Pupil Memories
As part of the 175th anniversary celebrations, we asked former pupils to share a memory, photograph, or story from their time at Airdrie Academy. The responses have been phenomenal, covering over eight decades of history. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Robert Inglis – Pupil from 1941-1947
Airdrie Academy provided us with school dinners. This was a blessing for many families, especially throughout the Second World War. School dinners were much appreciated by pupils. I remember the aptly named school cook, Mrs. Burns, and her kitchen staff to this day. They charged around one shilling for a two-course lunch. In modern day money this is equivalent to around five pence! You would not get much for that nowadays at all, not even in a fast-food restaurant.Although I was at school during the World War Two, I don’t remember it having a massive impact on our time at school. In my senior years we had to take a turn of ‘fire watch duty’ in the gents’ staffroom. This was in the latter years of the war so not much to report. In all honesty it was boring. I do remember playing table tennis for half the night.
​​
Cathie Stewart – Pupil from 1948-1952
We hear that you are collecting information for the 175-year anniversary. I have attached some photos. I have very fond memories of my time at Airdrie Academy. I am currently living in Australia with my family, and I am celebrating my 90th birthday this year! This photograph shows a group of 6th year pupils with the janitor - Mr Gillespie. This was on the day we were leaving school, full of plans and excitement for the future. It doesn’t seem that long ago!
Margaret Hume- pupil 1939-1945
Mrs. Margaret Humphries (nee Hume) has provided these memories. "As a thirteen-year-old, second year pupil the thought of moving from the dark, dingy, old Academy with its draughty wooden huts and annexes to the splendid new building at South Commonhead Avenue in August 1941 was something which promised to brighten our young lives.
"We children had just lived through the air-raids of March 1941 and Clydebank although we understood the gravity of the war, we rather enjoyed crawling about underneath our classroom desks which were our make-shift air-raid shelters! Possibly this arrangement was not too easily supervised because, shortly afterwards, it was decreed that supervised children who could reach their homes within five minutes of an air raid warning would be allowed to do so. Many us hearts decided we could do just that and by running our hearts out we completed the journey in ten minutes -good training for our future yearsthe relay teams!"
"We bade farewell to the old school in June 1941 and entered our fine new school on the hill. Certainly we had bright, airy classrooms, a grand assembly hall with stained-glass windows, gymnasia with changing rooms and real showers, and cloisters for what wenever really discovered -but where were our playing fields?"
"Alas owing to the war, money was not available for such a project. Under the supervision of Miss Mary Henderson and armed with hedge shears and other garden implements, we set to and cut ourselves a semblance of a hockey pitch on the nearest piece of reasonably flat ground!
Memory fades and I can't remember whether or not we continued to play on OUR pitch – certainly it taught us to appreciate the virtues of patience and self-help.'
"With hindsight I realise the staff must have had a harrowing time moving books, equipment and other necessities but, I'm afraid, to those of us who were concerned mainly with playing fields, the move went smoothly and caused a mere ripple in our youthful lives.
"It did mean trudging an extra half-mile most of it uphill!"
​
​
​
Of course, I remember some of the staff in these days. Mr Sinclair was the ‘heedie’. Some teachers were very fierce like ‘Tearer’ Simpson the Latin teacher. Most of the teachers were given nicknames, some more complimentary that others! ‘Daddy’ Allan was deputy. I am sure he taught Maths and Tommy Henderson who had just come back from the war was my Maths teacher. I believe that he became Rector of Airdrie Academy many years later.
My memories from Airdrie Academy are largely positive. I loved playing hockey and Miss Orr, who also taught French took the hockey with Mr Matthews who was a gym teacher. Happy anniversary to my old school and “Thanks for the wonderful memories”
Robert Forrest- Pupil from 1952-1958
In 1953 the new Airdrie Academy ‘house’ system was introduced. There was Cleddans (for pupils with surnames A to E), Faskine (F to L), Monklands (M to Q) and Rochsoles (R to Z) I was assigned to Faskine house and the colour was yellow. These same four houses were in existence right up to 2022.
The House System produced competition and inter house rivalry in various competitions I remember in my final year preparing for a football match against Rochsoles when our Housemaster “Smiler” Henderson (Maths) sidled up to me and said quietly “Forrest, no prisoners!”. I was shocked as I had never known such a mild-mannered man.
Anne MacPherson – Pupil from 1954-1960
I honestly cannot pick out any singular event to tell you about because everything was just great. The facilities, the teachers, the level of education, the introduction to new faculties e.g. classical music, art, poetry etc. were all excellent.
I still sometimes say something, and people ask me “How do you know that?” I can answer honestly and say that I learned it at school!
There is probably nothing which I have written which is actually a reply to your question, but it has given me the opportunity to express my gratitude to Airdrie Academy for giving me the foundation for the rest of my life and for providing some of the happiest years of my life.
I wish you much success with the project!
