Dunlop Primary School has celebrated its 150th anniversary with an event bringing together pupils, staff and the wider community to mark generations of education in the village.
The occasion also paid tribute to the school’s longest-serving member of staff, Janice McCrae, who is preparing to retire later this month after 37 years supporting Dunlop’s children.
Head teacher Laura Kelly officially opened the celebration before Miss McCrae joined the school’s youngest pupil, Eva, to cut an anniversary cake featuring its mascot and motto, “Climb That Hill”.
In preparation for the milestone, pupils explored Dunlop’s history, learning about local buildings, including Dunlop Kirk, and industries such as weaving.
They produced prints of village buildings and designed examples of a new school badge to mark the anniversary.
Children also created a digital tour of Dunlop and spent six weeks compiling a memory book featuring contributions from local residents, former and current pupils, and staff. The book was available to view and purchase during the celebration.
Primary seven pupils interviewed former pupils for a short film shown to guests, while displays included photographs and artefacts dating back to 1903.
Among those attending were Councillor Elaine Cowan, East Ayrshire Council’s spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People, Depute Provost John McGhee, local councillor Ellen Freel and Robyn Davidson, interim assistant director of Education.
Councillor Cowan said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Dunlop Primary to celebrate its 150th anniversary with members of the school and the wider community. We were warmly welcomed by the pupils and thoroughly enjoyed viewing their displays, including photographs and artefacts dating back to 1903.”
Reflecting on the school’s opening in 1876, she added: “Life has changed drastically since then, but what hasn’t changed is that the school remains the heart of the community.”
The event concluded a year of anniversary activities, which also included a whole-school photograph and a picnic celebration.
Mrs Kelly said: “The afternoon was a huge success with many of our visitors commenting on how wonderful the event had been and how knowledgeable the children sharing information were.”
She also paid tribute to Miss McCrae’s contribution to school life.
“It was also the perfect opportunity to celebrate Miss McCrae who is retiring later this month and who worked so hard to make the event a success,” she said.
“She has dedicated 37 years to the children of Dunlop and has had a huge impact on hundreds of lives. We are all going to miss her terribly.”