End of an era as Craighead School closes

Jun 25 2009 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

End of an era as Craighead closes

HAMILTON’S Craighead special needs school last Thursday held an open afternoon.

It was held to celebrate the life of the school before it closes for good this week.

Pupils and staff at the Whistleberry Drive school, which opened in 1948, invited parents, ex-pupils and friends of the school who still live in the area to come along to the event, which was held throughout last Thursday.

The school is to close at the end of the term, with the remaining 128 pupils on the school roll to be integrated into accommodation provided in mainstream secondary schools in the area.

The event was a great success with a big turn out of former pupils and their families.

Attendees had the chance to look at old records and logbooks from the school, as well as a variety of old photographs. Videos, dvds and prom pictures were also on show for visitors to look at.

Acting head teacher Marion Scott said: “ We had lots of former pupils and parents who came along to the event and people from various different communities who had been here over the years.

“We thought it was very successful and it was a chance to catch up with former pupils and them to be able to meet up with friends.”

She added:“So many people in Hamilton and in the Blantyre area know about Craighead School and have either had children or maybe grandchildren here. We thought it was a good way of letting them know about what went on here and to come and have a look around.”

Craighead School will close for the final time today (Thursday, June 26).