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From the Rector Request a Prospectus Academic
Success Getting to Hutchesons’

Posted: Wednesday 31 January 2007

What the Future Holds

Ten pupils from Hutchesons’ were fortunate enough to be invited to a Business Networking Event at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on 16 January. The speakers were none less than Dr Hans Blix, Chairman of the International Commission on Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Al Gore, the 45th Vice President of the USA. Elliott Gold and Fraser McIntosh report.

Above: Victoria Maciver, Head Girl, and Douglas Campbell, Head Boy, with Al Gore.

Accompanied by Rector Dr Ken Greig and Senior Depute Rector Graham MacAllister, the S6 pupils spent an afternoon in the company of Hans Blix and Al Gore.

It was a day we will never forget.

We will always remember the meal – not just for the gastronomic experience, but for the enormity of the occasion. You find yourself being much more careful in your eating when Sir Tom Hunter is leaning over your shoulder and chatting with the rector, Dr Greig. We were surrounded by various other famous faces from the world of business and politics, namely Ross Finney, Peter Peacock, Steven Purcell, Charan Gill, Alex Salmond MSP and Walter Smith, newly appointed manager of Rangers.

It was after the meal that our true ‘once-in-a-life-time’ afternoon began. Dr Blix spoke about the state of nuclear weapons in today’s world. Despite the serious subject, he joked lightly about the woman who had asked if she could name her new cat after him – ‘Blix’ the cat would act as a weapon of mice destruction.

Ten Hutchesons’ pupils lined the banister of the first floor lobby, while only metres away Blix and Gore were meeting those famous names previously mentioned. Despite attempts to 'smooth talk' ourselves into an assembly with our distinguished hosts, security was too stringent. When Al Gore himself emerged from the doors in front of us, towering over us, he took off down the hallway, accompanied by four personal security guards, to prepare for his address.

Mr Gore’s presentation to a flabbergasted audience was nothing short of brilliant. A wonderfully created mix of facts, figures, wit and humour had us all on the edge of our seats throughout. He spoke eloquently for more than 90 minutes, elaborating on many of the finer details of global warming. His dedication to the cause and finding a solution to “the greatest challenge facing our planet” was staggering

Al Gore’s main point: This catastrophe is happening, and it’s happening now.

Elliott Gold and Fraser McIntosh [S6]

Tags: Community, Modern Studies, S6, Secondary