Remember those grey flannel trousers? West Coats Primary School in Cambuslang has quite the history. This isn’t just any school. It’s a B-listed building a testament to times past. Built in the late 19th century it’s seen generations of children learn and grow. Imagine the stories these walls could tell.
West Coats started as a Higher Grade school. Children attended from age five until fourteen then went straight to work. Think of it a very different kind of education. Today it’s a vibrant primary school. It still educates children aged five to eleven or twelve depending on birthdays.
The school has expanded greatly. A new extension was built in the early 2000s to meet the increasing demand for places. This was in response to a housing boom in the surrounding area. Another major refurbishment took place between 2015 and 2016. During this time pupils even attended a temporary school at the former Cairns Primary School.
West Coats wasn’t always so casually dressed. It once boasted a smart uniform blazers ties and grey everything. Even knee-length socks were part of the ensemble. Today’s uniform is much more relaxed. This reflects broader changes in education and society.
Some famous faces have walked these halls. Robert Crawford a Professor of English at St Andrews University is an alumnus. So is the late Duncan Glen Professor Emeritus of Visual Communication at Nottingham Trent University. Even the well-known boxer Scott Harrison learned here. And who could forget John Buchanan a poet who was head teacher around 1905-1919? Think of the inspiring lessons he shared.
West Coats Primary School is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living community. It reflects the changing face of Cambuslang. It also preserves the past. The original stone buildings stand as a symbol of enduring education and community spirit. What an amazing legacy.