Former pupils visit Inverness Creative Academy for 60th anniversary of their graduation
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An evening of reminiscing took place recently as a group gathered together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their graduation.
The former pupils of Inverness Royal Academy, met at what is now Inverness Creative Academy, to see what their old school looks like since their graduation in 1960.
Taking place on September 30, the group were happy to see how the building has been restored from what was once the classrooms they learned in, to a functional space of opportunity.
The reunion had initially been planned for 2020 to coincide with the completion of restoration work on the old school building, however, these plans were disrupted due to Covid. Undeterred by these delaying obstacles, the former pupils persevered and held an enjoyable gathering.
The group were welcomed to the former school premises by staff members of WASPS, the new operating owners of the building.
During guided tours of the premises, the group were impressed by the overall quality of the restoration, the excellence of the main hall, and conversion of former classrooms into new work units to accommodate artists and other creatives.
Along with much nostalgic reminiscence and amusement, the group members expressed their appreciation that the vacated historic premises has been rescued by Wasps from an uncertain fate and restored.
The group praised the fact that a valuable civic asset has been created for Inverness and the wider Highlands, creating employment opportunities and the provision of rented workspace units, alongside exhibition space and a communal hub to support the artistic and commercial ambitions of the enterprising creative community.
Dorothy Mein, member of the local organising group said:
“We were delighted that, at last, we were able to get together to hold our reunion and celebrate the 60th anniversary of our passing out from the old Royal Academy in 1960.
"We are grateful to Wasps for the welcome we received and the wonderful restoration which they have undertaken to preserve and enhance our old school. It is now a very well-appointed centre for supporting the creative artistic community which will be of lasting value to Inverness and the Highlands.
"Its progress will be reviewed by group survivors able to attend a Platinum anniversary celebration in 2030!”
The visit was followed by an evening dinner at the Craigmonie Hotel, where reminiscences were shared and glasses raised in a warm toast to the future success of the Inverness Creative Academy.
