What if these walls could talk? Stonelaw High School has seen generations of students walk its halls since 1970. It stands as a testament to education in Rutherglen near Glasgow.
Stonelaw High School began as a four-year school. It merged pupils from Rutherglen Academy and Gallowflat Junior Secondary. Some Academy pupils went to Cathkin High School. Stonelaw eventually became a six-year school. It offered pre-university qualifications.
Initially, Stonelaw High School operated on two sites. These were the former Academy buildings and the Gallowflat buildings. Imagine students walking between these sites every day. This two-site setup lasted for 28 years. Finally, Stonelaw relocated to Calderwood Road in 1998. The land was once part of a farm. The playing fields were ready two years prior. They were recreation grounds for the James Templeton & Co textile factory.
Before Stonelaw High School existed, the site tells a tale of education evolution. Stonelaw Public School on Melrose Avenue came first in 1886. It later became Rutherglen Academy in 1926. Gallowflat Public School was also established in 1909. This school was named after a nearby mansion house.
Stonelaw High School delivers the new National 4/5 qualifications. Brenda McLachlan is the current head teacher. She took over in 2012. The school achieved sports hub status in 2013. Education Scotland inspectors rated Stonelaw as excellent in 2023. They highlighted it as sector-leading.
Stonelaw High School includes Bankhead, Burgh, Burnside, Calderwood and Spittal Primary Schools. James Aiton and Park View Primary are also included. The inclusion of Park View Primary caused some controversy.
Extracurricular activities thrive at Stonelaw. Football, volleyball, table tennis, and cricket clubs are popular. A soul band performs regularly. The music department boasts a choir and brass ensemble. A Samba band has also recently started.
Many notable alumni have walked through Stonelaw High School’s doors. Ray Deans and Simon Donnelly played football. Jayd Johnson and Scott Kyle became actors. Stevan McAleer is a racing driver. Jonathan Saunders is a fashion designer. Richard Rankin is also an actor. Audrey Tait is a musician.
Rutherglen Academy produced its own notable figures. Archie Baird played football. Sir Denis William Brogan was a historian. Janet Brown was an impressionist. Andy Cameron was a comedian. Edwin Morgan was a poet. Adam Thomson founded Caledonian Airways. Midge Ure is a musician.
Stonelaw Public School also boasts famous alumni. Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame attended.
Former teachers include Norman Buchan and Alistair MacLean. Harry Johnston played football and cricket. Jim Holmes played football too.
Stonelaw High School stands as a pillar of the community. It fosters learning and extracurricular activities. It prepares students for their future. Its history is rich with stories. Generations of students have shaped its legacy.