School would simply be nothing without the people at the front of the class. The teachers who made us laugh, the teachers with real classroom presence, the ones who listened, those who inspired pupils or to follow a particular path – each and every one has touched the lives of the Academy’s pupils in one way or another.

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                                                                         1940s

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My maths teacher for five of the six years was a teacher called Danny Livingston. He was a great influence on me. I was also reasonably good at Physics and Chemistry. Unfortunately, when it came to English, I am afraid that Shakespeare never entered my brain. It meant absolutely nothing to me!

Robert Inglis pupil 1941 to 1947

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Of course, I remember some staff in these days. Mr Sinclair was the heedie. Some teachers were very fierce like ‘Tearer’ Simpson the Latin teacher and ‘Daddy’ John Allan who was deputy. Tommy Henderson, who had just come back from the war, was my Maths teacher. He later became Rector.

C. Stewart, pupil 1946-1952

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                                                                          1950s

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Mr John Brown is an inspiring teacher with a keen sense of humour, a staunch supporter of the Former Pupils' Club, author of innumerable “quizzes" which not only provide amusement but help to fill the coffers of the school. His going will leave a gap which it will not be easy to fill. He has given a lifetime of service to the school and he will carry into his retiral the good wishes not only the present staff and pupils, but of all who have been privileged to come under his influence.

Mr R.A Sinclair, Airdrie Academy Rector 1943-1953

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I came to Airdrie Academy on the fifth of January 1954 after having had a spell at Uddingston Grammar. After having met W. C. Henderson I was ushered upstairs to the staffroom to meet some of my colleagues, and what a gang they were. John (Daddy) Allan reigned supreme, and no young teacher called him by his Christian name; Walter Paterson, John (Butch) Craig, Jimmy Inglis, Roy (Mighty Joe) Young, Jimmy Russell and what seemed to be a corpse lying on top of the lockers. I later discovered that this was Willie (Claude) Gibson - he was the only man I knew who would sleep on wood using the Oxford Dictionary as a pillow.

Bill ‘Paw’ Brown PE teacher 1954-1984

 

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I remember Marie Henderson and her Domestic Science classes very well. With her we learned how to wash a hairbrush and comb and how to polish a pair of shoes…essentials for the good Scottish housewife !

Perhaps I can also tell you about my introduction to hiking by going on organized trips in Scotland with a teacher called Mr. Joshua Inglis. Since then, I have hiked in many countries, combining staying fit with experiencing new places.

Anne Macpherson, pupil 1954-1960

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I also remember a teacher of Modern Languages called Miss Turner with the nickname ‘Lana’. She was diminutive, only around 4ft 10. In first year, there was a boy in my class called Henry Knox. He was very tall for his age. As with most young boys, as a group we were quite boisterous and quite cheeky. There was a day she wanted to give Henry the belt but he was so tall she could not reach. She swung the belt so high that she literally jumped off of her feet! She still managed to strike him though and it was sore. You didn’t really get the belt unless it was deserved and on that occasion it really was.

A big influence on me during my time at Airdrie Academy was a PE teacher called Bill ‘Paw’ Brown who encouraged me to pursue different sports. At first he seemed to be scary, strict and huge but was actually a very kind and helpful teacher.

A big influence on me was a mathematics teacher called Miss Jessie Richie. She was very kind and encouraged me to do my best. I learned the important skill of mental arithmetic which stayed with me throughout all my years in business in the furniture industry. I will always be grateful to Jessie Richie for this. She was a lovely lady.

George Moonie, pupil 1956 to 1961

 

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I had one English teacher. We called her Bunty. She had us read Shakespeare. Students were picked to play a part. I hated to be picked because I always had trouble saying the lines written in old English and words I could not understand. I would get all tongue tied. To this day, I still do not love Shakespeare. Bunty always wore two-piece suits mostly the same style but in different colours. She would wear shoes to match. Once day I noticed that one of the two buttons on her left shoe were missing. This may sound strange but another day, I noticed that another button was missing from another pair of her shoes. To this day I wondered if she knew. Two pairs of shoes, two different colours, two buttons missing. I must not have been paying attention to her lesson that day but daydreaming.

Our domestic science teacher was a large lady. She towered over us and ruled over us with a tight fist. Her friend in school was the sewing teacher we called 'Granny" who was tiny and short. I remember they looked like 'Mutt and Jeff' together.

One day when leaving school, we saw them in a car together. It was a small car with only two front seats. The domestic science teacher was driving, beside her was a student French teacher and there was Granny lying across the back window. It was so funny! That image has stuck in my head for years.

