WATCH: Central Primary in Inverness ready to celebrate 200-year anniversary with video and exciting project backed by Highland Council and High Life Highland
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The oldest primary school in Inverness is embarking on a special project to celebrate 200 years of proud achievement.
Central Primary in the city's Kenneth Street will hit the special anniversary on August 13 this year.
To mark the occasion, pupils and teachers have already launched an exciting 15-month-long project called Central Two Centuries.
Councillor Helen Carmichael, Provost and chairwoman of the Inverness area committee, said: “I am delighted our pupils and staff members at Central School are coming together to mark a very special anniversary for the school and our community.
"Central is the oldest primary school in Inverness and continues to provide an excellent service to our area nearly 200 years on from when it first opened.
"I am excited to see the activities in place to mark the occasion and offer my congratulations and best wishes to all of our pupils on their anniversary this summer.”
The school is working in partnership with Eden Court Theatre and sport, leisure, culture and learning charity High Life Highland by using creative arts to explore the history of the school and celebrate its role at the heart of the community.
Eden Court arts practitioner Jonathan Davies said: "It's been an eye-opening journey learning about Central, the pupils, the building, and the rich history of the oldest school in Inverness this term.
"We've relished working with Central every week since our return to in-school working for the Eden Court engagement team after lockdown.
"We've been working closely with classes to bring in professionals to help teach, develop and get the young people confidently leading the creation of their film teaser to kick off this wonderful yearlong project.
"We can't wait to see what stories, memories and findings are uncovered once the community learn about the project and film!"
The school's five-minute film is a light-hearted and fun appeal from current pupils and staff to former attendees of the school to get in touch and to share their experiences of Central Primary.
It can be viewed here
It is also posted on the Central Two Centuries website here, where former pupils and staff can also share their memories by submitting their stories and pictures.
Central head teacher Ailsa Fraser said: “We can’t wait to engage with former staff, pupils and families to hear their stories and share their memories through the project website as we celebrate everything that is central to Central School, and the privilege that it is to be part of this fantastic school community.”
