I Ross Gibbons
1936-2024
Class of 1955

Ian Ross Gibbons attended The High School of Glasgow at Elmbank Street from 1945 to 1955 and enjoyed a first-class school career culminating in the Rector, Dr David Lees, noting in the leavers’ book: “An excellent Prefect. Sound, reliable worker. Friendly manner, good appearance, mature in outlook.” 

At that point, Ross had been Sports Champion, an outstanding member of the 1^st XV, played for Scottish Schools v England, and as a schoolboy, represented the Former Pupils at the Gala RFC 7-a-Side Tournament in the company of several FP international players.  

He also played an integral part in the winning of the Scottish Club Championship in season 1961-62. 

After leaving school, Ross pursued a chartered accountancy career and on qualifying, joined a well-known Glasgow drinks wholesaler.  

His career soon took off as this company was taken over by The Drybrough Brewing Company which, in turn, was taken over by Watney Mann which was subsequently taken over by The Grand Metropolitan (“GM”) Company PLC. Ross excelled, rising to become a member of the GM Board. This meteoric rise took him to the very heart of the London and international financial world. 

He joined The London Scottish Rugby Football Club, The Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club and The Caledonian Club, which was also the meeting place of the Glasgow High School Former Pupil London Club. Ross was a great stalwart and was elected President in 2001-2002. 

He always enthused great pride in his High School roots. Ross was a frequent visitor to Old Anniesland, where he had served for several years on the initial Board of Governors which was responsible for the creation of the phenomenal new chapter in the High School’s history.  

A true High School man. 

Tribute written by Ian Docherty (Class of 1957)