A Roll of Honour painstakingly recreated almost two decades after the devastating Morgan Academy fire has been gifted back to the school.
The school’s “beautiful” remembrance book had been lost after the building was badly damaged by a huge fire in March 2001.
However, three years ago, former pupils got to work on researching and remaking the poignant reminder, which was bound in dark blue goatskin, drawn in full colour and richly illuminated and gilded.
The completed book, of which no copy existed, was yesterday given back to the Forfar Road school in a rededication ceremony attended by current and former pupils and staff.
Rodger Brunton, chairman of Morgan Academy Former Pupils’ Association, said that during research, a further six pupils were identified as having made the ultimate sacrifice.
The names of the pupils have been added to the 96 originally included.
Mr Brunton paid tribute to everyone involved in the effort adding: “The roll is re-dedicated to the memory of all the former pupils who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.
“The project could not have been successfully completed without the considerable assistance readily given by the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee who have had such a long association with the school.”
The project was organised, researched and carried out by Stuart Allan and David MacDougall, two former chairmen of the association and by Mike Mulholland, principal teacher of chemistry at the school.
They were assisted in the calligraphy by former pupils Alex Steele and Hazel Reid with further work by Martin Hensey and Maggie Spalding.
The original book was created in 1959 by Robert Mackay, principal teacher of art, and three other art teachers, Harry Keay, Frank Henderson and Ian Turner.
Meanwhile, the High School of Dundee yesterday marked the centenary of the Armistice which brought the First World War to an end.
Its Remembrance Parade and Service saw the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) complete a parade in front of the historic building.
The parade was performed in front of the striking backdrop of the school’s pillars, which have been decorated with more than 2,000 jute poppies in honour of the special anniversary.
Rector Dr John Halliday said: “Nearly 40,000 Dundonians served in the First World War.
“Over 4,000 lost their lives. Of those were 785 Former Pupils of the High School, who served, including a number of intrepid women, and 136 who died.
“We therefore wish to remember the suffering and sacrifice that this lost generation endured in the hope that generations of today and tomorrow will learn the lessons of yesterday.”
Following the end of the parade, guests gathered in Trinity Hall to view an exhibition on the history of the school’s CCF and watch current pupils bring First World War poems and readings to life through thought-provoking drama performances.
