Lairdsland Primary School, Kirkintilloch

Log Books 1875-1992; Admissions Registers 1887-1980; Examination Results 1918-1948; Photographs 1989-1995; Videotapes of concerts 1990-2000; Historical Memorabilia 1872-2006

Arranged within series

Permission to access closed records must be obtained from the Head of Education.

Descriptive list

Catalogued by Sophie McCormack-Gow, Archives Volunteer, May 2016.

Copyright: Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements.

Lairdsland School in Kirkintilloch was established in December 1875 following the 1872 Education Act which transferred responsibility for the compulsory education of 5 to 13 year olds in the area to the Kirkintilloch School Board. It was expected that 300 pupils were to enrol once it opened due to the closure of Cowgate Industrial School, but most parents decided to send their children to the neighbouring Kerr Street School and Oswald School. From an initial attendance of 60, the roll of pupils grew rapidly and the number of staff was insufficient to attend to the large classes. In 1882 an upper storey was added to the school building and by 1910 the roll increased to 850 with a staff of 17. School meals were introduced in 1921 and special classes were provided from 1923. During the Second World War the school was occupied by the military in 1940 and used as barracks. Lairdsland pupils had to attend Townhead School for formal education until the school re-opened in September 1941. In 1975 a special school song was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary. In 1990 pupils took part in a concert in Glasgow City Hall as part of the City of Culture celebrations. In April 2015 the school moved to a new building, having been in the original premises up to that point. As of 2016 the school had 294 pupils enrolled and 13 teachers, plus visiting specialists for any pupils who required additional support for learning. Headteachers 1875-1969: Andrew Stewart 1875-1915; Alex Macdonald 1915-1931; George Young 1931-1941; John Russell 1941-1943; John McLelland 1943-1964; Robert Gray 1965-1969; Ronald Grant 1969.