Margaret Inglis, pupil 1958-1964

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                                                                       1960s

 

This is a memory from our French class with Mrs Johnston (Annabel). There was quite a lot of bad behaviour in her class, and sometimes those of us who were usually well behaved got caught up in it. Or maybe did some poor work. On these occasions she would shake her head sorrowfully and say, “Et tu, Brute.” Then she would laugh and say, “You know that means – ‘you too, you brute!’”

J.Rae, pupil 1966-1972

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Miss Sneddon, nicknamed ‘Bunty’, was an English teacher. She was quite old fashioned. She took us to see Macbeth at the theatre and dropped her opera glasses because it was a modern version where Hercate was naked! I remember when a boy in the class broke her beloved Elizabethan theatre model. He put a ‘condemned’ sign on and she was devastated. She wore a hairnet too.

Miss Henderson or ‘Lollylegs’ really didn’t like any of us. I remember once she force-fed a girl in our class and made her vomit. Then the girl got a row!

Gaye Macdonald, pupil 1963-1969

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I remember Flush Henderson and his sister, Miss Henderson, known as ‘Lollylegs’, who taught Domestic Science.

Christine Brown, pupil 1960s

 

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I remember Claude the Music teacher. Or did he just call his belt, Claude? He could reduce a stick of chalk to powder with one swipe!

R. McKeirnan, pupil 1960s

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I remember Maths teacher, Tom Henderson walking smartly at speed through the playground with his academic gown billowing out behind him but always spotted and stopped to pick up a stray piece of litter.

Innes Smith, pupil 1964-1970

 

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Miss Henderson or ‘Lollylegs’ taught Domestic Science. Her nickname was given because she was tall and thin. She was the rector’s sister. She had a wee dog called Jet. The dog would jump up on the tables when we were cooking. She taught in the hut next to Claude’s music classroom. She used to tower over me when I scrubbed cooking pans in the sink. She scared me!

Fiona Stewart, pupil 1966-1972

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Who can forget Claude, the mad music maestro whose classroom was next to Lollyleg’s class in a sort of prefab at the back of the main building? Loved his classes.

Ken Fletcher, pupil 1960s

 

W.C Henderson (nickname Flush) was the rector when I left Airdrie Academy as a pupil in the summer of 1969. When I returned as a member of staff Tom Henderson (nickname Smiler) was the rector.

Jim Smillie, pupil 1963-1969

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                                                                            1970s

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I recall the head of modern languages , Annabelle but can’t remember her real name - she often locked us in because we had double French then double German. I also did Latin and we could do some Greek but it had to stop due to lack of teaching staff - btw I still love languages to this day.

I gained a love of languages modern and not so modern from first year - I’d fantastic modern language teachers with Miss Turnbull as an example - I can still around 50 years later quote some of the acronyms we were taught.

I joined the Christian Fellowship there meeting I’m sure on a Monday after school - teachers included Miss Ritchie, Mr Duncan , Mr Morris - we went for weekends at Wiston Lodge and we had the wonderful time - all of the teachers were fab - that was a very long time ago - in fact Miss Ritchie was housemistress of my house, Rochsoles and was so approachable- have to say that most of my teachers were supportive, always giving help if needed at lunchtime too - can you tell I loved my time there ?

Elspeth Dornan, pupil 1970-1976

 

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Miss Letham , we had her for German for a couple of years. We were a small, girls only class and she was quite glamorous in our eyes. We bought her a bottle of Chanel no. 5 as a thank you gift. We all worked our socks off for her.

Linda McQuade, pupil 1970s

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I have many memories of school but one that I will always remember is Mr B Cameron. He taught History or Geography I think. He was a personal friend of the family too. Sadly he lost his life in a motorbike accident on the Tak me doon Road. It would be nice to see if anyone else remembers him.

W. Wagstaff, pupil 1974-1978

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The teachers I remember I fondly and who definitely had an influence in my life were from various subjects. Not just the subjects I enjoyed.

French - Mrs Harkness. I was rotten at it but I liked that lady’s style. I think I had my first crush on her but let’s not go there.

Maths - Geordie Allan. Great guy. About 6ft 3. Handsome and not to be trifled with. He was also coach to the Seniors football team, so I needed to keep in his good books to get picked.

History – my favourite subject. I ended up with a History and English degree. To this day I read a lot about world History. The man responsible for that was Mr Hutchison. He made it real. I was captivated by him. Great teacher. Thank you, Sir.

PE – like my big brother Jim Scott, I loved sport. There were some scary teachers in the PE department.

Paw Brown was one but the scariest was without doubt Johnny Watson. He was a bit of a bully. He never picked on me but I used to feel sorry for the boys he did pick on. If they weren’t athletic or coordinated he could make those for periods a week a nightmare.

