Black History Month - George Laing (Class of 1971)

George shares his memories of his time at Watson’s before he returned to Ghana where he was the first man to host a children’s TV show.

My Time at Watson’s

By George Laing

I will always remember the first time my late sister Mary and I entered the front grounds of George Watson’s Boys College, as it was known then.

The lawn was immaculately kept. The school building itself wasn’t new but had an ageless, imposing look and feel about it. It had definitely worn its age gracefully and left an indelible impression on both of us.
Inside the school at the impressive reception area, marble floors, walls, pillars and a staircase impressed me further. There was an ambience of quality, discipline and learning, coupled with a classy beauty.

Meeting Mr Young the friendly deep baritone-voiced headmaster confirmed the receptive welcoming I always received at Watson’s. He wished me well and urged me to work hard and pave the way for other blacks to be admitted into Watson’s. 

After going through admission formalities, my sister and I headed for the shop that sold the iconic Watson's uniform, maroon remains one of my favourite colours.

The first day in school, in my new impressive uniform, filled me with expectant nervousness. I was the only black student among a school of 1,700 boys! Fortunately, my primary school in Ghana, Ridge Church School, was an international school where I had classmates from England, Scotland, other European countries as well as Indians, Lebanese and Syrian nationals.

In no time at all, I had made friends with most of my classmates.

There was Andrew Kirby aka Kath, after Kathy Kirby the singer, Douglas McCall aka Dougs, David Calder, whom I met after his pleasantly surprising visit a number of years ago to Ghana. Norman Locke, aka Noddy, David Paterson aka Pee, he was shorter than most of us, and many others.

We all featured in the centenary musical celebrations at the music school. I was the MC! Kathy Kerby’s classical guitar presentation was memorable; as was a performance by a classical pianist, whose name escapes me, even though I remember his face and how he would jerk his hair while playing. He looked the part.

At Watson’s, I never felt marginalized or subjected to racism. A little misunderstanding I had with Billy Healthey was amicably solved and we were soon joining the same bus to Portobello where we both lived. He was one of the best swimmers in the school.  

Later, in fourth form, I captained the school Athletic team, until sixth form. An experience that sharpened and improved my public speaking and grew my confidence.

My greatest athletic experience was when I won a gold in the 400-meter final of the annual Scottish School athletic competition. A silver in the long jump and a bronze in the triple – jump. Kudos to Mr Molley Hunter (PE) for all his training and his pleasant demeanour, which encouraged me to strive to always improve. 

Inter House athletic competitions at Myreside and a host of other disciplines; brought great excitement and camaraderie, the good vibes then where something else!! I also vividly remember the March Hare Race (which I introduced to St. Anthony’s, the school my mother founded in Ghana).

A very well-planned gymkhana also springs to memory. The sweet smell of cut grass mingled with horse dung from the competing horses also lingers. 

The 6th form farewell dance, a black tie affair was a night to remember, only for us to part ways. 

To make contact with some of my mates would be a dream come true!

In 1971 I chose to return to Ghana with my sister and family whom I had lived with in Edinburgh, all these years, even though I could have stayed and gone to university.

In Ghana, I graduated in 1973 with a Diploma in a Journalism course which included photojournalism, public relations and communication.

In 1977 my mother of blessed memory employed me at the school she founded in 1962, as the public relations officer with administrative duties. My fees at Watson’s were paid by my mother. I remain eternally grateful to both.

From the late '80s through the '90s, I had the opportunity to host a children’s TV programme called Kyekyekule (pronounced che-che-cooley). It was very popular with prominent people from all walks of life appearing on it. The content of the show included cultural dancing, computer games, letter reading and other performances by the schools I visited. The intention was to improve on the children’s confidence, vocabulary, elocution, and to instill self-worth. It was Ghana’s first kids TV show hosted by a male. 

I am now semi-retired, a fit healthy 71years. I am a young old man. A couple of visits a week to Saint Anthony Primary School keeps me going. My six grandchildren in Ghana also keep me on my toes. Three others are in America.

I have been married to Esther, a college mate for 47 years. We have four sons, with the last born Ebo Laing, lucky enough to have visited his father’s old school earlier this year. The school that I allowed to teach me decency, positivity, courage, humility and above all “LOVE FROM THE HEART”.

Ex Corde Caritas!
Watson’s forever!