At the recently concluded Winter Olympics in Italy, Team GB secured a hard-fought silver medal in the men’s curling final, narrowly losing 6–9 to Canada. On the ice were two familiar names: Hammy McMillan Jr and Grant Hardie, both members of the Class of 2010 at Merchiston Castle School.
This marks their second consecutive Olympic silver, following their podium finish in Beijing. In the years between, Team Mouat has established itself as a dominant force in men’s curling, capturing two World Championship titles, multiple European crowns, and a record 12 Grand Slam victories. Sustained excellence at this level reflects not only individual talent, but also the strength of the environment in which that talent was first nurtured.
First, sport at Merchiston is embedded in the fabric of school life. It is supported by professional coaching, structured performance pathways, and significant investment in facilities and competition. In the myriad of sporting options available, pupils are given the opportunity to train seriously and compete at a high level from an early age.
Second, the School promotes a culture where academic and sporting ambition coexist. Discipline, resilience, teamwork and time management developed through sport reinforce classroom achievement rather than compete with it. The result is graduates who excel across multiple domains and carry those habits of excellence into adult life.
Equally important is a committed and aligned staff body. Teachers and coaches share a long-term vision for pupil development, working closely with families to ensure that expectations, support and aspiration move in the same direction. Over time, that consistency produces depth and breadth of achievement across disciplines — academic, sporting, artistic and leadership alike.
For two alumni to stand on the Olympic podium is both an honour and a responsibility. It affirms that when a school is guided by a clear vision, sustained professional investment and consistent execution, excellence is no accident.
From its heritage in Edinburgh to its growth in Shenzhen, the spirit of sport and the pursuit of academic distinction continue to define the Merchiston ethos. Rooted in a warm, holistic educational culture, the School seeks to unlock the full potential of every learner. Alongside securing back-to-back Grand Slam titles in national youth golf competitions in China, Merchiston remains committed to advancing sporting excellence, carrying forward a proud tradition while investing further in youth athletic development.
We will continue to strengthen our training infrastructure, expand access to international competition, and uphold rigorous academic standards within a genuinely supportive, all-round educational environment. We believe education should never impose limits. Whether in the laboratory, on the stage, or on the Olympic ice, every student deserves the opportunity to strive for distinction.
An Olympic silver medal is a milestone — and a new starting point in the lifelong journey of Merchiston pupils.
Built for the future, Merchiston will continue to provide every student with a stage worthy of their ambitions.
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