I remember boys had to go topless in PE. I hated that. I was a little puny in my first year.

I. Scott, pupil 1971-1977

 

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I absolutely loved the Music department and spent a lot of time there at lunchtime in the choir and practising for school shows. I was in the cast for 'Orpheus and the Underworld', 'the Gondoliers' and 'HMS Pinafore'. I loved (and was slightly in awe of) the musical director Betty Pearson and the producer Tom Dingwall.

The Maths department also stand out for me. Mrs Longmuir was PT at the time and she marked extra past papers I handed in when in S6 even although she wasn't my teacher. I got an A for Higher Maths eventually but started off in the second bottom Maths class in both S2 and S3. Due to the encouragement of Jimmy Rodger and depute head Joe Young, I eventually got over my fear and achieved the A I needed to get into university.

Last but not least the History department. I loved Mr Hutchinson, Mr Duncan and Mrs Simpson and Mr Dingwall who was my housemaster. I enjoyed the subject greatly and was good at it. I had never thought of even applying for university - no one in my family had ever gone before. But Jim Hutchison asked me one day why I hadn't applied and helped me navigate the application process and supported my application which was late. I have recently retired having taught History for 37 years. Without Jim taking time out of his day to ask me that simple question I would have never gone to uni - I owe him a great deal of gratitude.

L. Strachan, pupil 1974-1980

 

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I have many teachers that I liked and that influenced me(not that I knew that at the time). Stan Sherry, Sid McMinn, John Harold, John Duffus, Miss Wilson, Mrs Lawson, Archie Fallow Mr Morrison, Bob Duncan. They were stand outs for varying reasons. I didn’t necessarily like them all at the time, but they impacted on my life. A teacher I wish I could return to the most? Mr Mc Kenzie. I hadn’t a clue what he was trying to teach us in RE on a Friday last period in third year 1973. It was the basic principles of Philosophy. Now that I’m of a certain age, i.e.his, I get it. My regret is, I wish I’d listened more to him.

Tom Carr, pupil 1970-1976

 

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I was at the Academy in the 70s and one of the most memorable teachers for me was Mrs Pearson who taught Music but more significantly in my mind ran the Senior Choir and put on Gilbert and Sullivan operas each year which were extremely successful. I can still sing all the songs from 'Pirates of Penzance' and 'Iolanthe'. Wonderful memories! My favourite part of being at school apart from friendships.

M. Waite, pupil 1970s

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I remember Mr Coull with very fond memories. He was my English teacher for the first four years at the Academy. I had him first period of my first day and it turned out to be his first day working there too. Am so sad to hear he is no longer with us. RIP.

May Frame, pupil 1970s

 

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I remember Alistair MacLeod in the 1970s walking up and down the rows of single desks wearing his Batman gown as we called it and deliberately standing on your toes if your foot was even an inch out to the side!

M. Forrester, pupil 1970s

 

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It was 1972, first class ever in Airdrie Academy - French with Mr MacLeod. He started with class rules. Nothing could be outside the confines of your desk. He finished the lecture with an introduction to Jonathan his belt. Jonathan lived under his collar and appeared at speed, smashing into a piece of chalk to demonstrate his power. Terrified? Just a bit! Life in that class was never dull. As the year progressed Mr MacLeod became less scary as he got more involved in his other love - the opera.

Alison Cochrane, pupil 1972-1978

 

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Without a doubt one of the most inspirational teachers was George Allan in the Maths department. He first taught me in S1 (1974/5) and again in S6 (1979/80). He had such an influence that I too became a teacher of Maths and Computing and taught for 36 years before deciding that I needed a rest. Our school devoted an entire day discussing ethos and school values where each teacher gave a presentation to several groups of students. Sadly George had died that week but his influence was still there as I delivered my PowerPoint presentation in his memory - starting and ending with the a slide in his memory. A giant of a man - in so many ways!

Graham Jarvie, pupil 1974-1980

 

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The Rector, Mr Henderson was a lovely gracious man, very intelligent and helpful.

David Kennedy, pupil 1977-1983

 

Mr Bob Duncan- History and Guidance teacher. Great teacher and very funny man.

He played guitar for our Christian Fellowship group. A firm Christian faith and droll sense of humour. He was also a steady defender in the staff football team.

Absolutely great teacher who believed in his students and gave them the opportunity to thrive. No airs or graces, just a fabulous teacher who actually cared.

