Some of the pupils who attended the first assembly on the opening day of the new Elgin Academy building on Friday December 13th 1968.Printed in The Northern Scot - Saturday, December 14th 1968.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.
Elgin Academy officially opened its doors in December 1968, welcoming pupils and staff in a transition that was completed by Friday 13th—the same day the first assembly was held in the new building.
Constructed for just under one million pounds, the school was considered 'without doubt' one of the most modern schools in the country at the time.
The grand opening ceremony took place on March 25th, 1969, with Professor E. M. Wright, Principal of the University of Aberdeen, performing the honours.
Situated on the historic site of Morriston Farm in Bishopmill, the academy boasted a striking six-story tower block standing at an impressive 100 feet tall for it's 1500 school roll.
Originally scheduled for a January opening, construction was completed ahead of time, allowing the school to open in mid-December. The project was managed by Peter Cameron (Builders), based at the Wards in Elgin.
Northern Scot. Saturday March 22, 1969.Offical opening - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Principal music teacher Miss J. B. Smellie and members of the school choir perform at the offical opening - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Visiting the art classes during the offical opening in March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Some of the pupils who attended the first assembly on the opening day of the new Elgin Academy building on Friday December 13th 1968.Printed in The Northern Scot - Saturday, December 14th 1968.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Elgin Academy cooking kitchen - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Elgin Academy commercial classrooms - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Elgin Academy library - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Elgin Academy pupils - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.The view from the towerblock - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Members of staff - past and present - attend a commemorative lunch in the City Hotel, Elgin, following the opening in March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.The gym area - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Cleaning the windows of the towerblock - John Blackhall (left) and J. O'Donnell.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Some of the pupils who attended the first assembly on the opening day of the new Elgin Academy building on Friday December 13th 1968.Printed in The Northern Scot - Saturday, December 14th 1968.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.The view from the top of the towerblock - March 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.The well-recognisable school towerblock.Printed in The Northern Scot - Saturday, March 22nd 1969.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Some of the pupils who attended the first assembly on the opening day of the new Elgin Academy building on Friday December 13th 1968.Printed in The Northern Scot - Saturday, December 14th 1968.Picture: The Northern Scot Archive.Northern Scot Archive
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