Former Inverness headteacher who ‘roared’ poetry from table tops Dead Poets Society-style dies aged 69

A former Inverness headteacher renowned for ‘roaring’ poetry from the table tops and singing from the front has died aged 69.

Richard Syred, the former headteacher at Inshes Primary School, died unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Kirkhill.

He had also taught at Drakies Primary School in Inverness and was a member of the Singing For Pleasure group based at Merkinch Community Centre.

As heartfelt tributes pour in, many have recalled him as a man who was inspirational, enthusiastic and kind.

Mr Syred, a father and grandfather, leaves a wife, Liz.

His zest for life and sense of fun are recurring themes among former pupils, colleagues and friends paying tribute and sharing memories.

On social media, one person posted: “He only did school life at 100 mph, full-volume, maximum nonsense and we are all the better for having shared it.”

They recalled how he sang, leading from the front, and roared poetry from the table tops, Dead Poets Society-style - a reference to the acclaimed film telling the story of an English teacher who inspires his students through his teaching of poetry.

Craig McLean recalled being taught as a Drakies Primary School P7 pupil by Mr Syred in 2006-07 and spoke of his sadness at the news of his passing.

“I have really positive memories of him engaging with the class and making it a fun environment to come and learn in,” he reflected.

“From memory, we played a lot of board games or he got the class to sing during down time between lessons and everyone spoke of him really highly.

“He was a great teacher to have at such an important stage of my young life before I headed off to high school and I hope he is remembered by hundreds of children he taught as a light that brightened up their school experience like he did with myself and my classmates.”

Emma Cruickshank, posting on social media, said he had been her boys’ headteacher at Inshes.

“When I told my eldest son (now 18) the news, he remarked, ‘Mr Syred was great. He was passionate. I remember him giving us a speech about how many minutes you get in life and to not waste them …’.”

Others described him as a true gentleman who touched many lives, young and old, a fountain of knowledge and someone who always had a smile - or recalled being fascinated with his ties.

Elsie Normington, musical director of the Singing For Pleasure group, also has fond memories.

“Richard was a close friend and I so admired his ability and dedication to education,” she said.

“He was also a long-term member of my Singing for Pleasure group and had a lovely voice.

“On several occasions, he sang a solo in my Christmas concert - A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.

“He looked so very dapper in his lovely white jacket and red bow tie, everyone loved him and he will be sadly missed by us all.”

A committal service will take place on Monday April 28 at 11am in Inverness Crematorium and will be followed by a service for thanksgiving of his life at King’s Fellowship, Smithton Industrial Estate, at 1pm.

All are welcome and invited to wear a funny tie in his memory.

Donations for Working With Children and Young People Through Scripture Union Scotland may be given at the service.

Details are available at John Fraser & Son.

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