​
Elizabeth Shaw – Pupil from 1954-1960
The positions of Prefects, boys’ and girls’ Captains and School Captains were highly sought after. To secure votes, you needed to organise a meeting, make a speech to the other pupils then be successful in a vote.
This photograph is from school year 1959/1960. My best friend Anne Macpherson was Girls Vice-Captain, and I was Girls Captain. We were so proud and happy!
George Moonie – Pupil from 1956-1962
​
Our class French teacher was a lady called Miss Lana Turner. She was tiny, only around 4ft10”. She was a very funny lady who would tell us of her holidays in France but of course, at the time, we monsters couldn’t even tell you where France was on a map!
In first year, there was a boy in my class called Henry Knox. He was very tall for his age. As with most young boys, as a group we were quite boisterous and quite cheeky. There was a day Miss Turner wanted to give Henry the belt, but he was so tall she could not reach. She swung the belt so high that she literally jumped off her feet! She still managed to strike him though and it was sore. You didn’t really get the belt unless it was deserved and on that occasion it really was.
Isabel Morrison-Pupil from 1957-1963
Going up to Airdrie Academy in 1957, aged 11, from a village primary school, I felt overawed and underprepared: some of my classmates had already done a bit of French and decimals!
​
This photograph shows my S1 class 1A.
I remember the picture being taken on a particularly cold and windy day.
However, thanks to some fine teaching (and hard work) I managed to survive and made the rather odd choice of Greek as my specialist language in 3rd year. There were only two of us in the class so we did really well, especially under the guidance of Mr Simpson, who had terrorised all of us in his Latin class in S1.
I was never very sporty, and being bussed to and from the school meant that after-school activities were limited but I joined the Drama Club run by Mr Inglis and Miss Sneddon, which had very exacting standards.
A more relaxed activity which I became a member of was organised by Mr Liddell and Mr Train – the Debating Society, where in 5th year I became aware of the boy in the year below me who eventually became my husband – and who sees to all my computer needs! We have been together for over sixty years now.
Margaret Jarvie – Pupil from 1958-1964
I will be forever grateful for Ballroom and Scottish Country dancing lessons in PT. I was a natural. The girls were walked along the quadrangle to the boy’s gym for lessons. On the night of my first school dance, I was allowed to wear my mother’s lipstick. In 1958 the girls wore ankle socks and flat shoes. No nylons or heels then. Never even entered our minds to wear any kind of make-up either. We did not have a ball or a prom. No ball gowns, special dresses, or tuxedos. We wore the nicest clothes we had. I did not like the fact that we had to wait for the boys to ask us to dance. We had only one lady’s choice dance.
During gym class the girls would practice field hockey on the sports grounds behind the school. I remember being embarrassed wearing our 'navy blue knickers' and wondering if any boys in classes could see us out there. Ha! ha!
Before sports day, everyone during gym class, would practice running, long jump. high jump, hurdles etc. The ones who were the best were picked to participate in Sports Day. We all belonged to different 'houses' depending on your last name and would compete against each other houses. I remember one year at the end of sports day the public was invited to watch pupils from Airdrie Academy Scottish Country Dancing all around the sports field. It was amazing. Hundreds of pupils were involved, and we had a great turn out.
​
Raymond Davidson– Pupil from 1959-1965
I remember a Languages teacher called Mr McLeod. He had a bit of a reputation for being strict. I think once you were in his class and he knew you, things were much easier.
I remember taking part in a school trip to Rome, Naples and Capri - a great trip with good friends.
George Simpson- Pupil from 1961-1967
This is a photograph of the Airdrie Academy prefects in the school year 1966-67. I’m standing at the top left. Colin Griffin is next to me. Andy MacInnes, I think went on to be a reporter with the Airdrie Advertiser. Eleanor Tennant in the front married a good friend of mine, John McGlinchey of Salsburgh. Of course, Rector W C Henderson, the “Flush” in the middle. I remember him shedding a tier when telling the school of the Aberfan disaster in Wales.
Jim Smillie – Pupil from 1963-1969
Before comprehensive education the Academy drew pupils from a wide area. Apart from the primary schools in the town, pupils from Glenmavis, Greengairs, Plains, Harthill, Eastfield, Salsburgh, Chapelhall and Calderbank attended the Academy. Being from Kirk o' Shotts, Salsburgh along with pupils going to Airdrie High we relied on the school bus which was operated by Salsburgh company Golden Eagle coaches (Irvine's Buses). During my time the bus could be a draughty old ex London double decker or one of their luxury coaches.
I remember one incident of having a strategically placed school bag to stop the snow blowing into the top deck. Golden Eagle also transported sports teams to away games. This meant we could catch the bus in the village and be dropped back home afterwards. If you had game or club after school, you had to collect a late pass which would allow you to travel home on the service bus from the old bus station where the Sheriff Court is now.
