'Local Hero' to retire from Hermitage Academy

Sharon Thompson • Published 17 Dec 2009 10:31

A MUSICAL maestro is set to pack away his instruments as he prepares for a well-deserved retirement.

Robert Pullin - who has become a household name in Helensburgh and the surrounding area due to his talents as a music teacher - is leaving Hermitage Academy after some 37 years.

He will have undoubtedly seen many changes over the years as one of the longest-serving members of staff the school has seen, but one thing that is everlasting is his love of music.

And this is evident in his work, said Carol Stuart, formal depute at the school.

She told the Advertiser: "So many people have been influenced by him and they hold him in such high regard.

"And it's not just inside the school, he has been instrumental in community activities such as Sunday at Seven and often playing at the Christmas tree festivals and other gatherings."

Members of staff were told in November that Robert would be calling it a day, and this year's Christmas concert - to be held next week - will be his last at the helm.

Preparations are well underway for the gathering, which is sure to attract a large number of pupils past and present, all eager to wish him the best for the future and celebrate his successful career.

Carol refers to him affectionately as a 'local hero' and said that a great send-off will be guaranteed.

"The school won't be the same without him; it's as simple as that.

"When you think of Hermitage Academy, you automatically think of Mr Pullin and I'm sure generations of people in the town do the same."

She confirmed that the job he held has now been advertised, but added it would take a big person to fill his shoes. He has such a love of music and the great thing is he is able to pass that on to the kids, which is a special talent."

Lisa McKenzie, music teacher at the school, met Robert decades ago and they have remained friends ever since.

She said: "I've known Robert since we were both 17, we met in first year at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama."

"He has helped so many pupils to perfect their music and he has opened their ears to new sounds."

She said she has never met someone so passionate about all sorts of different music. He goes to concerts two or three times a week and thoroughly enjoys keeping up to speed with the music scene.

"Professionally he will be missed by all the pupils and the staff because he such a genuinely nice person, and personally I am going to miss him so much because he is a good friend."

Robert's love of music takes him all over the world including to Helensburgh's twin town of Thouars with a group of school instrumentalists, singers and pipers where he conducted several concerts to great acclaim.

His "encyclopaedic" knowledge of music also stretches to his other hobbies, including motor cars, motor bikes, history and world affairs.

But his specialist knowledge of his main passion seen him become a music critic for a national newspaper and also run music appreciation classes across Dumbarton, Arrochar, Garelochhead and Clydebank.

l Tickets are available for the Christmas concert, which will be held on Monday December 21 at 7pm in Hermitage Academy, are available through the school.

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This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 17 Dec 09

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