Highland school celebrates 140th anniversary.

A Highland primary school will mark its 140th anniversary this weekend (Saturday 16th June) with a gala party and exhibition.

Over one hundred past and present pupils and associated staff of Marybank Primary School will gather for a commemorative photograph including former pupils 97 year old Betty Fraser and 89 year old Rev. Duncan Finlayson.

Charles Kennedy MP and Hugh Fraser, Highland Council’s Director of Education, Culture and Sport Service will open the proceedings and welcome everyone to the afternoon of family fun.

In addition to a variety of art and craft stalls and children's activities that have been organised, the current Marybank pupils will perform a Gaelic song. An exhibition running from 16th -18th June of photos, artefacts and other memorabilia will be on display at the community hall.

The exhibition is the culmination of a major research project which was started by two local women and former pupils, Maggie Buchanan and Kate MacIver who both have lived in Marybank all their life. Maggie, who is also the parent of current pupil, Kyra Macrae, along with Kate, have been researching the school's history initially as a hobby, and have collected a huge amount of memorabilia and testimonials from former pupils and teachers.

The end of the day will be rounded off with a Silent Auction to raise money to improve the school playground with items including a holiday in the Lake District and a holiday in Portugal.

Head Teacher, Robert Quigley said: “Everyone in the school and village have been looking forward to this day for some time and it has been fantastic to talk with former pupils and staff and discover how fondly they remember their days at the school. Some have said that if feels like they are going to a massive school reunion!  It promises to be a very exciting day. The fun kicks off at 1 o’clock.”