Peter Gunn

I was at Merchiston Castle School from 1960-1965 and in the last two or three years of my time there got to know Donald well. I was not one of his piano pupils but a member of the school choir and of the school Music Club. I have never known a more saintly and kind man. I was a  lonely and shy pupil who found the games-orientated, rough-and-tumble regime a considerable ordeal. Many a cold winter’s afternoon (having just returned from being forced to watch a school rugger match) I would tap at Donald’s music-room door and go in for a chat. It was a wonderful haven of peace and he would often give me a personal recital of Chopin or Bach, and I can honestly say that this provided me with a lifelong appreciation of music. Even now, whenever I hear Chopin or Bach I think of Donald Sprinck. An occasional evening highlight was a group excursion into Edinburgh city with Donald to concerts at the Reid School of Music (which were free!) – it was bliss to escape from the dull school ‘prep’ routine.

 He was great friends with my parents and came out to see us in the holidays on one occasion, giving me and my parents a wonderful recital on our old piano at home.

 I lost touch with him when I left school and greatly regret that. I was delighted to hear that his retirement years were so happy and productive.