Obituary: Ian Balfour Paul, 94, former school master

TRIBUTES have been paid to Ian Balfour Paul, a military cross recipient and former schoolmaster of Merchiston Castle school, who has died at the age of 94.

Mr Paul enjoyed 51 years at the school from 1939 until 1990, initially teaching biology before going on to become housemaster and then schoolmaster.

Mr Paul, who was affectionately know as "BP", devoted his life to teaching at the school, where his interests in naturalism, ornithology, photography, scouting and philosophy inspired his pupils to follow their hobbies and interests.

Former pupil, close friend and RSPB conservation officer Mike Fraser fondly remembered his mentor, and said: "With his likable character and tremendous sense of humour, there is no doubt that "BP" influenced the interests and attitudes of generations of schoolboys, and many other people.

"He certainly provided them with an appreciation of birds and the natural world that they might otherwise have lacked. In my own case, birds have been my main interest and career since leaving school.

"I will always be grateful to BP for the encouragement and guidance that he gave me in my school days, and for his friendship for the rest of his life."

Born in Bournemouth in 1916 and educated at the Wellington College and Pembroke College, Cambridge, Mr Paul began teaching at the Merchiston Castle school in 1939, turning his back on the military career his father had intended for him.

However, in the same year as starting at the school he was called up to fight in the war.

After initially being assigned to serve with the Royal engineers, his intelligence and leadership skills soon saw him seconded to one of the military's most important regiments, the GHQ liaison regiment, which was popularly known as "phantom".

After rising to the rank of Captain, he received the military cross for distinguished service in the North West European campaign, passing on important tactical information to progress allied operations.

After the war he returned to the school where he would remain for another 45 years.

In that time the keen ornithologist began the bird club at Merchiston and was a loyal supporter of the Scottish Ornithologists' club, where he is fondly remembered as a founding member and mentor to many keen followers.

A bachelor, he nevertheless leaves behind many family and friends who remembered his love and affection greatly.

Mr Paul's nephew-in-law, the Rev Malcolm Ramsay, gave a tribute at his funeral, saying: "He was one of those rare people who had the gift of making a very large number of people all think they had a friendship with him which was special, unique, perhaps exclusive."