More than 2,000 former pupils, teachers, families and staff have returned to Paisley Grammar School to say a final goodbye before the school moves to its new community campus later this year.
A series of farewell events held throughout June gave people the chance to walk through the school one last time, share memories and reconnect with old friends.
The response was so strong that all tour spaces were fully booked. Extra dates were added to meet demand, while more than 3,000 visits were recorded to the event booking page.
Among those attending was 98-year-old Wilma Watson, believed to be one of the oldest former pupils to return. Wilma attended Paisley Grammar during the Second World War and remembered celebrating VE Day at the school in 1945.
Paisley Grammar has remained part of her family’s story, with her father and all three of her children also attending the school.
Former Classics teacher Bill Robertson, who later taught Latin and Greek at the school for almost 20 years after attending as a pupil, was reunited with three former pupils more than 30 years after teaching them.
Reflecting on his time at the school, he said: “It was a great place to be. There was a real sense of community and belonging here. What stays with you most are the people and friendships.”
Former Mathematics teacher Tom Strang, 76, who taught at the school between 1972 and 1982, remembered standing on the balcony overlooking the assembly hall during school assemblies.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here,” he said, reflecting on a career that later saw him write mathematics textbooks used in schools across Scotland.
Former pupil Hamish McNaughtan, 81, also returned to the school. He reflected on lifelong friendships and his connection through the Old Grammarians cricket club.
Recalling the school motto, “Disce Puer Aut Abi” – “Work, boy, or get out”, Hamish said returning to the school brought back memories he had not thought about for years.
Brother and sister John McKechnie, 77, and Mhairi McKechnie, 73, also shared memories of their school days.
Mhairi remembered travelling from Barrhead to Paisley by tram.
“It was much more exciting to get the tram to school,” she said.
John remembered inspirational English teacher Mr McCondoch.
“He treated you like a grown-up. He respected pupils, and that made a real difference.”
Former head teacher John C Pears, who led Paisley Grammar between 1995 and 2006, also attended the farewell events.
He said: “Paisley Grammar has always been a school with a strong sense of community and ambition. It has been a privilege to have been part of its story.”
Hugh Nisbett, 86, who attended the school as a pupil before returning as Rector between 1988 and 1995, said: “I was both pupil and rector of the school and I have nothing but wonderful memories.”
Janice Levens, head teacher of Paisley Grammar School, said: “These farewell events have been really memorable for our school community. It has been amazing to welcome back so many former pupils, teachers and families to share memories and stories of their time here, a real highlight was chatting to Wilma and hearing about her experience as a pupil here.
“While there is sadness at saying goodbye to a building that means so much to so many people, there is also real excitement about the future.
“We are looking forward to beginning the next chapter in the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus while carrying forward the traditions, values and sense of community that make Paisley Grammar School so special.”
Councillor Emma Rodden, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “The response to these farewell events has shown just how much Paisley Grammar School means to people. Seeing over 2,000 former pupils, staff, families and friends come back to share memories has been incredibly special.
“What stands out most is hearing the stories, generations of families attending the school, lifelong friendships, inspirational teachers and memories that have lasted decades.
“Saying goodbye to such an important building is emotional but there is also real excitement for the future. The new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus will provide fantastic facilities for pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come.”
The current school building will close ahead of the move to the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus, located off Renfrew Road in Paisley.
The future of the existing building has also been secured. Developers Nixon have bought the site and will retain the historic core of the school, converting it into flats. More modern extensions will be demolished and replaced with new-build homes.
For many of those who returned throughout June, Paisley Grammar will remain more than just a school building. It will remain part of their story.
Photo: Former Paisley Grammar School head teacher John C Pears and former pupil and Rector Hugh Nisbett returned to the school for the farewell events
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Former Mathematics teacher Tom Strang returned to Paisley Grammar School to say goodbye
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Former pupil Wilma Watson, 98, returned to Paisley Grammar School after attending during the Second World War
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Former Classics teacher Bill Robertson was reunited with former pupils more than 30 years after teaching them
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Brother and sister John and Mhairi McKechnie returned to Paisley Grammar School to share memories of their school days
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Former Classics teacher Bill Robertson was reunited with former pupils more than 30 years after teaching them
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Former pupil Hamish McNaughtan returned to Paisley Grammar School to say goodbye
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council