Linda Burns – Pupil from 1963-1968
I was a pupil at the Academy during the mini-skirt era and we girls were desperate to wear our grey school skirts as short as possible. However, Mr. Henderson, the Rector, did not approve of this trend. My friend and I would double over the waistband of our skirts to hitch them higher. Passing us one day in the corridor, he stopped us both and ordered us to lower the hemline to a ‘decent’ level as “That may be alright for Airdrie Palais but not for Airdrie Academy!”
I was insulted. I had never set foot in Airdrie Palais! But we obeyed his command!
​
Margery and Hugh Robin Goldie – Pupils from 1963-1969
Attached is a photo of my husband Hugh Robin Goldie with the school rugby team. My husband is known as Robin and attended Airdrie Academy from 1963-1969.
​
Hugh Robin is fifth from the left in the top row in the picture.
The teacher's name is Alastair McLeod. He taught French and directed the school operas. I was an extra in one of Mr. McLeod's operas. It was Merry England and I had to do Morris dancing!
I met my husband through mutual friends who also went to Airdrie Academy. My husband and I were in different year groups, so our paths didn't cross at school.
Innes Smith – Pupil from 1963-1969
My most vivid memory of my first day at Airdrie Academy was of feeling so totally overwhelmed and nervous that waiting for the morning bell to ring I stood with a couple of former classmates in the playground passing the time by counting the windows on this huge building whose architecture never failed to impress me. I am not ashamed to admit that as an adult I shed a few tears when that beautiful building was demolished.
One other thing that still resonates with me was the number of times in those first days, in meeting new teachers as we moved from subject to subject that the teachers asked and recorded not only our names but our father’s occupation. Even then, that seemed a bit surprising and suspect to me.
Some teachers we met came with their already established reputations, especially those known to be strict disciplinarians. One such was the Classics Teacher known as ‘Tearer’. He never taught me but so in awe of him was I that I remember walking around three sides of The Quad to avoid having to walk past him. One day, however, I came face to face with the man himself as we approach the swing doors close to his classroom walking in opposite directions and due to meet just as we reached the doors. Too late to run for it I stood to the side as this- to me- huge, imposing man pushed open both doors to move through. I don’t know what I thought was going to happen but as he moved past me, he smiled, patted me on the head and waved me through holding the door open for me. A lesson there about reputations and expectations.
​​​
Janet Rae – Pupil from 1966-1972
I was at the Academy from 1966-72 and loved it! My name then was Janet Rae, and I came on the bus from Greengairs.
I have many memories and one is school dinners, particularly on Fridays when it was always fish and chips. I don’t think I have ever tasted fish and chips I enjoyed so much! I remember before we started eating, a prefect would say grace, often including the phrase “help us to remember the needs of others”. Somehow that has stuck with me.
Much to my disappointment, I was never allowed to take part in the school opera, because of my parents’ strict religious views. Or maybe I just assumed I wasn’t allowed; I don’t remember asking but it just seemed to me that these kinds of things were out of bounds. Anyway in 6th year I somehow found myself helping with the props and having a great time. To this day I remember most of the words of the songs. The show was Ruddigore (Gilbert and Sullivan) and in the final scene the cast had to raise a celebratory drink, which I had to prepare. Somebody (can’t now remember who) thought it would be a good idea to add some perfume to the drinks and to my shame I went along with this and watched the cast having to put on a brave face having taken a gulp of this disgusting liquid. No great harm was done but the shame has stayed with me for over 50 years and left me with a real distaste for practical jokes.
Another memory is from our French class with Mrs. Johnston (Annabel). There was quite a lot of bad behaviour in her class, and sometimes those of us who were usually well behaved got caught up in it. Or maybe did some poor work. On these occasions she would shake her head sorrowfully and say “Et tu, Brute” Then she would laugh and say , you know that means “you too, you brute!”
​
​​​
John MacLeod – Pupil from 1968-1974
I was at Airdrie Academy from 1968/9 1W, 2A1, 3A1, 4G, 5G, 6G leaving in 1974 (but not in the class photo). I was fairly low-profile so people may not remember me. My friend was Graham Weir (Big Daddy), and Brian Gardner.
I remember Roddy Pugh, David Morrison, Gordon Flavell, Stuart McKenzie, Campbell McCracken now sadly passed, Beth Stallard, Moray Frame, Anne MacDonald, Isobel Stirling, Jane McMaster, Isobel Dobbie and others.
For teachers I remember Stuart Coull (English) passed, Ian Walker (History) passed, George Allan (Maths), Dave Willcock (Economics)
Today sitting in an Irish pub, Brisbane Australia the band played the class song, which prompted this post ...
The Wild Rover
​
I've been a wild rover for many's the year.
And I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer.
But now I'm returning with gold in great store.
And I never will play the wild rover no more.
And it's no, nay, never.
No, nay never no more.
Will I play the wild rover?
