FORMER PUPILS of St Joseph’s Primary in Dundee will gather this weekend for the first time in nearly half a century.

For many who attended the school between 1952 and 1959 and had Miss Marra as their teacher, it will be the first get-together since they headed out to make their own way in life.

Ex-pupil Ron Scrimgeour, who now lives in Forfar, was contacted by John McKay, a classmate from their days at Blackness Road.

They hit on the idea of a reunion and Mr Scrimgeour, who went on to become a teacher, issued a plea last month for old school chums to get in touch. Yesterday he said, “I have been encouraged by the Emails and phone calls I have had from classmates still in the area, all of whom I have not heard from since we left school.

He has organised an informal gathering in Nosey Parker’s Bar at the Queen’s Hotel in the city tomorrow, to gauge interest in a full reunion later.

Mr Scrimgeour continued, “It really is quite exciting and we will spend the time on Sunday both reminiscing and preparing a contact list of all those former classmates we each know about, but who may not be in the area. That way we will be able to gauge the feasibility of a more formal reunion.”

Their old school is now home to the Al-Maktoum Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies, which has offered the use of the centre for the reunion.

“I was so pleased with this generous offer that I am considering widening the scope of a future reunion to include all “old boys” from St Joseph’s school, staff included,” he added.

Former pupils keen to meet up are invited to Nosey Parkers from 7 pm. Details are available from Mr Scrimgeour on 01307 469145 or mail@ronscrimgeour.com