Whilst checking the ground for a new school to be built, mine shafts were discovered under the school. It was an immediate ‘no-go’ zone, with staff only allowed in 10 at a time wearing Hi-Viz jackets to box up everything in the building. So much was put in skips as staff had to move fast to put the essentials into storage.

For two years we were decanted as the ground preparation and new building work was carried out. The children were split into 4 places:

ECC to Crosshouse Nursery

P1 and 2 to Shortlees Primary

P3, 4 and 5 to Bellfield Primary

P6 and 7 to Grange Academy

The whole school met every morning for 2 years in the grounds of The Park Hotel / Rugby Park and left in buses to the 4 destinations. All our host schools made us feel very welcome and lasting friendships were made.