We were saddened to learn of the death of former Heriot’s FP and rugby player Charles Dunbar Bisset at the age of 78.
A former college lecturer, Head of Dept at the former Dunfermline College at Cramond.
Not someone you would readily miss, Charlie was quite a character, a former swimmer (his back stroke record stood for 40 years) as well as a climber, climbing with notable figures such as Dougal Haston and Hamish MacInnes.
A noted lineout jumper he played on many occasions for the 1 XV during the sixties forming a formidable partnership with Jimmy Simpson in the second row where the pack read Ross, Shand, Lawrie, Simpson, Bisset, McCracken, Palmer, Paterson.
In April 1963 he captained the victorious Heriot’s F.P. team in the Goldenacre under-20 seven-a-side tournament a keenly fought and prestigious event at the time.
He played in many memorable matches the stand outs being a victory over Hawick in the New Year’s Day game which featured an exchange of views between Charlie and Hawick, Scotland and British Lions prop Hughie McLeod and playing in the 75th anniversary game against a KJF Scotland International select from which Heriots emerged 14-13 victors.
Charlie also had the unique distinction of having played for the three (of four) Scottish districts Edinburgh, Glasgow and North and Midlands.
While at the SRU he was the driving force behind the 1992 World 7s tournament which was held at Murrayfield at the time the West Stand was being rebuilt, making the logistics more intricate.
He retired to the quieter environs of Newtonmore and no doubt kept the golf club members on their toes as club captain and secretary.
Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family and friends at this time.
Have just regrettably read about Charlie Bissets passing–I was in the same classes as Charlie for quite a few years.–If my memory serves me , he was in Castle school ( I was in Greyfriars school) .–I left Heriots in 1959 to go to London.–Have been in New Zealand since 1967.–a truly wonderful country.
There was one occasion when he was chased around the classroom by the late J.J Caw ( a truly wonderful teacher)as J.J (we called him Rookie–but not to his face) was of the opinion that Charlie was in need of ” 6 of the best”.
There was one other pupil which comes to mind in that same classroom span–Alan McGregor–if he is still around, I would love to hear from him
Very sorry to only now learn of Charlie’s passing. Amongst other things, he introduced me to Scottish winter climbing. His humour was, well, Charlie’s very own and his relatively loud comment as I slid past him down the ice face of Broad Gully was an exhortation to not stretch his rope as it was the only one he had. Good times and good memories from the rugby field the swimming pool as well as the too brief excursions to the Hills.
s r