We had a great day with offers from more Former Pupils to record their life stories arranged. On the day, 9 FPs recorded their memories of the school. Over 100 Former Pupils and community members attended, many for the first time and many who met former colleagues for the first time, since leaving school.
Very positive comments recorded on the day include:
- Please keep this project going. Gillespie’s was such a wonderful school … a centre of excellence. (Sadie Shields, nee Murphy, 1946)
- This is an important social history project, not only in relation to James Gillespie’s High School but also for Edinburgh and the Scottish education system.
- Hope this project gets the funding to continue. It is so very worth while … the photographs, records, notes, etc., not to mention friendships continued. (Catherine Buchan)
- Most enjoyable. Please continue. (Margaret Buchan, nee Cameron)
- Would be very interested to see the project continue. Well worth while. Long avenues still to explore. (Lesley Fisher 1960-66)
- Happy memories, please continue! (Anne Watson, 1964-69)
- Please keep this project going. It is so interesting & informative. (DB, 1956)
- It would be a crime if this stopped after such a wonderful response. (Aileen Paulin, nee McDonald)
- Most interesting exhibits … more please! (Nina McNeil, nee Spence)
- Well done. Very enjoyable … keep going. (Helen Scott, nee Grieve)
- This simply has to go on! (Christine Reid, nee Kirkwood)
- Hope this project goes on. It has provided some lovely positive memories. It has been excellently arranged and managed and it would be a shame to have it curtailed at this point, Miss Marr rules OK!!
- Please help this project to continue. (Alison Pearson, nee Sinclair, 1957-63)
- I’m really enjoying volunteering with the Trust as I’m able to meet and talk with so many interesting former pupils & this rekindles many long-forgotten memories! (Jean Knox, nee Dulson, 1952-64)
- Hope this Gillespie’s project continues into the future. (C.C. 1950-63)
- Gillespie’s has touched (and continues to touch) so many lives … there is so much more to find out … please keep supporting this project. (Lindsay Cormack nee McNeill)
- This project deserves funding! (BT Albert)
- Great exhibition … a wonderful school where good behaviour, respect for others, hard work & individual responsibility were all encouraged. This is “living history” … good luck in future funding. (U.A.)
- Quite emotional. Brings back so many memories. Proud to be a Gillespie girl at 65! Must keep up the good work. (MRC 1955-59)
- This project is an important part of Edinburgh’s history. Long may it continue. (Christine Brunton nee Thomson)
- The class of ’08 have loved learning the history of our school, meeting the former pupils and telling them about our wonderful time here. Please keep this going so that we can come back and see Gillespie’s in the years to come! (Class of ’08)
- I have enjoyed being involved with my old school. It has brought back so many memories … some good, some not so good, but I am glad I decided to volunteer. (AN)
- Living History … please keep this project going. (J. Flannigan 1952-58)
- Living History … one of its kind. Please help it to continue. (Jill)
- What a great project … it deserves more financial support. (MBK)
- It was a great pleasure to trace my schooldays as an all girls school to my elder daughter’s 1st year in the comprehensive system & then her younger sister following too.
- Please continue this wonderful work to maintain historic records of Gillespie’s famous school.
We hope to make a further application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop this project.