No never no more
​
Morag Miller – Pupil from 1969-1973
I was there between 69/73. I remember many teachers. Some good and some horrid memories. The Rectors sister Miss Henderson was the first teacher to give me the belt at the Academy. Mr McLeod was the housemaster of Monklands when I was there and also taught French. The others I remember from this photo are Mr Allan, Miss Lawson, Miss Ritchie, Bunty, Mr Herron for geography, Mrs Maidment, Miss Wilson for Art, Mrs Bianchi, Mr Liddle for English, Mr Russell, Mrs Pearson for Music, Mr Dalling, Paw Brown, Annabelle, and Mr Henderson the Rector.
​
Margaret Galbraith, pupil 1969-1973
I was a library monitor at the Academy in the early 1970s. I loved it but couldn’t go on to study as I had to go out to work. When I was in my forties, I went back to do library studies and have been working in University of Adelaide library since. I retired 27/3/20 after Covid hit and it was time.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
This photograph was taken around 1972. I am in the middle at the back ...Moira Ferguson to my right? On my left. Front row Kitty Reid. In the middle Agnes, maybe? Then Sheena Young below left. Keith Taylor, Nanette Riach, Phylis Turner? Derek Lynn, ...year ahead or so Gavin Livingstone, Gavin Lafferty, George.
I remember Miss Tait who taught English. The Rector was Mr. WC Henderson alias Flush. I recall there was a hunky, tall dark haired maths teacher. I just remembered he was George Allen! Great memories of my time at school!
Elspeth Dornan – Pupil from 1970-1976
I gained a love of languages modern and not so modern from first year - I’d fantastic modern language teachers with Miss Turnbull as an example - I can still around 50 years later quote some of the acronyms we were taught. I joined the Christian Fellowship there meeting I’m sure on a Monday after school - teachers included Miss Ritchie, Mr Duncan, Mr Morris. We went for weekends at Wiston Lodge, and we had the wonderful time. All of the teachers were fab - that was a very long time ago - in fact Miss Ritchie was housemistress of my house, Rochsoles and was so approachable. I have to say that most of my teachers were supportive, always giving help if needed at lunchtime too - can you tell I loved my time there?
Also forgot to add in the head of modern languages, Annabelle but can’t remember her real name - she often locked us in because we had double French then double German. I also did Latin, and we could do some Greek, but it had to stop due to lack of teaching staff - I still love languages to this day!
Moyra Waite- pupil from 1971-1976
Mr Sherry was our English teacher in second year. I was always rather shy, and I remember having to dance with chiffon scarves to a top ten number ‘Albatross’ which was too embarrassing for words. I was much more comfortable putting pen to paper (but was then embarrassed that he chose my essay for publication in the school magazine).
I also remember Mr Coull who made us do embarrassing tasks such as write an unusual marriage proposal and then, horror of horrors, pick a boy from the class to enact it with. I still cringe at the memory He would have been my English teacher around 1974/75.
One of the most memorable teachers for me was Mrs Pearson who taught music but more significantly in my mind ran the Senior Choir and put on G&S operas each year which were extremely successful. I can still sing all the songs from ‘Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘Iolanthe’. Wonderful memories! My favourite part of being at school apart from friendships.
Wendy Wagstaff – pupil 1974-1978
I have many memories of school but one that I will always remember is Mr. B Cameron. He taught history or geography, I think. He was a personal friend of the family too. Sadly, he lost his life in a motorbike accident on the Tak me doon Road. It would be nice to see if anyone else remembered him.
I also remember the "mount" and being told not to go there as it was haunted ha-ha! I later found it was full of old newspapers.
I was 74-78. Mrs. Henderson was there. She taught HE and I am sure Mr. Henderson was Rector then? Was it her husband or brother, I'm not sure.
Gordon Donald – Pupil from 1976-1980
School Dinners were amazing! If you could let me know what happened to the old recipe books, please let me know. I have been looking for school dinner recipes for years with no luck. I was in Faskine house from 1976 -1980.
My favourite was fish, chips and beetroot then custard and caramel cake, but then I loved all the cakes, and that watery custard was magic.
​
​
​
David Kennedy – Pupil from 1977-1983
I was very surprised to learn that the photograph of Celli Williams and myself winning the Glasgow University Bursary Examinations in 1983 still hangs on the wall of the conference room in Airdrie Academy. I haven’t seen that for well over forty years!
​
You can see the wee bit of hair on the left side of my head that wouldn’t conform, no matter how much it was combed or brushed. And my tie is squinty.
We sat the examinations at the University of Glasgow’s Gilmorehill Hall. I had just turned sixteen and wasn’t familiar with the West end of the city. After the challenging General first paper I went outside and turned sharp left instead of going up the hill. I ended up in Kelvingrove Park and quickly realised I was lost. So, while I did well at answering questions and writing essays my intelligence didn’t stretch to finding my way home! I think I was late home for tea that day.
​
Iain Sloan – Pupil from 1978-1984
I attended Airdrie Academy from 1978 until 1984. I was proud member of Woodhall house.
