Caledonian Road School open doors day is for last time

Sep 11 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH’S soon-to-close Caledonian Road School will throw its doors open to the public for a special event steeped in nostalgia.

The school, one of Perth’s town centre landmarks, is due to close on October 2, when staff and pupils move to the new Glenearn Community Campus, joining with Friarton Nursery staff and pupils at Inch View Nursery and Primary School.

Caledonian Road opened in November 1892 to serve the children of the town centre.

It has seen many changes over the last 117 years – two World Wars, refurbishment as a primary school in 1950, town centre depopulation, the auction mart closure, church closures and a massive increase in road traffic.

To celebrate its swansong, the school will take part in Doors Open Day (Saturday, September 26) from 10am-1pm, with renowned Perth historian and former depute head of the school, Rhoda Fothergill, giving guided tours of the remarkable Victorian building, which was designed by local architect Andrew Heaton.

From 1-2 pm visitors can explore the building’s interior.

The school, in conjunction with the Local Studies Department of the AK Bell Library, would like to hear from anyone who has photographs and memories to share of Caledonian Road.

The photographs will be put on display in the school during the Doors Open Day, and then transferred to a display in the AK Bell Library for two weeks.

Contact Sara Ann Kelly on 01738 477062 to get your photographs scanned and to record any memories you have of the school.

A limited edition of commemorative medals have also been struck to celebrate Caledonian Road’s educational links with the people of Perth over the past 117 years, and these can be bought through the school at a cost of £5, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Former teaching staff members will celebrate the life and times of Caledonian Road at a dinner in the Queen’s Hotel on the evening of September 26.

Former colleagues are asked to spread the word and contact the school for further details.