Robert Allison, or Mr Allison as he was known to all our pupils, was the Senior whole school Technician in Trinity High School for over 20 years. Those of us who work in the school are fond of saying that Trinity is a school like no other – it is a community with a sense of shared values – but it is people like Robert who give a real meaning to that saying. Unlike many school technicians, who do a great job as the school technician, Robert gave his usual 150% to the job and other activities around the school and his place in Trinity High School extended far beyond the role he was employed to do.
Due to Robert’s amazing skills and creative talents, the actual job of Technician was something he could do with his eyes shut and one hand tied behind his back and Robert was like an extra teacher in the department, loving nothing more than being in the workshops helping the pupils and the teachers. Robert was well known throughout the whole school. On his jaunts around the building there was barely a classroom or office door he could pass by without stopping for a chat. He loved getting involved in all sorts of school trips and events and in turn was the top of many teachers’ lists when they needed a helping hand.
As well as birdwatching, running and fishing were hobbies that Robert enjoyed greatly and he was always generous when it came to sharing his interests and knowledge with others. He was particularly keen for the pupils to get the same opportunities that he had, so for many years Robert organised a fishing trip to Loch Awe. He would take around 30 pupils, some at his own expense, for a week to Loch Awe and teach pupils skills in fishing, barbecuing and how to organise themselves. Many former pupils would come back years after leaving school and thank him for introducing them to a hobby that they had now taken up, and this was all down to Robert’s enthusiasm and encouragement.
There are so many stories and anecdotes that could be shared, all a testament to the fact that Robert Allison was an extremely valued and highly respected member of Trinity High School’s community. It is hoped that this book will give members of our community, both present and past, the opportunity to share some of those fond memories so that we can collectively celebrate Robert’s contributions and commitment to our school. Robert was a great character that both staff and pupils liked being around. He wasn’t just a Technician, a colleague and a friend to many, he was an inspiration to the whole school community and will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered, by everyone at Trinity High School.