Julie Harrigan, pupil 1970s

 

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Miss Gee, my registration and Latin teacher. Mr McLeod in French, Mrs Pearson in music, Mr Morrison in Science and Faskine housemaster. Annabelle – can’t remember her correct name, I think it was Mrs Johnstone. Bunty, Miss Sneddon, wore the same green suit and yellow blouse every day! Paw Broon and Mr Watson whom I met again when my eldest son was playing football for Scotland Schoolboys. Mr Hutchinson in History who was also the rector at my youngest sons school and remembered me! Mr Mowat and Miss Gordon in Art.

Maureen Hill pupil 1969-1974

 

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Mr Hutchinson in History - memorable for wearing odd socks and picking his nose. Mrs Simpson and Mrs Harkness (French), Mr McGuffie, Mr Scott (Music). PE teachers - Mrs Steele - so many to recall. French and Music because of my love for both. History simply for the thirst to learn historical events. PE- well, sports was and still is an all-time favourite. There was also (am going to say an American) lady who taught Drama - she gave brought out my voice. I was a very quiet person at school - not anymore.

Fiona Cousins, pupil 1976-1981

 

 

I was there between 1969 and 1973. I remember many of them though thankfully never had them all. Some good and some horrid memories. The rector’s sister Miss Henderson was the first teacher to give me the belt at the Academy. Mr MacLeod was the housemaster of Monklands when I was there also taught French. The others I remember are Mr Allan, Miss Lawson, Miss Ritchie, Bunty, Mr Herron for Geography, Mrs Maidment, Miss Wilson for Art, Mrs Bianchi, Mr Liddle for English, Mr Russell, Mrs Pearson for Music, Mr Dalling, Paw Brown, Annabelle, and Mr Henderson the Rector.

Morag Miller, pupil 1969-1973

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                                                                         1980s

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Miss Haugeney was my register, French and German teacher over my years at Airdrie Academy! 1983-1988. Fabulous teacher!Mr Hutchinson and Mr Duncan -history teachers, Mr Lindsay - modern studies and Mr McDonald , English teacher and part of the Monklands house team.

Mr Dalgetty taught me Maths s1,s2, s3 and s5! Without him higher maths would have needed more than one attempt I fear! Have such fond memories of my school years! Thrilled to have been a vice captain at start of S6 but left during S6 to start Nursing College! About to celebrate 35 years in nursing on 19th May!

Carol Cartwright, pupil 1983-1988

 

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What I happily regard as a turning point in my life was a class by Mr Kerr. Back in those days, computers were very new in schools. Most schools had a BBC Micro or an Acorn (basically the same thing). Mr Kerr started a computer class. It was two periods a week on a Tuesday afternoon. On what is now a relic of a computer. An Apple 2 EuroPlus (before Apple made phones, iPads and MacBooks they produced those amazing things), Programming it in Basic or using one of its two 5 ¼ inch floppy disk drives. That one class was the turning point of my life. It broke into the wild an interest that was brewing in me. With that I went on to a job with British Steel, running a Mini Computer (not Mini by any means, took up a room). And from there my career grew. Until today, I sit here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, having been in the computer industry for almost 40 years in varying positions. I’m still thankful for Mr Kerr, that class and Airdrie Academy for taking someone that was otherwise not the most interested in school and turned me into someone that still looks back on that specific class fondly. Somewhere, even this far away, I still have an old jotter from that class with my first “Hello World” little basic program written into it.

Other teachers who made an impact? Arthur Gray, Stephen Clemmes and Kathryn (can’t remember her last name but she’s still teaching somewhere) in Music. The first time round of the Moonzapoppin show and wearing a half plastic football with an attached wire coat hanger on my head and a black binbag as a costume. Mr Fallon (then Maths and I believe later became Rector). Tom Dingwall (Geography / History and assistant housemaster of Woodhall and rugby genius). Mr Dickson, Woodhall housemaster). Paw Broon (Mr Brown, PE). Jim Smillie, still talk to that man today.

I.Sloan, pupil 1978-1984

 

 

 

I remember Miss Brown, French teacher, Mrs Alexander, English teacher, Miss King, English teacher, Mr Ainsley, Maths teacher, Mr Fannon, Maths teacher and Mr Dalgetty.

Diana Gibson, pupil 1978-1982

 

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My two favourite teachers were Mrs Martin in English, she was great, got different people in to talk to us, like a journalist from Glasgow Herald. Edwin Morgan came and read his poems. English was my favourite subject as she kept it interesting. Loved Modern Studies too and that was down to Mr McGuffie who made it an interesting subject.

Fiona Young, pupil 1981-1987

 

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Mr Rawlings, McNaughton and Doogan made up a fantastic PE department in the early eighties. Sandy McNaughton played for Dunfermline FC and Ian Doogan played for Queens Park which gave them huge kudos with the lads. Sandy scored a penalty to knock Hibs out of the cup with the highlights on TV that night. His walk down the school corridor the next morning was like the guy in the Jack Daniels advert strolling down the beach.