What I happily regard as a turning point in my life was a class by Mr. Kerr. Back in those days computers were very new in schools. Most Schools had a BBC Micro or an Acorn (basically the same thing) and Mr. Kerr started a computer class. It was 2 periods a week on a Tuesday afternoon. On what is now a relic of a computer. An Apple 2 EuroPlus (before Apple made phones, iPads and MacBooks they produced those amazing things. Programming it in basic or using one of its two 5 ¼ inch floppy disk drives. That one class was the turning point of my life. It broke into the wild an interest that was brewing in me. With that I went on to a job with British Steel, running a Minicomputer (not Mini by any means, took up a room). And from there my career grew. Until today, I sit here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, having been in the computer industry for almost 40 years in varying positions. I’m still thankful for Mr. Kerr, that class and Airdrie Academy for taking someone that was otherwise not the most interested in school and turned me into someone that still looks back on that specific class fondly. Somewhere, even this far away, I still have an old jotter from that class with my first “Hello World” little basic program written into it.
This one thing, a little request for memories has stirred so many memories of home and that wonderful time that was growing up. I know the place isn’t the same anymore (is anywhere?) but so glad to see the school still battling on and doing great stuff for the kids of Airdrie.
And having been over here for so long, I can still say “Scottish schools are still so much better than American schools”.
Congratulations Airdrie Academy for 175 years!
​
Elaine Devine – Pupil from 1981-1986
I have great memories of being in the trampette squad and being involved in a display at Hampden Park in aid of Barnardo's. Remember the fireworks at the end and them landing all around us as we were standing on the pitch. I was terrified! I remember hiding under Mr. Rawlinson's arms, he was a great teacher. I loved the gym and dance displays too! We even made it on the TV when a reporter came to school to record us for a local ‘what is going on in your area’ programme. Happy days!
​
Scott Hamilton- pupil 1980-1986
I have lots of positive memories of my time at Airdrie Academy. From early on I played rugby at school - we were quite successful through the years and many of the guys still keep in touch online which has been boosted by this project Here are some photos of our teams through the years. The first one is a photo of my brother’s team, two years above at school, but does include a few players I played with in later years.
I loved drama and was often involved in the school shows. The drama group performed ‘Nicht o’the Blunt Claymore’ by Alan Richardson in 1984 when I was in S4, directed by Ms Austin. It was a riot – really funny. My role was Duncan Fraser, a Jacobite Rebel! I had quite a funny costume for that or rather a disguise, where I had to dress up as a woman to hide from the local English army officers, with large ‘balloons’ as props, in appropriate places for my disguise!
There was a school production of ‘The Mikado’ in 1984. I played the title role and I have kept the original programme, which like the others I have hoarded over the years, has lots of signatures and funny japes from old friends who were in those shows. In 1986 I played the part of a sulky monster called ‘Spica’ in the musical ‘Moonzapoppin’. I remember wearing a rubber cap with lots of golf tees poking through. Not the most comfortable
All the shows were genuinely good fun with great teachers / directors, like Mrs Paterson, Mr Clemes, Mr Rodgers. Great memories.
I also enjoyed music at school. TSB sponsored the national Rock School competition for school bands, and we were in the Scottish finals in 1985 and 1986. This is our 1986 band photograph. I am standing on the right hand side at the back with a full head of hair back then!
Fraser McNicoll is top left of picture Colin Dick bottom left and Stuart McLeod bottom right. Fraser, Colin and in particular Stuart were proper musicians, in fact Stuart went on to form a succesful career both playing in and producing bands.
The band that year was called ‘Blue Way’. We named the band after a cigarette brand that Stuart ‘allegedly’ brought a 20 pack of home from a trip in France.It was a great laugh. Both years the finals were held in Edinburgh and we took a bus load of ‘fans’ from the school, who in equal measure cheered and took the mickey out of us! In 1985 our band shared a dressing room with the eventual winners who were from Aberdeen and were – to be fair - pretty good! This picture made me smile. It holds so many memories.
I was appointed school captain in my final year 1985-86. We had a great team of seniors who worked closely together. I recently found my old blazer too with the captain’s braid. It ‘almost’ still fits, thirty eight years later!
Happy anniversary, Airdrie Academy!
Claire Lees, pupil 1982-1988
I found the HMS Pinafore programme when going through some boxes that were in the loft and it brought back so many memories. I remember we danced a horn pipe dance. Such a laugh! So many good memories!
​
Joanne Watson- pupil 1982 to 1988
My best memories are the skip trips, freezing cold mornings playing hockey and the school shows. My friends and I took part in Moon za Poppin (think that’s the correct spelling) that Mr. Clements had written. It was a great production and great fun - I can still remember some of the songs!
​
Kirsty Grozier- pupil 1983-1989
​
I remember going to Daerhead when I was in Monklands with other pupils and teachers Mr. Douglas(PE) and Mr Bell(Art). Didn't get to enjoy the trip fully as my sister stood in a rabbit hole and sprained her ankle as soon as we got there, spent the trip holding her up. Beautiful scenery, if I remember it was near Moffat.
