Stewart Coull
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English teacher from 1971-1983
Stewart Coull is remembered as an cheerful, larger-than-life character who, after retiring from teaching, became one of Scotland’s leading after-dinner speakers.
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Born in County Down in Northern Ireland, Stewart was immediately identifiable by his strong Ulster accent. He was a natural storyteller who combined mischievous wit with a gift for language that frequently had his audiences enthralled. Stewart drew on his Irish background to create some of the funniest and most legendary tales.
In 1970 the family arrived in Scotland and Stewart taught English at Airdrie Academy before becoming head of learning support at Uddingston Grammar. His insightfulness and patience saw many a young pupil through bumpy schooldays and he was always delighted to meet a former pupil usually responding to a shout of, “Mr Coull” on the street.
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Several former Airdrie Academy pupils fondly remember Mr Coull from their English lessons and guitar club:
John Macleod says "He was my English teacher out there in the huts towards the science blocks. I was in Fifth year in school session 1972/73. I believe we were one of his first Higher Grade classes. First lesson he confiscated everyone's rubbers. He felt that our original thoughts should be put on paper and not destroyed. A truly inspiring teacher helped me get English Higher Grade A."
Moyra Forrester says "I remember Mr Coull who made us do embarrassing tasks such as write an unusual marriage proposal and then, horror of horrors, pick a boy from the class to enact it with. I still cringe at the memory He would have been my English teacher around 1974/75."
Mary Grant said "I remember Mr. Coull with wildly curly hair and drainpipe trousers. We always had good fun in his 2nd year class in 1974 in the huts at the back of the school. I have a photo of the class outside the huts."
Former colleague David Brown said "The Stewart Coull I remember was an engaging and interesting friend, who did not suffer fools gladly."
William Milligan remembers him as a fantastic guy. Mr Coull directed one act plays at the Arts Centre, got involved with the school rugby team and later Waysiders RFC. Brilliant after dinner speaker. He sadly passed away at a relatively young age.
Ken Dalling told us that "Stewart Coull was, without exaggeration, a legend of Airdrie Academy learning. An Irishman who taught English to the Scots, those who knew him could not fail to be impacted by his intellect and kindness. I knew him long before I met him but I am pleased to say that when we met we became friends. He was a teaching colleague of my father and his wife, no mean English teacher herself, was a colleague of the lady who would become my wife. As an after dinner speaker Stuart was without equal. Laugh until you cry - then laugh again."
Beyond Airdrie Academy, Stewart Coull was instrumental in setting up Cumbernauld Rugby Club. He played and coached there. He also helped establish a partnership with French rugby club Bron which added a cosmopolitan touch to nights out once a year and was a reason for Stewart to try out his French. He was also a stalwart of Condorrat Bowling Club.
Here follows part of an interview given by Mr Stewart Coull to the Airdrie Academy magazine in 1973 to sixth year pupil, John Macleod. It is unfortunate that in cold print, Mr Coull’s vocal warmth and intonations and also the background laughter has been lost. Our thanks to Mr Coull for being such a good sport!
The magazine editor at the time offered a tape recording of the interview to classes for the princely sum of 40p which would be donated to Magazine funds.
Reminiscences of an Irish Childhood
Mr Coull was born on the 8th July 1945 in Newtownards, Ireland.
What were your initial reactions to the world when you first opened your eyes after birth?
Memories of that stage of my life are very faint. When I was three days old I had my first meal which was potatoes creamed in milk - had about half a stone. I was a big baby you see. So my first meal was bacon and potatoes at the age of three days. Believe that if you will.
Do you remove your own wallies?
No. My teeth are my own - quite a lot of the National Health about them but still my own.
What were you interested in during this primary school period?
I took a great interest in birds, the feathered variety – I collected birds eggs. I watched birds a lot…
Still the feathered variety?
It was the feathered variety up to the age of ...
Six?
Twenty-one. I was a late starter.
Life was very pleasant and relaxed?
Life was indeed very pleasant. I had a very happy childhood.
You'd like to return to those times?
Yes, I would.
They've been gone for some considerable time haven't they?
Yes-I resent that remark. Just wait until you're my age my boy.
( Mr Coull went to secondary school in 1957 when he was eleven. )
Could you tell me something about your teachers at this time?
Yes, I had some very fine teachers. I had an English teacher called Big Jake Auterson. He was an enormous man whose face had the habit of going beetroot red when he got excited. You in turn got worried about him, the old ticker and all that you know.
What did you get up to in school?
We used to sing a lot I remember. The Beatles were in their heyday then and we used to play on combs and paper and drum on tin boxes and sing 'She loves you, Yeah, Yeah' with tremendous gusto and with very intricate harmonies most of them out of key.
What did you do with your spare time while you were in Secondary school?
Well, in my later years I liked dancing- not like this monstrous form of dancing that you do now. When I went to a dance in my young days you were allowed to touch yourpartner, you were allowed to hold her hand but now the idea is to get as far apart as possible.
You mentioned buying books, what type of reading do you like now?
Anything and everything - I'm a compulsive reader. It might be something classical one week and the next it'll be something by Mickey Spillane.
Did you approve of and succumb to authority or did you rebel against it?
No, I was never really a rebel against authority. I was too frightened, I think.
( Mr Coull commenced his university career in 1964 at Trinity College, Dublin. )
Were there any people you met at this time who had a profound influence on your life?
Yes, my wife.What kind of influence?
Did she reform you or were you pastreforming?
No, I don't really think I was at the stage where I needed reforming. She had such a profound influence on me that I married her.
What difficulties did you experience in your early teaching career and can you tell me how it feels teaching English being a foreigner?
As every sensible person- knows the best English is spoken in Dublin and Inverness so this business about being a foreigner really...... We're all British aren't we after all British cheps!
What aspects of teaching do you like the most and what aspects least?
The aspect of teaching that I like most is that you're communicating with so many different people and in quite an age range as well. I like the money least. I don't think we get enough money for the work we do.
Did you have any thoughts at all of entering another profession?
No, none.
Did you ever think you'd get the honour of teaching in such a great school as Airdrie Academy?
That's a leading question and I refuse to be drawn on it except to say that I'm very happy teaching in Airdrie Academy and always have been.
What are your ambitions?
Basically, my ambitions are to get through life as happily as I can. Happiness is an important thing. There's a lot to be said for happiness in work, happiness in the home and general happiness. You know, to be comfortable enough myself and my family that is. I'd like to win the pools actually. £300,000 would be a nice tidy sum. I'd like to travel but I think nowadays unless one has a lot of money it's not really feasible.
What are your main likes and dislikes?
I like food, sport, music, films, drama, clothes, television, etc. Most recreational games I've had a bash at, and I enjoy. I enjoy meeting other people and taking part in these pastimes. My dislikes are ill disciplined children for example.
Why did you come to Scotland rather than England?
Well, because my father was a Scot and I've always come to Scotland. I was carried to Scotland as a baby, and I've been here on and off every year. I like the country and I like the people.
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