Jim Stewart, pupil 1978-1984

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There’s one teacher in particular I remember. Good guy. He had dark hair. His name was Mr Bill Watson. He made English fun, gave me work just for me when I finished the set exercises. I was so good at English and most of that is due to him. A good guy, as I said.

Fiona Miller, pupil 1985- 1991

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Mr Keenan the English teacher. What a teacher! Miss Penman who I got for Computing. Such a lovely lady. Loved my days at Airdrie Academy.

Amanda Wilson, pupil 1980s

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Mr McGuiness – Chemistry. He was such a gentleman, never without a pristine white lab coat and so interested in his subject. He made the subject come alive. Joanne Russell and I sat together and had the neatest lab books which we copied directly from Mr McG’s board. I still have them. I loved those classes.

Gail Clark, pupil 1980s

 

 

Too many to mention but stand outs were Mr Heron - Geography, Mr Allan and Mr Rodger – Maths, Mr Grant - Physics and Mr McKinley - Chemistry. Not a favourite but remember getting singled out by Paw Broon - PE - on our first day there because he knew my grandfather. Also remember Mr Mcdonald- English.

Karen Gardiner, pupil 1978-1984

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Mr McDonald - English, Bob Duncan - History, Mrs Llywellyn - Science, Mr Kerr/Rogers/Dalgetty - Maths. Mrs Simpson for letting us run the tuck shop in Rochsoles and eat the profits. Won't put the one I hated on here. [My friend] Heather would probably agree with me on that one...

Susan, pupil 1979-1984

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So many good teachers… Mrs Archibald (French) and Miss Cuthbertson (Music) stand out for me. I was a pupil from 1983 until 1988. They both made their subjects so interesting to learn. Mrs Archibald set up a French cafe in one class and Miss Cuthbertson took a few of us from her class out singing.

Gail Somerville, pupil 1983-1988

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Mr Rawlinson and Mrs Gardner both PE. Miss ‘Flash’ Gordon (Art) and pupil support teacher. Home Economics - Mrs Kwiatkowski. Flash was a great Art teacher, always encouraged you and was a good laugh.

Kirsty Mills, pupil 1982-1988

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Mr Alex Shanks was assistant housemaster of Cleddans along with the late, great Archie Fallow. He was a technical teacher. Showed me how to play bridge. Great as my craft and design and technical drawing teacher. I spent most of my fifth and sixth year in the tech block,Graeme Cook, pupil 1980sMr Griffiths took our lesson in the science lecture hall and instead of Physics, we watched a Scotland game on the big screen. Best lesson ever!

Robert McCallum, pupil 1980s

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Mr Kerr, Mr Allan, Miss Haughney French teacher and her perfume. Mr Steele the science teacher. Mr McDonald. Mr Hutchison the history teacher. Mr Kerr always made the class fun and was always very helpful.

Lesley McMillan, pupil 1980s

 

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George ‘as we have already seen’ McGuffie (Modern Studies), Julie Austin (Drama), Kathryn Callander (Paterson as she was then), Music. Three of the best. Miss King - English. Mike Rawlinson - PE.

George started every lesson with ‘as we have already seen’. We used to mutter it under our breath just as he was getting his chalk out and walking towards the blackboard. Julie made Drama fun and brought it to life for everyone - and directed ‘Nicht o the blunt Claymore’ in about ‘84, which was a hilarious farce with the best cast I’ve ever been on stage with. Kathryn was (is) brilliant - though I broke her guitar she lent me for guitar lessons, and have been scarred ever since. I remember Miss King when we were doing Macbeth in fourth year - I think - she was just amazing and so passionate about literature. I must have read or been to see Macbeth 50 times since – in fact, I’m going this week to see Ralph Fiennes in it!

Scott Hamilton, pupil and school captain 1980-1986

 

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                                                                              1990s

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Mrs Morrison, English teacher, was my favourite. She was the wee lady who loved chocolate. Loved her class.I loved PE teachers Miss Gardner and Mrs Riach as we always had a great time playing against them on the hockey pitches

J. Shaw, pupil 1989-1995

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I remember Mr Scoular, Dr McAllister, Mrs Bryce and Mr Iain Huggins for encouraging my love of science (to the point where I teach it now!). And Mr Hart, my registration teacher all the way through, as well as being my Standard Grade Maths teacher. He had an amazing way of making the complicated seem easy. An absolute gent, an Airdrie man through and through!

John Cochrane, pupil 1996-2002

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I remember Miss Dall well. If you ever had a problem and if she could, she would help. A great pupil support teacher.

