The Men at the Top - The Rectors

Since the opening of what is now Ellon Academy, in 1876, there have been 8 Headmasters and Rectors.

Years	Name	Description	Picture
1876-1881	Mr. William Cooper	Mr Cooper was in charge of the boys' section and presumably of the whole school. Little is known about him.	Unavailable
1881-1896	Mr. James Spittal, M.A.	Mr Spittal was from Clackmannanshire and was 33 when appointed. He was a stern man, with a great love of learning. Ill health forced him to retire early and he died a few month later.	Unavailable
1896-1931	Mr. Donald Cameron, M.A.	He was born in India, educated in Glasgow and 29 when appointed. He was prominent in the affairs of the Free Church in Ellon. He died in 1934.	Unavailable
1932-1950	Mr. Samuel Lipp, M.A.	Mr Lipp became a minister of the church after he retired. He died in 1972.
1951-1970	Mr. William Braid, B.Sc.	Mr Braid became the first Rector of Ellon Academy and encouraged the school's academic reputation. He retired to Nairn.
1971-1981	Mr. Eric Slater, M.A.	Mr Slater came from Bathgate in Lothian. He was described as good humoured, open mined and innovative. He helped "transform the school" during his time as Rector. Unfortunately, he suffered a heart attack and died in 1981 when he was only in his 40s.
1981-1996	Mr. Alan Cameron, B.Sc., M.A.	The second Mr Cameron to be in charge was born and brought up in Southend, Argyllshire. He attended Campbeltown Grammar School and graduated from Glasgow University with Honours in Chemistry. He retired in 1996 and has since gained his M.A. in Gaelic Studies at Aberdeen University.
1996-	Dr. Brian Wilkins, B.Sc., M.Sc., D.Phil.	Our current Rector was born in Curden Bay. He moved to Sacriston near Durham (England) to teach, but moved back to Aberdeenshire later on. He is married and has two children. He was appointed Depute Rector in 1984 and was 49 when appointed Rector.