Highland Primary puts out call to former pupils.
A Highland primary school is inviting former pupils and staff to help celebrate the 140th anniversary of the school. Marybank Primary school near Muir of Ord will mark the occasion by holding a gala day on Saturday 16th June (1pm-4pm).
In addition to the gala day, pupils have undertaken a major research project to find out, and record information about, the school’s former pupils and staff. An appeal has been sent out from the school urging anyone who has either worked at, or attended the school as a pupil to get in touch or to provide photos or anecdotes which will be recorded for posterity.
The project was started by a local woman and former pupil, Maggie Buchanan who has lived in Marybank all her life. Maggie who is the parent of current pupil, Kyra Macrae, has been researching the school's history for over six months, initially as a hobby, and has collected a huge amount of memorabilia including photos and testimonials from former pupils and teachers.
Head Teacher, Robert Quigley said: “Maggie’s research has been invaluable in providing a fantastic social history project for the pupils. They will be sending out formal invitations to former staff and pupils to attend the gala day, so if you would like an invite, please get in touch. We have already had people intimating that they will travel from places as far a field as Forfar, Elgin and the Outer Hebrides.
“We would love to hear from anyone who has old school memorabilia including class photos, school uniforms, prizes, official reports and letters as we plan to put on an exhibition in the community hall during the anniversary weekend (16th, 17th and 18th June). We already have an old school bell, and the school admissions register, which is still in use, that dates back to the first recorded entry of Elizabeth MacKenzie on 22nd August 1933. A conclusion to the celebration, will be an official 140 Year Anniversary book charting the school's colourful history.
“The gala day will begin with an official opening ceremony in the newly built community hall, followed by a family fun day at the school grounds. We hope to have art and craft stalls, live music including traditional Scottish songs performed by the pupils, a barbeque, and bouncy castle. One of the highlights of the day will be a photograph taken of an invited group of past and present pupils and staff which will be available for sale as a 'keep sake'.”
“We are on the look-out for a guest of honour to open the gala and we would love to hear from any famous former Marybank pupils or perhaps the oldest former pupil if they are able and willing to accept this honour.”
Anyone with former connections to Marybank Primary is urged to telephone 01997 433320 or email: marybank.primary@highland.gov.uk.
-ends-
For further information please contact: Robert Quigley, Head Teacher, Marybank Primary School, tel: 01997 433320.