C Macphail, pupil 1997-2003

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My positive memories from Airdrie Academy involve all of my hillwalking trips and adventures with my Drama teacher, Miss Ferguson. They were the best times. She was probably my favourite teacher too which helped. She was very young and I think that helped with her different ways of teaching and keeping pupils interested in the subject.

G. Ross, pupil 1992-1998

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Mr Lindsay, Mr Duncan and Mr Campbell were my favourite teachers. Despite being terrified at first, I loved Mrs Randall in English. I remember lining up outside on the P7 visit while she and the teacher next door (Jane Burns) walked up and down inspecting us and detailing expectations. She said she could hear a pin drop in her classroom. I am pretty sure it was carpeted!

Graham Rennie, pupil 1990s

 

Think between teachers it was Mr McLean - English, I think, then Arthur Bannister, when we had our D&D/ttrpg group in the Science Block during lunch time and after school for an hour, because would get the keys to the theatre room or one of the small classes near it from him.

Stuart McGill, pupil 1990s

 

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Mr Goldie for French and Mr Campbell in PE. Mr Goldie was a good teacher, strict but as long as you didn’t get on his bad side he was the best laugh. He used to play music and I always enjoyed his class he always made it fun! Mr Campbell was just brilliant, he brought me out my shell. Never forget him chucking me out the gym because I was scared to do some gymnastics stuff. He came out gave me a pep talk and when I tried it and did it, I was so proud of myself! He brought the best out in people.

Julie Henderson, pupil 1990s

 

 

Two teachers for me that made lasting impressions…

1) Jim Logan - I picked Music as a Standard Grade simply because my friends did. I wasn't predicted to do particularly well, especially in the practical. Close to the exams, Mr Logan spoke to me after class and said, “Boy, you are actually good at this, just believe you can do it.” I ended up getting a Credit 1 overall. After the summer break, Mr Logan came to find me to congratulate me and shake my hand. A great man and one of the reasons I love music and like my kids to get involved in it too!

2) Steve Allen - in sixth year I chose to crash Higher Computing Studies. After the very first class he spoke to me asking if I was just here wasting both our time and picking the subject just to stay in school. Over the year I proved him wrong and he was man enough to apologise to me about that first week. I ended up with a Higher A, studied programming and stats at uni and have been using those skills in the finance industry for nearly 15 years.

Ross Ferguson, pupil 1990s

 

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Without a doubt…Mr Lindsay in Modern Studies, Mrs Morrison in English, Ms McKitterick in English, Mrs Pearson in Music, Mr Thomson in Art, Mrs Wilsdon in French.

Mr Lindsay was a total gem! Stood out from all the other teachers. He was my guidance teacher – massive influence. Mr Lindsay was a genuinely lovely man! Great teaching method and very approachable. Involved the whole class and made everyone feel equal.

Lesley Breslin, pupil 1995-2001

 

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Mr Lindsay, Modern Studies. Best teacher in the school at my time there. I loved his overall approach to teaching! Was the most approachable teacher, so down to earth and had such a lovely way with his students.

Debbie Makay, pupil 1990s

 

 

Barry Goldie was a teacher of Modern Languages. He used wee songs to help students remember things which were written on his blackboard. He was a great teacher.

Gillian Andrade, pupil 1990s

 

My most memorable teacher without a doubt was Miss Ferguson. Drama helped me so much to build my confidence as a person. I used to go away her hillwalking trips, with the helping hand of a few other teachers and the janitor - I can't sadly remember his name, he was also a lovely man. He carried me back down Ben Anne as I twisted my ankle - don't think anyone could carry me anywhere now!

Gillian Ross, pupil 1994-2000

 

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Nigel Grant was a Physics teacher, a one off. Physics never has or never will be taught the same way ever again.

S. Bell, pupil 1990s

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Mr Wilsdon was probably my favourite teacher at the Academy. I was on the receiving end of his sharp wit a few times!C. Munro, pupil 1990sI had big Nigel (Grant) for four out of my five years. After I left school, I serviced his boiler for a good few years. He always asked after everybody. Wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea but an absolute gem of a man in my opinion.

J. Walker, pupil 1990s

 

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My most memorable were probably Mr McDonald (English), Ms Henderson (Home Economics) and Mrs Gray (French - she married Mr Gray the Drama teacher); but clear memories of Mr McGuffie and Mr Lindsay (Modern Studies - always loved that) and Mr Dingwall and Mr Duncan (History). Every time I hear Donna Summer Enough is Enough, I always think of Ms Paterson (Music), as she did it with us in class many moons ago.