Below is an old school photo of school captains circa 1989 with rector Mr Smith. My name is Kirsty Mills, name then was Kirsty Grozier. I was a Senior Vice Captain (bottom left) and my triplet sisters were Vice Captains - Dana Grozier (bottom second from left) and Kasha O'Hanlon(Grozier) is pictured bottom right.
Fond memories of the old school with a good bunch of people.
Lesley Curran- pupil 1983-1989
I remember going to Daerhead cottage with S 1 Glentore House. Mr Fletcher and his wife took us in a mini bus. We had just come out the school gates and the back door of the mini bus opened and fire logs fell out. Great start. His wife had just come off a night shift and was exhausted. We were all being too noisy so got sent out for a walk and told not to come back for at least an hour. Great memories.
​
Scott Mccloy – Pupil 1985 -1990
​
At Airdrie Academy I had the pleasure of meeting my now wife Lisa Binnie (she started in 1986) at the school. I plucked up the courage and asked her out in 1990 when we were 6th/5th years. Legend says that I was chucked out my Chemistry class so I could see her next door. That is true romance!
We both went to Strathclyde University and then into work. We stayed together all that time, getting married in 2001. We are still married to this day and now have three kids called Keir, Harris and Victoria.
Please give Lisa a mention and tell her I love her 😉
I have many great memories from the school but that one’s a legacy. I was and still am punching. It must have been my " Jazz " aftershave that sealed the deal!
We still have lifelong friendships from our time at Airdrie Academy. Graeme Fettes and Allan Russell were my two best men. We are at Helen Dobbie’s ( nee Helen Hutchison) 50th birthday tomorrow with a squad from our time at school. The picture below is of all ex-Academy pupils.
Pic taken 12/4/24 at Helens 50th Started AA in 85 86 and 87
Lyndsay Redwood ( nee Garven)86
Diane Belardo ( nee Paterson) 86
Julie Smith ( nee Bell) 85
Fiona Stewart ( nee Turnbull ) 87
Lynn Blades 85
Dawn Goldie 86
Lisa McCloy ( nee Binnie) 86
Jacqueline Patterson ( nee Black) 87
Helen Dobbie ( nee Hutchieson) 86
Julie Shaw- pupil 1988-1994
You asked for some memories I have from my time at Airdrie Academy? Quite a few spring to mind.
I have great memories of hanging about in the Technical block with all our friends at break and lunch in first and second year. Heaven forbid if you needed to go down the corridor as we would sit at both sides with our legs stretched out making it impossible for anyone to get past!
In 4th and 5th year one of our French teachers (possibly Mrs McMeekin) allowed us to use her classroom at breaks and lunch so we have our own space to hang out with friends.
​
I remember a joint school exchange trip with St Ambrose High School to Châtellerault in France. Mrs McMeekin came with us. It took place between the 15th and 24th of June 1993 when I was in S4. The visitors had come to Scotland the year before. I have a few pictures:
Scott Roberts, pupil 1985-1991
The ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ show went on despite a pupil falling through the ceiling and breaking his collar bone when he was trying to fix a projector!I remember the programme had typo “Born Fee” instead of “Born Free”. (I typeset the programme - and got paid for it!) I was in 6th Year.
Ross Ferguson, pupil 1992-1998
Two teachers for me that made lasting impressions…
​
1) Jim Logan - I picked Music as a Standard Grade simply because my friends did. I wasn't predicted to do particularly well, especially in the practical. Close to the exams, Mr Logan spoke to me after class and said, “Boy, you are actually good at this, just believe you can do it.” I ended up getting a Credit 1 overall. After the summer break, Mr Logan came to find me to congratulate me and shake my hand. A great man and one of the reasons I love music and like my kids to get involved in it too!
​
2) Steve Allen - in sixth year I chose to crash Higher Computing Studies. After the very first class he spoke to me asking if I was just here wasting both our time and picking the subject just to stay in school. Over the year I proved him wrong and he was man enough to apologise to me about that first week. I ended up with a Higher A, studied programming and stats at uni and have been using those skills in the finance industry for nearly 15 years.
​​​
Linsay McKenna- pupil, 1996-2002
I played in the Airdrie Academy concert band from about 1998 or so to 2002. I played lots of the competitions for Boosey and Hawkes. I remember going to Manchester with both Airdrie Academy Senior band and North Lanarkshire Wind Ensemble. Good times!
​
John Cochrane- pupil, 1996-2002
I remember Mr Scoular, Dr McAllister, Mrs Bryce and Mr Iain Huggins for encouraging my love of science (to the point where I teach it now!). And Mr Hart, my registration teacher all the way through, as well as being my Standard Grade Maths teacher. He had an amazing way of making the complicated seem easy. An absolute gent, an Airdrie man through and through!
