Round Square

How did Round Square get its odd name? It was built in the 17th century by Sir Robert Gordon as an estate square to house horses, carriages and equipment for the estate. It was built to a circular design in imitation of similar buildings he had seen on his travels in Italy and hence it became called the paradox (or is that oxymoron?) of Round Square.

Being a former stables it is perhaps not exactly purpose built for accommodation but it is a listed building and it certainly has character and very few people can say they live in a house built by the Wizard of Gordonstoun.

Round Square also gives its name to the Round Square Conference of Schools and Round Square International and, although Round Square is no longer the physical centre of these organisations, the House certainly reflects this internationalism, welcoming students from all over the world as either full time students or as visitors on exchanges. We seem to have pupils from every continent with perhaps the exception of Antarctica!

Facilities for the boys in the House include two TV rooms, one of which they can use to entertain guests, and a separate tea area, where hot drinks and toast can be made. There is also a microwave oven and a table tennis table for their use. There is a laundry room for personal clothes.

In addition to the Housemaster or AHM being on duty, there are five tutors who are in the House for one night each, Monday to Friday from 6.45pm until 10pm. A continuous presence for the boys is Matron, Fiona Conway, who looks after the House from 9am to 5.30pm and is the heart and soul of the House.