy mix of fear and respect. Senior pupils responsible for daubing “Corky’s Club for Cool Cats” on an Academy wall during an end of term prank would not have been tempted to own up, even many years later!

Blessed with a remarkable memory for names and faces, he took a keen interest in the progress of staff and former pupils alike, long after retiring from the Academy.

Always eager to bring out the best in youngsters, whether in academic, sporting or cultural fields, current pupils are still encouraged to compete for the Neil McCorkindale creative writing prize.

A keen bridge player and devoted gardener, Mr McCorkindale, Hamilton Place, was pre-deceased by his wife Jean in 2006 and is survived by daughters Jane and Fiona.

The funeral will be held at St Matthew’s Church on Tuesday at 3pm followed by a service at Perth Crematorium.