Heather Clark, pupil 1990s

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Few of my favourites. Maths - Miss Maxwell and Mrs Lawson. Geography - Mr Gray. Science/Chemistry - Mr Scoular/Dr McAllister. Biology - Mrs Kelly. English - Mrs Morrison. Tech - Mr Forsyth. PE - Mrs Gardiner. Guidance - Miss Dall.

Paul Marshall, pupil 1997-2003

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Mr Thomson in art. I will always remember making our stained-glass windows.

Diane Cropper, pupil 1995-2001

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                                                                           2000s

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Mrs Grant in French was fantastic - she brought the language to life. I loved it so much I went on to study it at university. Mr McLean in English - always treated us like adults, and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. And Miss Herd in Maths - she was an intimidating presence when you first went into her class but what an incredible teacher, who really wanted the best for every pupil in her class.

Lindsay Cochrane, pupil 1999-2005

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Two members of staff who really helped me whilst at the school especially in first and second year were Mr Lindsay and Mrs Watson. They were so encouraging and always there when you needed to talk, no matter how big or small the issue you had was, they'd always be there to support you. I remember my attendance being pretty bad in first year but this was due to ill health at the time, but Mr Lindsay did everything he could to help improve the situation which it did. As I progressed through the school they were always there supporting us, not just as guidance teachers but also in the classes that I had them as teachers. All this support led to me becoming a prefect for the Faskine house when I was in fifth year and before I left to look after my brother mid-way through sixth year.

D. Sutherland, pupil 1999-2005

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I have a lot of wonderful memories from my time there. Miss Abbas (now Mrs Park) ignited a love for music that led me to take up the saxophone - Friday night band was always brilliant fun! I won Young Musician in sixth year and I still remember how hard the staff in the Music department worked on those evenings and how much they supported us.

Mrs Baird still talks to me every time she sees me. I recall Mrs Watson with a big smile on my face. I loved Mr Huggins! I would never have passed nor enjoyed Higher Physics without him. I play golf now with Alice Brown! Miss Gilmour was a brilliant PE teacher.

A.McMillan pupil 2004-2010

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Mr Campbell was my favourite teacher. I played lots of football with him - the best teacher ever!

Scott Clark, pupil 2000s

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Mr Lindsay, Mr Campbell (PE), Mr Schoular (Chemistry) and Mr Addison (Tech) were my all-time faves, but to be honest they were all cracking teachers during my time. Miss McKitterick and Mr Forsyth too.

Hayley Watson, pupil 1999-2003

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Kerowin Frew worked in Airdrie Academy from 2002 until her passing in 2020. She was such a warm, kind, sensitive and talented woman. I knew Keri for 20 years as a colleague and as the years went by more and more as a friend. I shall miss our daily chats in the morning before class and will fondly remember her as part of our little group, laughing and joking in the corridor. She had an infectious laugh when you said something that amused her, and her love of reality TV and online shopping always made me smile. Her love for Tam and music was obvious as she spoke to me a lot about both on our journeys from school - always on hand if I needed a lift back home. I shall miss her terribly and I know I shall never forget her.

Catherine Watson, teacher 1970-2021

 

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I will always remember Keri's hearty laugh, her saying 'are you with me?' and her gorgeous array of perfumes. She was always available for a chat, gossip or giggle in school. I worked in the classroom next door and would always stop in for a chat on my way past and at the end of the day. One time after a particularly hard time, she quietly came into my room while I was teaching, put a huge bar of galaxy on the desk and blew me a kiss.

She was so passionate about teaching poetry, Scots literature and creative writing. We shared an S1 class in her last year and she really brought out the best in these kids, a lot of whom were enthusiastic participants in her Friday lunchtime creative writing class. We hosted a creative writing session with storyteller and musician Gerry Durkin in March and she was so animated and engaged with the pupils, it was just lovely to see.

When in school to celebrate Keri, we had a lighter moment. In her filing cabinets there were a total of 8 umbrellas! She was always looking for one.

I hope Keri knew how much support and respect she had in school and I hope she is at peace now.

Gail Crosbie, English teacher 2004- present

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I loved Miss Frew! I felt she was really under appreciated by some of the pupils when I was there. Really sorry to hear of her passing but glad to hear she got some recognition!

Carla Steele, pupil 2000- 2016

 

 

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                                       2010s

 

Mr Campbell (P.E) went above and beyond for my hubby and I in school, listened to all my problems and rants and got me through my years at high school nothing was ever an effort for him so kind-hearted and always had a smile for you to cheer you up. Always believed in me even when I didn't. Will never forget all he done for us. Stacey Duncan (modern studies) used to get a subway and cakes from Christie's after lunch and we would have a good gab the last period of a double on a Wednesday. She is probably one of the reasons I pursued my law degree & Mr Goldie (French) - used to call me his wee half pint was strict but hilarious and brilliant...so many memories with each one of them.

