Teacher; Born August 7, 1940; Died January 2, 2007 Alastair McLachlan was educated at Glasgow High School before attending Glasgow University to study philosophy and English literature. In 1962 he graduated MA (Hons) and sought a career in teaching where it soon became apparent that he was a man of talent, a superb communicator, a motivator and a person of high moral values.
Alastair was appointed to the English department at Knightswood Secondary School before becoming principal teacher of English at Hillhead High School; moving on to Jordanhill College of Education where he lectured for three years. He returned to Knightswood Secondary as assistant head.
Promotion followed with his appointment as depute head of King's Park School. His organisational skills were witnessed as he produced stage shows in these schools worthy of a wider audience. In 1988 Lornshill beckoned with the post of rector where he remained until his retirement in 2003. He left his mark with the staff, pupils and parents. His attention to detail, sound advice, counselling and quiet yet firm control of all matters relating to improvements at Lornshill were evident.
Alastair was not all work and no play. Awarded a tennis blue at Glasgow University, he participated in many tennis tournaments with more than a modicum of success. A favourite event was Crieff Hydro Tennis Week which he supported for many years accompanied by his family and friends. After tennis he found great pleasure in golf. He was a member of Erskine Golf Club before moving to Callander where he was invited to be vice-captain of the club. Sadly, illness prevented him from fulfilling this post. He was captain of Islay Golf Club in 1994, where a particular love of his and his family was the Killdalton Cross week. Always happy to be in the company of children, he instigated the Kilnaughton Beach Olympic Games where adults and children alike strove for gold.
The works of Robert Burns had a great influence on Alastair and he became a much sought-after speaker at Burns suppers and other events due to his talent as an orator. Music also played a large part in Alastair's life. A competent pianist and fine singer, he was a member of the Callander Kirk choir where his appointment as an elder came as no surprise. He had a deep Christian faith which sustained him throughout his life.
The Callander Youth Project, founded in 1997, played an important role in his life. Alastair was a founder trustee of the project, initiated to develop and run activities with and for young people to raise their quality of life by providing new opportunities for their involvement in the wider community and to enhance their personal and social development.
Alastair was happiest with his family around him. Married to Anne in 1983, they were parents to Fraser and Kirsten. A devoted father, his influence was clear to see.
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