Scotch College

Creating their own history at two schools

Two cousins are keenly aware of their places in the history of the Morrison family, with its strong connections to Scotch and Melbourne Grammar School.

Words: Mr Paul Mishura   Photography: Mr Tim Shearer

Although Robert Lawson was Scotch’s first Principal (1851–56), it was Alexander Morrison (1857–1903) who set Scotch on strong foundations. Morrison became Principal of Scotch aged 28, and served it until his death at 74. He had eight children, including four sons who attended Scotch, a son who died in infancy, and three daughters. His second daughter was Eliza Fraser Morrison (1864–1948).

Although Alexander might have wanted Eliza to marry a good Scotch boy, she chose a son of Melbourne Grammar School, Sir Edward Fancourt Mitchell (1855–1941). They had four daughters and did not need to choose between Scotch and MGS for their education. Their second daughter, Hester Christina Mitchell (1889–1959), married Irishman William Duke Armit (1875–1945), and in conjunction with Sir Edward, they bought Bindi Station, near Swift’s Creek. It remains the family property. Their sons Bill Armit (1915–43) and John Armit (born 1927), great-grandsons of Alexander Morrison, became MGS boys.

John’s son Bill Armit, a great-great-grandson of Alexander Morrison, also became an MGS boy. Two of Bill’s sons, great-great-great grandsons of Alexander Morrison, have attended Grammar: Ed (MGS 2005) and Richie (MGS 2008), with youngest son James awaiting the opportunity to don the dark blue.

John Armit had three daughters. The eldest, Penny Armit, married MGS boy Fraser Barry. The youngest, Sally Armit, married Old Scotch Collegian Ed Meggitt (SC 1981–86), whose brother Derrick also attended Scotch (SC 1981–87). Derrick was a member of the Scotch Athletics teams of 1986 and 1987, and played in the 1st XI premiership team of 1987.

Fraser and Penny Barry have sent two sons to MGS: Nick (MGS 1999) and Chris. Chris is the proud Grammar boy in the photograph. A boarder in Year 10 at MGS, he and his brother are great-great-great grandsons of Alexander Morrison. Chris has grown up on the steep slopes of Bindi Station and excels at sport. He has recently played 10A cricket for MGS, and starred as a footballer in the MGS 9As last year. In the football match against Scotch at Scotch, he was Grammar’s best player, watched by his father, who played in Grammar’s 1970 premiership side (which, like Chris’ 9As, lost to Scotch). Together they enjoyed watching the Cordner Eggleston Cup and MGS’s premiership win in 2008.

Ed and Sally Meggitt’s son Will is the proud Scotch boy in the photograph. Two younger brothers wait for the day when they too might don the cardinal, gold and blue. A great-great-great grandson of Alexander Morrison, and a cousin of Chris Barry, he is the first boy in his direct line of Morrison descendants to attend Scotch, although many other Morrison descendants have preceded him. While the dark blue of his MGS ancestors runs through his veins, he is a true Scotch boy. Will has recently played 9A cricket for Scotch, and plays football in the winter. However, it is running Will loves most, and he is very dedicated to his training. When he visits Bindi Station he relishes the opportunity to take long training runs while his cousin Chris practises his footy skills.

The two cousins are keenly aware of their places in the history of the Morrison family, with its many illustrious descendants, including Alexander’s brother George, the first principal (1861–98) and owner (1864–98) of Geelong College, and George Ernest ‘Chinese’ Morrison, George’s son, a long distance walker and adviser to the Chinese government. However, the boys are also creating their own history as they fight with pride for opposing schools with a 151 year history of competition in academia, sport, and for the descendants of Alexander Morrison! GS