Annie Arnott
Annie Arnott's is the oldest story from Airdrie Academy history revealed so far.
A gentleman handed in this beautiful volume of poetry that was gifted to Annie Arnott in the first year of her studies at Airdrie Academy in session 1895-96. He discovered it in a local bookstore.
The book is in beautiful condition and even has flowers pressed inside the pages. Amazing when you consider it is at least 130 years old!
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With the help of genealogist Paula Rae from ‘Shaking the Branches’, we established that Annie was 12 years old at the time. An S1 pupil at Airdrie Academy, she lived at the bank buildings in Graham Street, Airdrie. Annie’s parents were George Henderson Arnott and Agnes Arnott (nee Thomson). Her father worked for the Clydesdale Bank.
Annie was born on 27 January 1883, the eldest of three brothers (John, Robert, and George, who also attended Airdrie Academy), and two sisters called Agnes and Janet.
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When at school, Annie Arnott excelled in modern languages. She was awarded a prize for English, French and German. Annie gained a place at Glasgow University in 1900.
Annie maintained a connection with Airdrie Academy through the Former Pupils’ club. It is noted that she was a member of the Academy evening Art school from 1900-1904.
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In 1904 it was reported in the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser that Annie Arnott was a ‘distinguished student’ of Glasgow University:
As a result of the degree examinations recently completed at Glasgow University, we notice that Misses Annie Arnott and Eliza W. Scott have completed their degree of Master of Arts, with first class honours in modern languages’. This is the highest possible distinction these ladies could have obtained. There were only two who obtained such a position and thus a somewhat unique situation is produced. For, these two ladies were classmates in Airdrie Academy where they received their whole school training. Two years ago, the same honours were gained by another pupil of this school. We congratulate these distinguished graduates.
In the same year it was reported that Miss Annie Arnott was on a leet for the position of assistant languages teacher at Airdrie Academy caused by the resignation of Miss Burt. Annie Arnott was successful amongst six other applicants and appointed.
Two years later, in 1906, Miss Annie Arnott was successful in an appointment on the staff of the Glasgow Girl’s High School. The history of that school is impressive and intriguing too.
In September 1905, Miss Alice Reid was unanimously elected as the first female Principal of GHSG. During her first year in post, she introduced a curriculum that was more in line with the boys’ school at Elmbank Street, as well as a Form System and extended lunch breaks.  
Under the leadership of Miss Reid, the curriculum continued to flourish with junior pupils studying a myriad of subjects, including French, Experimental Geography and Physical Measurements (the latter were introduced at the higher stages). In the Senior School, girls undertook study in various subject areas such as Algebra, Botany, Physics and Commercial Subjects. By 1909, a Literary and Debating Club was established and the first edition of the School magazine was expertly produced in January 1920. 
By all accounts it seems like Annie was an intelligent and driven lady. She taught French at the High school for girls for many years. At one point she was promoted to the position of Vice Principal.
She remained living in Graham Street, Airdrie throughout this time. Annie's brother was injured in France during World War One. Corporal Robert Arnott H.L.I was wounded in both arms. He survived the war and lived until he was in his eighties.
In 1921 the census showed Annie Arnott aged 36 living at the family home with her parents, two sisters and brother, Robert. Her father, brother and sister, Janet all worked for Clydesdale Bank. Annies’ mother and sister, Agnes were listed as carrying out Household duties.
In 1929, her father died in a motor accident. Annie administered the estate.
Annie never married or had children. She had six nephews and one niece through her brothers, John and George. The other siblings never married.Annie passed away in 1965 when she was 81 years old. At the time she was living in Milngavie. Her brother, George (who lived in Angus) was listed as the informant.We contacted Annie's family through the Ancestry website. Arnie Yule told us that:
Annie Arnott is a "1st cousin 2 times removed" of mine. ie my Great, Great grandparents were Annie's grand-parents. She didn't have any children. We have located a new home for this very special family heirloom with a descendant of Annie’s nephew.
This is such a wonderful story about a wonderful lady.
Gail Crosbie The 175th anniversary of Airdrie Academy Project Coordinator holding the book.
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May 2024.
From The Glasgow High School's Archivist.
An article about Annie's career and retiral in 1947.
It comes from Glasgow High School for Girls Magazine, 1946, Issue No. 31.
Annie Arnott's great-great-nephew Jamie and relatives Arnie Yule and Christine Paterson now have her "very special heirloom" from Airdrie Academy 128 years ago
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