Colin Campbell
Pupil from 1960-1966
Tales from a Gartlea boy.
It’s hard to believe that the Academy has a 175th anniversary, especially as it’s over 60 years since I first stepped into its portals. I passed what was known in Scotland as “the Quali” without really understanding that the tests we’d been doing in Tollbrae Primary were for the purpose of allocating my secondary schooling.
I had been in Primary at Alexandra PS in what had been the original Airdrie Academy building. Lanark Education Department closed it and we went to the newly built Tollbrae Primary School. My older siblings had all gone to what was then called Airdrie Central so it was unusual for our family that I’d somehow been indeed selected for the Academy. I just accepted that was how it went, but in later years I became a strong supporter of comprehensive secondary education; that was not from anything I disliked about the schooling I got at the Academy but mainly because I thought it was too young an age for such an educational route to be allocated.
In those days there was no Primary-Secondary transfer days and I found out what class I’d be in on a notice board in what appeared to be a Jannies office in the summer of 1960. School holidays then were eight weeks and it was late August when the term started. For some reason I was in class 1A along with some of my fellow Tollbrae pupils but there were others from all the Airdrie schools and Harthill/Salsburgh areas.
The building itself was clearly an architectural beauty with its assembly hall under a domed roof letting in lots of light. We used to have morning assemblies where we all stood as various notices were read out-no PA system in those days. The open quadrangle area was also something of a striking note with classes off it, and gyms at either end.
I then spent six years in the Academy and I can’t speak of it in anything but positive terms. That was mainly down to the friends I made, and the success I managed to get in an educational and sporting sense from so many excellent teachers. We did a common course in S1 and S2 and it was quite ambitious in that it exposed me to areas I was good at and others I was just hopeless at. That was mainly Technical subjects where I took a whole session to somehow make an iron poker, which failed the first time I tried to use it on our coal fire in the living room. No fault on the staff, it was me who was useless!
This photograph shows my S2 science class with Mr Smith. I used to deliver a Sunday paper to his house in Scarhill Avenue in Cairnhill . He went on to be a PT in Oban High after 1963.
We were the first stream to begin preparations for the “O” grades in fourth year. We had been allocated to the French/Latin stream and despite exposure to the terrifying Mr Simpson, known as ‘Tearer’, I was saved by another marvellous Latin teacher called Mr Jimmy Russell. He managed to get me the Higher Latin certificate needed for entry into Scottish Universities in those days.
My French accent in those early years was something else thanks to the eccentric Mrs Johnson, nicknamed ‘Annabelle’. I remember that from O Grades onwards it was all grammar based. The efforts of Allister McLeod got us through. In class, he regaled us with his tales of military service and musical concerts. The musicals of ‘Gilbert and Sullivan’ were his real passion and many a good chanter got parts. Unfortunately, not me!
The English department was led by Jimmy Inglis who introduced many of us to some quality poets of the early 20th century. He also took us to the Citizens Theatre for some modernised Shakespeare in S6. I have a vague memory that he also organised a visit in S6 to the Cumbernauld development Corporation display in the New Town, with the Brutalist structure on the hill. Jimmy was a very tall guy, and it was often fun to see him heading down Commonhead Street eagerly accompanied by the tiny Ms Bunty at the close of the school day.
My main favourite of all the staff from O grade years was Barney Walker in the History department. He inspired so many of us to expand our interests beyond just gaining Highers. Our S1-2 course seemed to be based on books about the Medieval Monastery and Medieval town, hardly the thing to discuss with my Gartlea pals! Barney had a very smooth teaching style and was rarely troubled by any recalcitrants. My one regret is that in those days, we had very little Scottish History inputs, but that was just how things were run in those days.
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It’s hard in sporting terms to get away from Bill ‘Paw’ Broon in the PE department who whilst not being the most active himself, managed to keep us fit, and provided the chance for Saturday morning football. There was a great grass park, but us second eleven reserves were sent to the dreaded red ash pitch where no one attempted a slide tackle on your opposing player. I was not much of an athlete myself but I loved those games in the second eleven. This picture shows me with my teammates in S4 during the school year 1964-65.
I left before the school won the Scottish shield, guided by Paw Broon and Barney Walker but I still see some of the guys who achieved that at Airdrieonians games to this day.
I can only speak for myself but the vast majority of the staff put in a great shift both in the classroom and in the wider school community. There were some who were easily riled and regretfully I remember winding up a music teacher, Mr Gibson, nicknamed for some obscure reason, ‘Claude’. No doubt there were other nicknames and easily the best remembered was for the Rector, W.C. Henderson who was immortalised as ‘Flush’.
The school did what it was supposed to and by the time I left for university in 1966, to study History, I had been grateful to so many great teachers. I hope you have enjoyed reading my tales. I wish Airdrie Academy a very happy 175th anniversary.
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About Us
2024 marks the 175th anniversary of Airdrie Academy.
Imagine all of the people who have been associated with our school over that time!
Different backgrounds, different experiences, different lives…
What did they experience? What stories would they tell?
Our initial creative writing project involved picking particular moments in history to which Airdrie Academy has borne witness then, using photographs as prompts, writing short dialogue pieces to give the characters we imagine sitting in those classrooms a voice.
The project then grew to incorporate real life stories from the pupils, families and staff who experienced Airdrie Academy life through the years. I reached out to members of our local community to share their memories, reflections and stories.
It has been a joy and a privilege to lead this very special project. I have been in contact with such an amazing range of people telling stories spanning from 1941 to the present day. Each story is unique. It is a very special collection. Airdrie Academy has created a huge community with generations attending the school.
I myself am celebrating 20 years of working as an English teacher at Airdrie Academy in 2024.
Mrs Gail Crosbie.
Spotlight Stories
This section celebrates the stories of some remarkable people associated with our school
Memorable Teachers
This section celebrates the staff of Airdrie Academy who have made an impression
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Our Heritage
Iconic and Unique
Airdrie Academy is a prestigious secondary school located in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Established in 1849, it has a rich history of academic excellence and has produced many prominent figures over the years. Our school is a true gem of North Lanarkshire and we are proud to celebrate our 175th anniversary in 2024.
What's Happening
News & Events
Guest Lecture
January 4, 2043
Join us for an insightful guest lecture by one of our distinguished alumni. Learn about their journey and how Airdrie Academy helped shape their success. This event is open to students, parents, and alumni.
Private Evening Tour
January 4, 2043
Experience the magic of Airdrie Academy after hours with our private evening tour. This exclusive event is perfect for alumni, donors, and special guests. See our historic buildings and hear fascinating stories from our expert guides.
Special Exhibition
January 4, 2043
Don't miss our special exhibition showcasing the achievements of our alumni throughout the years. From Nobel laureates to Olympic champions, our graduates have made an impact in every field. This exhibition is open to the public and free of charge.