James (Jim) Carson

During my years as a pupil, initially at Hillhead Primary School (1948-1955) and latterly at Hillhead High School (1955-1961), I had the privilege of being taught by many excellent teachers. Yet even within their number, a small group stood out as being absolutely superb. Jim Carson was one of that group. He ‘lived and breathed’ his subject and his enthusiasm for it knew no bounds. With a quiet classroom manner, he held the rapt attention of his students all of whom were impressed not only by his erudition but also by his genuine and evident concern for their progress. He will be remembered fondly.
I particularly recall his telling us that if ever we had to select a geographical area as the topic for a written study then we should always choose an island because it was self-defining and its boundaries did not have to be justified. More than a quarter of a century after I left school, my son had to produce such a study for the Higher Geography course. I remembered what Jim had said, so my son and I headed to Bute to do some research.
Lunching with Jim a month or so later, I told him how his advice was now being used and appreciated by a new generation. He seemed pleased.
Ronald (Ronnie) Nicolson.