Demi Johnston, pupil 2004-2010

 

 

 

Mrs Hunter - English

Ms Ferguson - Drama

Mr Campbell - pupil support

Mr Gravell - Biology

Mhairi Green, pupil 2000s

 

 

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My time at Airdrie Academy was filled with the most amazing experiences - led and cheered on by brilliant teachers. When I was in sixth year I applied to go study primary teaching and Stacey Dunn (McRobbie), my drama teacher encouraged me to apply to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. I wanted to study Contemporary Performance Practice. She helped me with my application and my audition giving up her lunch times. I found myself leaving Airdrie Academy going to study at, what was then, the third best performing arts school in the world. That was all down to Stacey believing in me! Fast forward to now, I completed both! my PGDE in Primary Teaching after drama school - I think the positive impact my teachers had on me made me realise how important good teaching is!

Kieran McMath, pupil 2002-2009

 

 

 

In terms of teachers, Miss Ferguson made a massive impact on myself and others in my year. She taught me through all of my drama qualifications and was a huge support throughout school. Fergie’ is an inspiration (I went on to study theatre and I am now a drama teacher because of her) and I had so much fun in her classes. From ‘Grease’ in 2011 to having a ‘Crucible rap battle’ at Higher, I have so many fond memories. I am proud to say I was taught by the one and only Miss Ferguson.

Cara Stewart, pupil 2010-2016

 

I left Airdrie Academy in 2018 and I am now the photographer who comes to Airdrie Academy each year to do the pupils’ photographs.

From Airdrie Academy, my favourite teacher is Mr Patterson – he taught me photography and is the reason I am where I am today. Each year I come in, I always make time to visit the Art and photography department.

L.Gray, pupil 2012-2018

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I have a few words to share about Ms Frew, a teacher that made a great impact on my life. Ms Frew was a beautiful soul.She had a special place in her heart for pupils who needed a caring and loving space.From Daniel Day Lewis, to motorbiking through Fife and her love of Tiree, I never tired of her passionate stories.

Hannah Stewart, pupil 2013-2019

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Miss Masterson is excellent to speak with and is someone you can trust. She is a lovely teacher who had a big impact on me.

Morgan Brand, pupil 2016-2022​

 

My favourite subject from first to sixth year was Science/Biology. It was always fun and I always got the best teachers for it - Miss Pearce, Mrs Martin and Dr Douglas. My absolute favourite part of school was wandering the halls with my friends and seeing how many times we’d pass Mr Spencer before he’d tell us to get back to class, it was like the Hunter and the Hunted.

Anonymous pupil, 2016-2022

 

                                                                   2020s

 

 

 

My most memorable teacher is Miss Smith for Higher English. Her classes are always really enjoyable. She treats us like adults and we feel confident about the coursework. It has been great as there are lots of S6 pupils working together and we have all become really close, like a wee family.

Kenzie Bunting, pupil 2018-2024

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In my time at Airdrie Academy, I will always be grateful for the support and encouragement of the Art teachers, namely Mr Patterson. I have loved studying for Advanced Higher and been supported and inspired by him. I want to say a big thank you for putting up with my bad jokes and making me feel so positive.

Harris, pupil 2008-2024

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My most memorable teacher is Mr Thompson and the Higher RMPS class. I decided to surprise him with a big card and stuffed emu toy as I consistently spoke to him about the Emu War. He deserved that for the way he engages with pupils and encourages them. He is a teacher I will remember for a very long time.

Anonymous, pupil 2008-2024

 

My absolute favourite class in Airdrie Academy is RMPS with Mr Thompson. He brings the subject to life and we learn so much while having fun at the same time.

Isla Orr, current S2 pupil

 

 

My two favourite teachers are for English, I have Mrs Hunter and Mrs Crosbie. They are so kind and make the class really enjoyable. I have loved the lessons in S1 and am really looking forward to next year.

Faith Gabriel-Irabor, current S2 pupil

 

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My most memorable teacher in S1 has been Mrs Murphy in French. She is so good at making learning fun and keeping everyone interested. She is a really nice person and you can talk to her about anything.

Emma Brown, current S2 pupil

 

 

My favourite teacher is Mrs Crosbie in English. She has been so helpful and kind towards me in S1. I always enjoy her classes and look forward to them.

Evan Ogheneme, current s2 pupil

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Mr Nolan is solid. He spends a lot of time playing chess and has taught me loads. I find it really helps me focus and calm down when things are tough.

JH, current S2 pupil