Published: Thursday, 24th December, 2009 10:38am

Video tribute to music maestro

by Sharon Thompson

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ONE of Hermitage Academy's most famous exports was among many paying tribute to the decades of hard work put in by musical maestro Robert Pullin as he embarks on his retirement.

The head of the music department finished up on Tuesday after 37 years of service at the Burgh school and Monday night saw him take charge of his last Christmas concert.

It was a spectacular event which enticed dozens of former pupils back to the Academy as they took part in the orchestra and joined in with the singing extravaganza.

Former pupil Hazel Irvine, the BBC sports presenter, described herself as a "dodgy second violinist". She thanked Robert for all of his time and effort in helping her and so many other pupils, and even offered her services on the violin for his next musical adventure!

The hundreds of visitors that packed into the assembly hall watched her video message, sent to the school as she could not be there herself due to work commitments.

In the video she said: "It sounds weird calling you Robert - you'll always be Mr Pullin to me, even though it's been 25 years since I left Hermitage Academy.

"I can't believe you are leaving; there are so many memories I have of Mr Pullin.

"I played in the school orchestra and I had a fantastic time.

"A more enthusiastic and fun teacher I have never had, and you are so passionate about all types of music.

"Thank you for all the good times."

At the end of the concert, entitled Music for Christmas 2009, Provost Billy Petrie presented Robert with a quaich, and said he and his wife, Jean, felt privileged to be there.

He added: "I was here 37 years ago when Robert came along and since then we have come to expect such a high standard at these concerts, which is attributable to Robert."

Then, turning to the music teacher, he said: "You are well loved by the kids. When I look tonight at the instrumentalists and choir and the wealth of talent that has passed through your hands - literally thousands of kids who may have since moved all over the world - they are glad they had the good fortune of being taught by Robert Pullin.

"Music is truly international, and you have been an excellent ambassador for Helensburgh."

Meanwhile tributes came throughout the musical interludes in the form of specially composed pieces performed by different groups including bagpipers playing 'Mr Pullin's Farewell to Hermitage Academy' and the fiddler's piece 'Robert's Rant'.

And a video collage, put together by ex-pupil Dave Buchan, was projected onto a screen, showing messages of congratulations from teachers and pupils past and present.

The highlight of the night, however, was when music teacher Lisa MacKenzie, who had carefully orchestrated a Facebook campaign to bring back as many former pupils as possible, invited them to sing a song to Robert to the tune of 'Congratualtions' but with the words changed to pay tribute and thanks to the musical maestro.

Former leader of the orchestra, Eilidh Livingstone, 21, was one of the ex-pupils who made a return journey to the school.

She said: "Being at the Christmas concert brings back lots of memories from school - and reminds you of what an eccentric Mr Pullin is!"

A tribute book was also set up for those in the audience that wanted to leave comments to the former teacher and wish him well on his retirement.

Geoff Urie, headmaster, told those gathered: "Throughout Robert's time he has displayed enormous energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the music department ensuring its reputation as one of the best in the country not only in terms of academic results but also in musical performance.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Pullin for all his hard word and dedication over the years from all the pupils - both past and present - the parents and his colleagues."