Former pupils, teachers, families and staff have been taking one final walk through the corridors of Paisley Grammar School as a series of farewell events mark the closing chapter of one of Renfrewshire’s most loved school buildings.
Ahead of the opening of the new Paisley Grammar School Community Campus later this year, over 2000 people have returned to the school across a number of special farewell events held throughout June, sharing memories, reconnecting with old friends and saying goodbye to a building that has shaped generations of lives.
The overwhelming response saw all available tour spaces fully booked, with additional dates added to give as many people as possible the opportunity to return to the school one last time. More than 3,000 visits were also recorded to the event booking page, highlighting the strength of feeling towards the historic school.
Among those attending was Wilma Watson (98), believed to be one of the oldest former pupils to return. Wilma attended Paisley Grammar during the Second World War and remembers celebrating VE Day in 1945 at the school. Paisley Grammar has remained part of her family story for generations, with her father and all three of her children also attending the school.
Former Classics teacher Bill Robertson, who later taught Latin and Greek for almost 20 years at the school he once attended as a pupil, was reunited with three former pupils more than 30 years after teaching them.
Reflecting on his time at Paisley Grammar, Bill 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, recalled 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 say goodbye, reflecting 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) reflected on attending Paisley Grammar from childhood, with Mhairi fondly remembering travelling from Barrhead to Paisley by tram.
She said:
It was much more exciting to get the tram to school.
John remembered inspirational English teacher Mr McCondoch, saying:
He treated you like a grown-up. He respected pupils, and that made a real difference.
Former Head Teacher John C Pears (75), who led Paisley Grammar School between 1995 and 2006, also returned to the school to reflect on its significance.
John 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.
Among those attending was Hugh Nisbett (86), who was both a pupil and later Rector of Paisley Grammar School between 1988 and 1995.
Reflecting on his connection to the school, Hugh said:
I was both pupil and rector of the school and I have nothing but wonderful memories.
Janice Levens, Head Teacher, 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 2000 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 at the new school site off Renfrew Road in Paisley, which opens later this year and will provide modern, high-quality learning facilities for future generations.
The new campus has been supported by wider transport investment in the area, including the new east–west road, which will improve access to the school for pupils, families and staff. The road forms part of the wider AMIDS South project, helping improve connectivity between Paisley town centre, Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS).
The future of the current Paisley Grammar building has also been secured, with developers Nixon purchasing the site. The historic core of the school will be retained and converted into flats, helping preserve the iconic building for future generations, while more modern extensions will be demolished and replaced with new-build homes.
For many who returned throughout June, however, Paisley Grammar will always be more than just a school building, it will remain part of their story.