Tributes have been paid to Neil McCorkindale, former rector of Perth Academy and a teacher known to generations.
He died at the weekend at the Ochil Care Home in Perth, aged 88.
Mr McCorkindale is perhaps best known as the rector of Perth Academy from 1970 to 1986, during which time he saw a great deal of change within the Scottish education system.
Feared and respected in equal measure by pupils, Mr McCorkindale was known affectionately as ‘Corky’ although not perhaps within earshot.
He was a lifelong supporter of the town’s youth, whether through education or activities, clubs and organisations
His legacy will continue as pupils at Perth secondary schools compete annually for the Neil McCorkindale creative writing prize.
Mr McCorkindale was also a dedicated fund-raiser. In 2007 he was recognised at Cancer Research UK’s Flame Of Hope Awards for outstanding contribution over what was then 36 years.
He was named a Cancer Research UK honorary fellow for the loyalty and dedication had had shown to the charity.
Mr McCorkindale joined the Perth and District committee in 1971 and became its honorary president.CulturalIndeed, he was interested in all of the town’s cultural activities, in particular music.
He was often seen at concerts and recitals and was a long-time supporter of Perth Youth Orchestra.
Yesterday George K. McMillan, an ex-assistant rector at the academy, described Mr McCorkindale as “one of Scotland’s unsung heroes.”
Mr McMillan said, “Mr McCorkindale was a headmaster of the first order, presiding over a school that became a byword for excellence.
“In every sphere academic, sports, music, art, drama Perth Academy in his day led the field and the school was rated among the top 10 in Scotland.”
He added, “Staff were given such solid support by him that discipline problems were almost non-existent and teachers and pupils enjoyed a happy rapport conducive to bringing out the best in Perth’s young students.
“As well as being successful, Mr McCorkindale must have been one of the most hard-working and conscientious headmasters in the country, spending many of his evenings and a substantial amount of his weekends and vacations attending to administration, following the fortunes of the sports teams and supporting the many social, musical and drama evenings organised by staff.
“He even escorted school parties on excursions abroad.”WelfareMr McMillan said, “He dealt even-handedly with everybody, from pupils to staff, parents to education officials, always putting the welfare of pupils, staff and school first.
“Most importantly of all, Mr McCorkindale held back the flood of constantly changing innovations that eventually overwhelmed Scottish secondary schools, adapting and compromising so successfully that Perth Academy survived the downward trend of most Scottish comprehensives until his retiral in 1986.”
He added, “A great headmaster, a great man, largely unrecognised by authority, Neil McCorkindale will be sadly missed by all who knew and respected him, including staff, pupils, parents and family.”
Perth and Kinross Council lifelong learning convener Councillor Liz Grant said, “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Neil McCorkindale, who was a well-known figure in local education for many years.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Married to the late Jean, Mr McCorkindale is survived by daughters Jane and Fiona.
A funeral will be held at St Matthew’s Church, Perth, on Tuesday at 3pm.