One of my most vivid memories of my time at Airdrie Academy was in science. While sitting in Mr Scoular’s class, our class was invaded by Dr McAllister’s class, wielding droppers full of water. We got soaked!
We plotted out revenge, and set off to do the same, only to be met round the corner by Mr. Blackwood (the pt chemistry!). To say he was less than impressed was an understatement! We all got a roasting, and the teachers probably got it worse!
When I think back to the old buildings that I had to work in, they were in a bit of a sorry state. There were leaky ceilings and drafty windows. Not to mention being decanted from the science block in S5 due to asbestos being found!
I also remember the 150th anniversary celebrations- lots of activities including a Victorian themed day. What an amazing experience!
​
Danielle Sutherland – Pupil from 1999-2005
I was a pupil at Airdrie Academy from 1999 until 2005 and wanted to share my memories from this time. At the 150th anniversary I had just started the school and remember celebrating this anniversary and my daughter will be starting in August this year for this special anniversary.
I remember everyone dressing up in black dresses with a white apron for the girls and using the metal hoop and stick trying to see if we could get it to work. It was also interesting to see the teachers take part too by dressing up and changing their classes to single rows as it would have been at that time. As much as it was fun it was also scary as I was just new at the school and didn't like the way it would have been back then.
​​
Linzi Charnley – Pupil from 2003-2009
I left Airdrie academy in 2009. I have quite a few photos from my time there at both the old building and then the new (current) building. I was heavily involved in the music department (I am now a secondary music teacher).
The shows I have included were ‘We Will Rock You’ (2008) and ‘Les Misérables’ (2009).
The samba drumming photos were from our visits to Mavisbank Primary School. There are also a few other random ones from Halloween.
The one with the certificate is from when we won the National Concert Band Festival (I’m sure that’s what it was called!)
Ann McMillian – Pupil from 2004 to 2010
I have a lot of wonderful memories from my time there. Miss Abbas (now Mrs. Park) ignited a love for music that led me to take up the saxophone - Friday night band was always brilliant fun! I won Young Musician in 6th year, and I still remember how hard the staff in the music department worked on those evenings and how much they supported us.
We did a school show of Les Misérables in either 2008 or 2009, I can't recall which. That was one of the most amazing projects I have ever been a part of. Everything came together so well - the music, the cast, the production etc. were all outstanding. I now work alongside Mrs. McRobbie who helped co-ordinate it all, we talk about it often with great fondness!
The annual trip to the battlefields in Belgium was a huge highlight. It was a fantastic mix of adventure, fun, education and friendship - everything you wanted on a school trip. I still have all my photos!
The move to the new school was simultaneously exciting and terrifying. I remember running round the old buildings on our last day relishing the opportunity to add graffiti without getting in trouble! I added my name to the A block. I remember the tuck shop in the H block. I remember having to be careful which seat you sat on in case it ripped your tights because so many were chipped and broken.
I went back to the school to get some classroom experience whilst I was applying to be a teacher. Mrs. Prior was a great help, as were the rest of Social Subjects. There's so much more I could talk about. I remember my time at school positively. Thanks.
​​
Kieran McMath- pupil 2007-2013
My time at Airdrie Academy was filled with the most amazing experiences - led and cheered on by brilliant teachers. When I was in sixth year, I applied to study primary teaching and Stacey Dunn, my drama teacher told me that I should consider applying to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to study Contemporary Performance Practice. She helped me with my application, and my audition and I found myself leaving Airdrie Academy going to study at, what was then, the third best performing arts school in the world. That was all down to Stacey believing in me!
Fast forward to now, I competed my PGDE in Primary Teaching after drama school - I think the positive impact my teachers had on me made me realise how important good teaching is! Since 2014 I have been creative director of ‘Imagine That’, an award-winning Performing Arts School based in Airdrie.
My stories from various school performances are all in the ‘Taking to the Stage’ section of the anthology!
I went on several school trips with the performing arts department. The group photo is from one of the many drama London trips and another from a science trip to Disneyland Paris. I think they were both taken in 2011 when I was in fourth year.
I also remember going on different Business management trips – there were at least two from a trip to a stock exchange event in Glasgow with Mrs. McLean. I also found a photo of a trophy we won at an enterprise challenge.
At school I participated in several Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, but the photos are actually from 2013 when five of us went over to Dunoon for a residential with people from other schools - it was great fun, even although my case was left on the ferry and I didn’t have any clean clothes for the first day!
Other things that jump to mind are an Art and Design residential week at Kilbowie Outdoor Centre where I made a documentary to be shown at Summerlee and a week long programme with the fire service down in Coatbridge where we put on a display for our families. I have so many positive memories of my time at Airdrie Academy.
Cara Stewart, pupil 2010- 2016
I’m a former pupil from Airdrie Academy (2010-2016) and was in many school shows through my time at high school along with my sisters Hannah and Heather Stewart (both left recently). I saw the 175 memories on Facebook and thought I’d share a couple of memories/pictures!
