School News

A former pupil of Morrison’s Academy is preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest sailing challenges – and raise money for charity along the way.

Donald Macdonald, now Chair of the Board of Governors at Perthshire’s leading independent day school, will compete in Leg 7 of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, sailing from Seattle to Washington, D.C., via the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal and the Caribbean – a gruelling 12,000km journey that will test endurance, teamwork and courage.

The fleet of 10 racing yachts is due to set sail on 28 April, with the leg expected to take around six to eight weeks depending on weather and sea conditions. The Clipper Race attracts both amateur and novice sailors from across the globe and is known for its extreme conditions and physical demands.

Over the past year, Donald has trained extensively in the waters off the south coast and the Channel Islands to prepare for the challenge. That included handling a racing yacht, adjusting to life on a 4-hourly watch system, night helming across the English Channel and a sea survival course. As well as taking on the personal test, he is using the opportunity to raise funds for UNICEF, supporting projects that help vulnerable children worldwide.

A Morrisonian from the class of 1983, Donald is the third consecutive Chair of Governors from his year – a testament to the long lasting connection many pupils maintain with the school. Having recently retired from a distinguished banking career, including senior roles across the UK and Europe and finishing as Head of Legal & Regulatory Change at Lloyds Banking Group, he brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role.

Donald said: “As someone who had never sailed before, this adventure will be a huge challenge and is something I’ve been working towards for a long time. The training has been tough, but incredibly rewarding. My father, who sadly died last year before I completed my training, always encouraged me to travel and to challenge myself in life – he is definitely my inspiration for this one. Being able to support UNICEF at the same time gives the whole experience an added sense of purpose.”

In addition to his work with Morrison’s Academy, Donald chairs the Board of Trustees of YMCA Edinburgh and works with the Trussell Trust in West Fife.

Andrew McGarva, Rector of Morrison’s Academy, added: “We are very proud of Donald and all he continues to achieve. As both a former pupil and Chair of our Board, he shows tremendous commitment to the school and the wider community. Taking on a challenge of this scale, while continuing to support charitable causes, sets an outstanding example for our pupils. We will be following his adventure with baited breath and wish him all the very best.”