Did you know that St Ninian’s High School is one of Scotland’s oldest state schools? At 150 years old St Ninian’s High in Kirkintilloch has a rich history. It is filled with stories and notable alumni.
St Ninian’s High School was the first Roman Catholic school in the area. The school held its first mass on January 11 1874. Just eight days later on January 19 the school opened its doors to ninety children. Miss Mary O’Neill was the first headmistress at St Ninian’s High School.
Back then St Ninian’s served a wide area. Pupils came from North Glasgow Dunbartonshire Stirlingshire Grangemouth and Falkirk.
St Ninian’s High School has seen its share of drama. There were measles outbreaks in the early 1900s. There is also a story of heroism. A 13-year-old pupil Harry McDernon saved an infant girl. He jumped into the canal fully clothed. The local newspaper reported on Harry’s brave act. Mr William Barry the rector praised Harry’s swimming ability. Harry changed his clothes and returned to school. He did not mention the rescue. For his bravery Harry received £5.
Many famous people attended St Ninian’s High School. Peter Capaldi of Doctor Who fame walked these halls. Paul Buchanan the frontman of The Blue Nile also studied here. Kieran Tierney a football star for Scotland Celtic Arsenal and Real Sociedad is also an alumnus.
To celebrate its 150th anniversary St Ninian’s High School planned many activities. These included classroom experiences through the decades. Pupils made time capsules and recorded digital memories. They also created a mosaic. A stained glass window will be commissioned for the school oratory. There will be a mural showing the school through the decades. An exhibition took place at the Auld Kirk in June. A pilgrimage to Whithorn almost 150 miles away happened in August.
The StNinians150 Alumni Fund is a legacy project. It aims to finance further projects and activities. A gala dinner was planned. Headteacher Paul McLaughlin said it was an exciting year. He felt privileged to be involved in marking this anniversary.
If you want to learn more a book tells the full story of St Ninian’s High School. It is called “The Story of a School 1874-1974”. Gerald Maguire and Stephen Murray wrote it. They were previous Principal Teachers at St Ninian’s High School. You can find the book at the William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch. Deacon Brothers Printers Ltd of Kirkintilloch printed the book. St Ninian’s High School has shaped countless lives. It continues to be a pillar of the community.