Fettes in conversation with award winning author Alex Starritt (Mo 2001-2004)

Parents and Old Fettesians had the opportunity to join our very own Rob Harrison in the Library for a fascinating ‘Fettes in conversation’ event with Old Fettesian, Author, Alex Starritt. This was an opportunity to hear about Alex’s writing journey. His first novel, The Beast was Spectator Book of the Year. His second book, We Germans, won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, was shortlisted for the Prix Femina and Prix Medicis, and was translated into numerous languages. His new novel, Drayton and Mackenzie is on the long list for the FT's business book of the year prize, the first novel on the list for 15 years.

Rob Harrison (Staff 1991-present) utilised his own love of literature and language as a long standing English teacher. He talks skilfully with Alex about writing, his character inspiration, research, and the influences of his novels. We hear about Alex’s writing style, his editing process and storylines from his three very different books. Did working at the Daily Mail influence writing The Beast? Did having German grandparents encourage his writing of We Germans? And did being of high academic intelligence and studying at Oxford sew the seeds of Drayton & Mackenzie? The audience thoroughly enjoyed this engaging event and were swiftly adding Alex’s books to their must read list.

After Fettes, Alex studied History and German at Somerville College, Oxford, from 2004-2008. He has worked as a literary translator from German – his translations include Stefan Zweig's A Chess Story, Arthur Schnitzler's Late Fame and a selection of Kafka's short stories, The Unhappiness of Being a Single Man. Alex has also worked at newspapers and magazines, and been on the founding team of two companies: Apolitical, a knowledge platform for civil servants that was named one of the world's most innovative companies in 2018, and Sunday Briefing, which provides insights into international politics and business for a range of corporations, investment funds and government agencies.

This is a podcast recording of the thought provoking session on ‘Population’ that the Fettes College Sixth Form students had on 19th May 2025 as part of the Fettes College 'This Will Be Your World' lecture series.

Our guest speakers were:

Professor Francisca Mutapi BSc DPhil FZAS FRSE FAAS is a global health strategist, thought leader and health expert championing equitable health solutions for Africa. She holds a Chair in Global Health Infection and Immunity at the University of Edinburgh as well as honorary positions at several universities including the Universities of Oxford and Ghana. She is also the Deputy Director of the pan-African TIBA Partnership Her research has influenced WHO and global health policy as well as improved treatment for over 50 million African children. A passionate advocate for inclusive global health, she advises the World Health Organisation (WHO), UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Novartis and Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) and is the vice chair of the Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases board. She is a trustee for the Oxford based Weidenfeld Hoffman Trust, a TED Fellow and fellow of multiple science academies.

Giuseppe Zampaglione is an economist with 40+ years of international experience in development economics. After 10 years as an economist with Italian development agencies, from 1995 to 2020 he was with the World Bank where he developed strong operational, managerial, and policy advisory skills in various positions including Sr. Social protection economist, Sr. Advisor on conflict and human development, and World Bank Country manager in Kosovo and later in Honduras. Countries of focus included also Togo, Niger, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad, CAR, Ethiopia, and Comoros. He holds a BA cum laude in Economics (Rome La Sapienza), an MSc at the London School of Economics, and an EDP in management and finance (Harvard Business School). He has lectured at Wirtschafts Universität (Austria), Princeton University, London School of Economics; University of Kosovo, Nova University Lisbon, and in Italy at the Universities of Pisa, Milan, Modena and Reggio Emilia and ISPI/Bocconi. He has published more than 40 articles and essays on public policies, safety nets, fragile countries, and local development issues. He is now consulting international agencies.

Staff chair was Ms Lexi Markantonis, teacher of Maths and Assistant Houseparent in College East.

Student chair, Lower Sixth Form Geography student, Chloe M.

The session was very insightful with students and staff asking a huge range of questions during the Q&A.

Join Rob Harrison (former English teacher) for an engaging conversation with acclaimed author Elizabeth Macneal. Elizabeth, an Old Fettesian and Oxford graduate, is celebrated for her bestsellers The Doll Factory and Circus of Wonders. During the event, recorded in the Fettes College Library, Elizabeth discusses her journey from Fettes to literary success, her inspirations, and the launch of her third novel, The Burial Plot!

'The Burial Plot' can be purchased from Pan Macmillan, Waterstones and from other major retailers.

Romy and Sophie present the 'ins and outs' for 2024. Tune in to hear interviews with students on their resolutions and recommendations for this year!

Tune in to hear a selection of tunes chosen by a team of students to celebrate some amazing LGBTQ+ artists. Shout out to the Arni girls who helped choose the songs!

Tune in to hear Ritisha share all the exciting highlights of languages week, alongside a selection of songs in a variety of languages.

Listen to hear OF Fergus Bolton and the Bear Necessities concert perform live for staff and students in the chapel on Wednesday 10th January 2024.

Tune in to hear some of the fabulous festive audio offerings from our senior school students from the end of term. Listen to hear the Craigleith Christmas chapel including a festive hymn and the final coffee concert of the year.