Board of Governors

Rod Grant has a longstanding and distinguished association with Clifton Hall School, having served as Headmaster from 2005 to 2025 before being appointed Chair of Governors in June, 2026.

During his twenty years as Headmaster, Rod led a period of significant growth and development, overseeing an increase in pupil enrolment from 116 to 462 and helping to establish Clifton Hall as one of Scotland’s most respected independent schools. His deep understanding of the school’s values, culture, and community provides a strong foundation for his role as Chair of Governors.

Alongside his work with Clifton Hall, Rod is Managing Director of Anthony Millard Consulting, specialising in leadership recruitment and strategic consultancy for independent schools across the UK and internationally.

He is also Chief Executive Officer of Kaleidoscope Care, an Edinburgh-based organisation providing residential care and support for children and young people.

Rod’s career in education spans almost four decades and includes senior teaching and leadership positions in both the independent and state sectors. He holds a BA (Hons), a PGCE with Merit in Teaching, and a Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Studies in Education.

An accomplished author and broadcaster, Rod has written three books; Success Decoded (2017), A Man’s A Man: The Lives of Robert Burns (2018), and In Conversation With… (2022) and has contributed regularly to national media, educational publications, podcasts, and BBC Radio Scotland. He also co-hosts the education podcast Two Heads Are Better Than One with former George Heriot’s Principal, Cameron Wyllie, discussing current educational issues, leadership, and policy.

Rod remains passionate about education and the opportunities it creates for young people. As Chair of Governors, he is committed to supporting the continued success and future development of Clifton Hall School while ensuring that its distinctive ethos and values remain at the heart of everything it does.

David is a partner with Turcan Connell.

He practises in fields of civil litigation and employment law. Accredited as a specialist in employment law by the Law Society of Scotland, he has over 25 years’ experience of contentious matters in a wide range of areas.

He previously served a five year term as part-time Chairman with the Employment Tribunal. David is a trustee of Clifton Hall School. He previously sat on the Board of Leuchie and now sits on the Board of Columb 1400. He previously sat for eight years on the board of a college of further education.

Eileen Symington

Born and educated in Ayr.

Graduated with Primary Teaching Diploma in 1976.

Have had a fulfilling and rewarding career as a class teacher, Principal Teacher, Depute Head then Headteacher  for the last 9 years of my career.

 In my promoted positions in several schools, I managed the Additional Support Needs role and pursued  training and qualifications to work with pupils on the Autistic Spectrum.

It is a pleasure to continue my lifelong passion for education and learning as a governor at Clifton Hall. I believe my background training and experience will equip me to support the school willingly and effectively on the board and in the Pastoral Care sub group.

In my retirement I play golf regularly, sing in a local choir and enjoy yoga and aerobics.

Bruce W Wishart joined the Clifton Hall School Board of Governors in 2021, bringing decades of entrepreneurial experience and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. Born in Glasgow and educated in Ayrshire, Bruce has built a distinguished career in business leadership and innovation.

In 1986, Bruce founded his own company, which grew into a major enterprise employing over 330 people across four manufacturing sites in the UK and France. The business also operated sales warehouses in Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain, serving customers throughout Europe. Under Bruce’s leadership, the company became a respected name in its sector before being successfully sold in 2022.

Never one to stand still, Bruce launched Livi Self Storage and Van Hire in 2024, continuing his passion for creating practical solutions for customers and communities. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a strong belief in adaptability, resilience, and continuous improvement—values he brings to his role as a governor.

Bruce is committed to supporting Clifton Hall’s vision of excellence in education and personal development. He believes in fostering an environment where pupils are encouraged to think creatively, embrace challenges, and develop the skills needed for a rapidly changing world. As Bruce often says, “I continue to learn every day,” a philosophy that underpins his approach to governance and life.

David was born in Aberdeenshire and was educated at Merchiston Castle School. He subsequently attended Heriot-Watt University, graduating in 1984 with a BSc (Hons) in Building. He worked in the industry for 10 years before establishing Westmill Construction in 1994. He has developed this business for over 20 years and has experience in renovation works to Commercial, Industrial and Listed Buildings.

David was elected President of Scottish Building Federation, Edinburgh Association in 2008-2009 and has served as a Trustee of SBF Charitable Trust since 2008.

David’s interests include playing drums in a rock and blues band, motorcycling and cycling. He is married to Kerry and his son is a former pupil at Clifton Hall School.

May Geddes is an experienced educator and education leader whose career has spanned teaching, school leadership, inspection, and quality improvement. She began her teaching career in Glasgow before progressing to senior leadership roles including deputy headteacher in Renfrew and headteacher positions in a primary school in Hamilton, a nursery in East Kilbride and an ASN school in West Lothian.

Her expertise in educational quality assurance led to her appointment as Quality Assurance Inspector with Strathclyde region and subsequently as one of Scotland’s HM Inspectors of Education a post she has held for more than twenty years. During this time, she served as the National specialist for both primary education and early years. Alongside inspection work May has continued to support educational improvement as Quality Improvement Adviser for West Lothian Council and as an Adviser in Pedagogy for Glasgow City Council. She has also contributed internationally through quality assurance and inspection work in the United Arab Emirates and with armed forces schools overseas. May is married with two grown up children.

Margaret joined the Board in 2025 and brings with her a wealth of experience from the education sector.  She has held a number of leadership positions in both state and independent schools and prior to joining the Board she was Deputy Director, Education and Professional Learning, with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS).  In this role she forged positive relationships with many member schools and particularly valued the philosophy and ethos of Clifton Hall.  Hence, she was delighted to be invited onto the Board and offer her support as required.

In her spare time Margaret enjoys spending time with her family and friends, trying to keep her garden under control and travelling across the globe.