I was surprised to find out my old primary school – Mill of Mains – had turned 50 last week.
It has been 10 years since I left and, looking back, I remember a really joyful time.
I live just around the corner from the school and sometimes when I walk out of my studio in the back garden, I hear the kids playing and the school bell going.
It gives me a great sense of nostalgia for a place that played a really important part in my life.
I still stay in touch with former classmates and teachers from time to time. Some of them follow what I do now and it is always great to hear from them – and to learn what they are up to.
It makes me realise how lucky I am to have been part of a class who have gone on to do amazing things.
Sports days, school trips and ordinary Fridays – Mill of Mains made them special
When I found out about the school’s 50th anniversary I posted about it on Dundee Culture and classmates, parents and teachers all got in touch.
There were so many great memories of Mill of Mains that stand out. From ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough‘ being played on a loop every Friday to the end-of-term Christmas pantomimes.
School trips were always a treat. My favourite was a whole day spent exploring Dundee back in primary four.
We went to Broughty Castle, then on to the Frigate Unicorn and the Discovery. From there we went to Verdant Works before heading up the Dundee Law where we tried to spot the school from the summit.
I remember it vividly. It made for a great day out. We got the opportunity to learn more about the city. It maybe even set me on the path to launching Dundee Culture when I was 12.
In primary five, my class qualified for the final in the Rotary Games school sports competition.
We lost out to Craigowl Primary. But the thing that stands out is the memory of my classmates cheering one another on.
Maybe we didn’t always look out for each other, but I’ll never forget the times when we did.
A strong foundation – and a bright future
When I left primary school in 2012, I was the only one of my class to go on to Harris Academy afterwards.
It felt like I was back at the start again, having to make new friends and new connections, but I know it’s thanks to the experience I had at Mill of Mains that I managed to adapt so well – and in such a short space of time.
Despite all the demolitions, mergers and reconstructions that have gone on at other schools across Dundee, Mill of Mains has remained the same for half a century – and continues to be a beacon of learning for the community.
I am so proud to be a Mill of Mains alumni. It was a great time in my life and I count myself lucky for the start it gave me.
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