The end of another era approaches for Kilmarnock Academy as the school prepares to move to its fourth site at the William McIllvanney Campus. The original Kilmarnock Academy began in the early 19th century at Green Street, a small part of the original building is now part of the Grand Hall. The school then moved to North Hamilton Street and then to its present site on Elmbank Drive.
The Old Academy Building opened in 1898 with an observatory on top of the tower. This is now the highest point in Kilmarnock. A group of S1/2 pupils supported by school librarian Miss Black decided to become Urban Detectives and record the built heritage of the Old Academy Building.
Urban Detectives is a Historic Environment Scotland project which encourages people of all ages to explore their urban environment and record their finds. This includes capturing photos of images such roofs, window shapes and designs, interiors such as staircases and other interesting features for example decorative tiles.
The Old Academy Building has an abundance of historic features; at both boys and girls entrances there are slate pencil sharpeners fixed to the sandstone wall along with an original gas lamp at the Boys Entrance. Inside there is the ornate wood crafted janitor’s office and a magnificent memorial which remembers former pupils who gave their lives during World War 1 and 2.
The pupils selected their favourite photos and uploaded them along with a commentary on the architectural feature. Pupils are delighted there will be a permanent record of the Old Building on the National Records of the Historic Environment that any member of the public can access and enjoy. Included are fine views of Kilmarnock from the top of the tower.
Kieran Kerr S2 said “It was a fantastic time to have the experience to dig deeper onto our school’s history”
Hayley Atherton S2 said “It was an amazing opportunity and so much fun. I’m pleased we have taken part in a project that helps remember our school’s heritage.”
Pupils invited Head Teacher David Rose along to a special presentation where they described what they had learned. Mr Rose then proceeded to award each pupil a Heritage Hero Award certificate which recognises their contribution and wider achievement.
View pupils’ work by visiting the Scotland’s Urban Past website.
