Dunlop Primary School Marks 150 Years of Community Service
Celebrations included historical displays, community memory books, and a special tribute to a long-serving staff member.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
AI
Dunlop Primary School facade decorated for its 150th anniversary celebration.
Dunlop Primary School and its community recently celebrated 150 years of education with a special event featuring historical displays, pupil projects, and community engagement.
Dunlop Primary School, alongside its wider community, recently came together to commemorate its 150th anniversary. The event was officially opened by Head Teacher Laura Kelly, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony performed by the longest-serving staff member, Miss Janice McCrae, and the youngest pupil, Eva. The cake featured the school's mascot and its motto, "Climb That Hill."
In preparation for the milestone, pupils delved into the history of Dunlop and significant historical events. Their studies included learning about local buildings such as Dunlop Kirk, past industries like weaving, and the creation of new school badge designs to mark the 150th year. They also produced a digital tour of Dunlop and compiled a memory book over six weeks, gathering contributions from past and present community members, pupils, and staff. This book was available for viewing and purchase at the celebration.
Pupils from P7 conducted interviews with former pupils, resulting in a short film that was well-received by invited guests and the community. Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education and Children and Young People, attended alongside Depute Provost John McGhee, local member Councillor Ellen Freel, and Robyn Davidson, Interim Assistant Director of Education.
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"It was a real pleasure to visit Dunlop Primary to celebrate its 150th anniversary with members of the school and the wider community. We were warmly welcomed by the pupils and thoroughly enjoyed viewing their displays, including photographs and artefacts dating back to 1903. It is quite incredible to think that Dunlop Primary opened in 1876 after compulsory education became law in the UK. Back when Queen Victoria was on the throne and Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone and made the first ever phone call. Life has changed drastically since then, but what hasn't changed is that the school remains the heart of the community."
Head Teacher Laura Kelly described the event as the final celebration of the year marking their 150th anniversary, which also included a whole school photograph and a picnic earlier in the year. She noted the success of the afternoon, with many visitors commenting positively on the event and the children's knowledge. The occasion also served to celebrate Miss McCrae, who is retiring this month after dedicating 37 years to the children of Dunlop and making a significant impact. Kelly expressed pride in leading the school during its 150th year, working with dedicated staff, pupils, and families.
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"This was the last of our celebrations this year marking our 150th anniversary, which has also included a whole school photograph to mark this historic occasion and a picnic celebration earlier in the year. The afternoon was a huge success with many of our visitors commenting on how wonderful the event had been and how knowledgeable the children sharing information were. It was also the perfect opportunity to celebrate Miss McCrae who is retiring later this month and who worked so hard to make the event a success. She has dedicated 37 years to the children of Dunlop and has had a huge impact on hundreds of lives. We are all going to miss her terribly. I have felt huge pride and honour in being the Head Teacher leading such a wonderful school, working alongside great staff, pupils and families in it's 150th year."
