Tributes to ‘strict but fair’ Torry Academy teacher Jim ‘Mannie’ Barclay who had time for former pupils even decades later
Former Torry Academy teacher Jim 'Mannie' Barclay has died aged 89.
Family and former pupils have paid tribute to the lasting legacy of ‘brilliant’ Torry Academy teacher Jim Barclay who has died aged 89.
He was rarely known as Jim though, and former pupils would often shout after “The Mannie Barclay” for a chat, even decades after his retirement.
Mr Barclay spent his entire 40-year teaching career at the Aberdeen school, first as physics teacher and later as a guidance teacher.
Former pupils have taken to social media to remember the Torry Academy ‘legend’ who was known for his firm but fair approach and always had time for his pupils.
His daughter Heather said the outpouring of love following his death had been overwhelming.
Heather told The Press and Journal: “I knew he was liked as a teacher.
“Anytime we were out in town, people would always shout ‘hello Mannie Barclay’ and loads of folk would come over and speak.
“When I posted it on Facebook, there were over 100 messages on my post.
“For someone that retired nearly 30 years ago, that is just really lovely.”
Jim ‘Mannie’ Barclay
Jim Barclay was born on April 15, 1936, in Gamrie, Aberdeenshire, to Belle and Alexander Barclay.
He was the third of four children, with an older brother and sister, Pat and John, and younger brother Sandy.
Mr Barclay attended Bracoden Primary and did his early years of high school at Banff Academy, but initially struggled in school.
When his dad got a job as a bank manager in Buckie, he switched to Buckie High where an inspirational teacher changed everything.
Heather said: “Up until then he hadn’t really excelled in school but this teacher at Buckie really took him under his wing.
“He became a prize winner and got really good grades.
“That teacher really changed things for him and set him on course for university.
“And I think that made him want to be a teacher and do the same for others.”
Four decades at Torry Academy
After studying physics at Aberdeen University, Mr Barclay became a teacher at Torry Academy.
He remained for his entire career.
Heather said pupils at the school remembered him for his fairness and patience.
Heather: “He was strict but he was fair, and he always took the time to listen to folk.
“Even the harder pupils who other teachers might have told to go away, my dad always had time for them.
“As a dad he was the same as he was as a teacher.
“He was just the most amazing dad
“He was strict but he was always fair and so loving.”
Jim married Margaret in 1964.
They were married for 58 years, and remained ‘very much in love’ and devoted to one another until Margaret passed away in 2022.
Heather and her brother Hamish both attended Harlaw Academy but Heather still got to experience her dad’s teaching.
Heather said: “He tutored me in physics.
“That didn’t go so well and I ended up failing!
“I felt like I had to pass it, and with the pressure I froze up.
“I ended up appealing and passing it, but it was always a funny story within the family that he was a physics teacher and I failed it.”
Alongside teaching, Mr Barclay also coached the school’s football teams, something he was always very proud of.
He had photos of the teams and years later, Heather said her dad could still name every boy in the pictures.
Retirement and one last visit to the school
Jim retired from teaching in 1996.
His last day was also the day that his first grandson Robbie returned home from hospital.
He went on to become a devoted grandfather to Heather’s four sons: Robbie, Kyle, Rhuraidh, and Struan.
Heather said: “He absolutely doted on his grandsons and he helped them with their homework as well.
“Although he was retired, he had a real passion for physics even after he finished teaching.
“He would take out electrical circuits and show Robbie what to do with them.”
Jim’s grandson Kyle also shared his birthday, which he took great pride in.
Heather said he never missed a chance to remind Kyle when their joint birthday was approaching.
Outside of teaching, Mr Barclay was a lifelong Aberdeen fan.
He attended matches at Pittodrie for decades, accompanied by his children and later his grandchildren.
He was also a keen gardener and a long-time member of Deeside Golf Club.
Mr Barclay was also a huge dog lover, owning boxers and later puppy-walking for Guide Dogs.
But he always kept Torry Academy close to his heart, and visited the school shortly before it closed in 2018.
Heather said: “Before Torry Academy closed down they had an open day.
“It was the first time I really realised how much he was loved by pupils.
“We only planned to go for 10 minutes to have a quick look around his classroom.
“But two hours later we were still there, we kept getting stopped, so many people wanted to speak to him and get pictures with him.
“He was so overcome and so delighted, that day meant so much to him and it meant so much to me to experience that with him as well.
“When the school got pulled down, I took him past and he was just gutted.”
‘Kids were always just drawn to him’
In his later years, Mr Barclay moved to sheltered housing in Turriff.
Pupils from Turriff Academy regularly visited the residents, and Mr Barclay would ‘light up’ when spending time with them.
“That was one of the highlights of his week,” Heather said.
“It was so funny because he wasn’t their teacher, but the kids were always just drawn to him.
“This old mannie, who had dementia and sometimes couldn’t quite get the words out, but all the kids were still always over to see him blethering away.
“It was like they just knew.”
Former pupils pay tribute to ‘brilliant’ Torry teacher
Mr Barclay died peacefully on December 4.
His funeral took place on Monday, December 22, shortly before Christmas.
The packed service was full of former pupils and colleagues from Torry Academy.
Many have also paid tribute online to the teacher who shaped the futures of so many.
Muggs Bigland said: “A brilliant teacher, always a gentleman. Sending prayers to the family. Rest in peace, Sir.”
Karen Mcgregor said: “I’ve often thought of Mr Barclay. He was a brilliant teacher.”
Some former pupils also remembered the extra time he took with them, in some cases, even after they were no longer his pupils.”
Tubby Thomson posted: “Such a lovely man. He always had time for me.
“I might have been a little hard work some days but if Mr Barclay spoke I’d listen.
“He would actually talk to me,
“I will always respect the man, the myth, the legend that was Torry Academy’s own Mr Barclay.”
Jen Campbell said: “Very sad news.
“Mr Barclay was my favourite teacher at Torry Academy.
“Later when I worked in the Bon Accord Centre he would always stop for a chat.
“He knew I loved to meet a wee future guide doggie or two also.
“I will always remember him fondly. Such a lovely man.”
[Source: Press and Journal]