Keavi Higgins – Pupil from 2012-2018
I remember being present for the very first purple Friday as a 6th year pupil. Watching everyone sign the pride flag in the social area felt like a refreshing sight to see as a formerly closeted bisexual teenager. I remember feeling the support from friends and the knowledge that we were witnessing history in the making as Airdrie Academy introduced the tradition of purple Friday, as well as numerous other shows of support for LGBT and trans youth within the school. I hope this flag is still displayed proudly in the school as I know it means so much to myself, past pupils and pupils yet to arrive!
Lauren Gray – pupil 2012-2018
I left Airdrie Academy in 2018 and I am now the photographer who comes to Airdrie Academy each year to do the pupils photographs.
From Airdrie academy my favourite teacher is Mr Patterson. He taught me photography and is the reason I am where I am today. Each year I come in, I always make time to visit the Art and Photography department.
I have made many friends from Airdrie Academy, but I have made a lifelong friend in Rachael Gallagher. I’ve attached a photo of us at the S1 disco vs us now. I also met my boyfriend Mark at Airdrie academy and we have now been together for six years.
Another fond memory I have is the 2017 Belgium trip (where I also took my camera) so I have attached some photographs of that as well.
​
Finally, I’ve attached a photo of all of the 2018 leavers sitting in the social area.
Olivia Gallen – Pupil from 2013 to 2019
Airdrie Academy School Vice Captains 2018-2019
Olivia Gallen and Adam Campbell.
My cherished memories of Airdrie Academy came from being appointed as the Vice School Captains from 2018-19. We held many charity events and got many pupils and teachers involved to raise money. To name a few... we held a Strictly Come Dancing event, a leg waxing competition with the boys and a beat the teacher Mario Kart game. We all had so much fun during this time, and it is these happy memories of my school years that I will always remember.
Alex McLuskey- pupil from 2019-present
In 2023 I was lucky enough to be picked to spend a week in Barcelona with the modern languages department. A group of 50 people from all different year groups and different personalities spending a week together in a foreign country. I was sharing a room with two other people, one of whom I had never talked to before, but little did I know that one person would become the person who means most to me.
The one person I could have never imagined speaking to in my life became the person I couldn’t imagine my life without in less than a week.
The one person if you told me I would be best friends with I would have laughed in your face.
The one person who isn’t even in my year at school, yet we have so much in common.
The one person who I instantly clicked with The one person who I could talk to about anything even although we just met
The one person who came into my life when I needed them most
The one person who changed my life for the better.
My best friend.
​​​
Emma Brown- pupil from 2023-present
On the first day of high school, I felt excited. I wanted to meet new friends and get to know my new teachers. I felt nervous at the same time because it was a huge difference from primary school.
On my first day at Airdrie Academy, I met a group of girls from Golfhill who were in my class. One girl from that group decided to talk to me on that day and I was so glad to finally make friends. We are now a one big group girls in a class who are always truthful and kind with each other.
In Airdrie Academy, if you need some support there is always someone there to help you. You will have a pupil support teacher, who will help you all throughout high school with your development, learning, curriculum areas, health, attendance and careers. You can achieve merits in line with the school values example, behavior, effort, attitude, determination, ambition, respect and teamwork.
The subjects in high school are a lot more detailed and advanced than primary school. There are a lot more subjects, from primary. In school we learn Meta skills to help us prepare for the world of work. These skills are transferable, and you can use them in all types of subjects.
​
Isla Orr- pupil from 2023-present
On the first day of school, I felt a bit nervous, but I also felt quite excited. I walked to school with my friends, and we had to go to the gym hall and sit in our classes Everyone is so nice, and the teachers are supportive and want us to learn and do our best.
I have made lots of friends over the past year at Airdrie Academy. It has been a positive experience for me.
​
Isla Cochrane, pupil 2023-present
It's strange to think I am in S2 now. The big worries on my very first day of never making any friends or not knowing my way around are completely gone. I now have an amazing group of friends and I know the layout of the school like the back of my hand. I have taken part in a lot of trips while in S1. One sticks in my mind. I remember when I went to Amazonia with our Geography class and Millie kindly bought me ice-cream. That made me smile. I also remember my first time out going to get Greggs for lunch and we just made it back on time for the bell, despite waiting in line for 15 minutes.
​
I feel like I have changed quite a lot since P7. I feel like I've gotten some newfound confidence, which is nice. Of course, there are subjects that I love and hate in equal measure. English, Art, and Home Economics are probably my favourite classes. Writing in English is one of my favourite things to do and I already love to cook so ‘home ec’ is great fun. Although I don’t feel like I'm particularly ‘good’ at art, I do enjoy it a lot. In all honesty I have a love- hate relationship with Maths. I'm okay at understanding it and completing the tasks but I just find it so mind numbingly boring.
​
I'm excited for what S2 holds, it's going to be quite the journey!
Back to Top
Back to Home page