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The days of our lives: Are you in these old school photos from the High School of Dundee?

These old photos from the 1970s to the 2000s are sure to spark some happy memories for ex-pupils.
These old photos from the 1970s to the 2000s are sure to spark some happy memories for ex-pupils.

Some say our school days are the best of our lives.

When we are studying, most of us hate the very mention of school but, once we leave, you can’t help but feel nostalgic and rekindle special memories.

We have been searching high and low in the DC Thomson archives to find retro pictures of classes, school trips and sports teams from the High School of Dundee.

These striking old photos span five decades – from the 1970s to the noughties – and they are sure to stir some fond memories for former pupils.

So let’s go back to school for a trip down memory lane!

1970s

The pipe band are put through their paces.
The pipe band are put through their paces.

Our first image shows the High School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) pipe band looking resplendent during practice at Mayfield in June 1977.

The idea of a cadet corps for the High School was first mooted during the Boer War of 1900, where a number of FPs saw active service.

Membership of the CCF at the High School is voluntary.

Our second image shows the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) team who competed in the Highland Cadet Tactical Competition held at Comrie in October 1979.

Do you recognise anyone lurking beneath the camouflage cream?


1980s

Jane Peggie, president of the Old Girls Club, and Gordon Stewart, President of the Old Boys Club, planted the trees.
Jane Peggie, president of the Old Girls Club, and Gordon Stewart, president of the Old Boys Club, planted the trees.

Welcome to the 1980s!

Two trees were planted in April 1984 in the grounds of the High School to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the main building.

Pupils from the school's Interact Club helped feed the world back in 1985.
Pupils from the school’s Interact Club helped feed the world back in 1985.

Pupils are pictured in October 1985 with sacks of flour, sugar, dried peas and lentils which were shipped to Africa in time for Christmas.

These were the hessian sacks that were sent from schools all over the country.

Simon and Mark were pictured counting up their sponsorship money.
Simon and Mark were pictured counting up their sponsorship money.

Pupils Simon Petrie and Mark Woodcroft raised £25 by organising a sponsored cycle.

The boys took a well-earned rest and posed for a photograph after donating the money to the Tayside Whole Body Scanner Appeal in January 1986.

Pupils on the steps of the High School.

The High School enjoys a very strong musical tradition.

Our picture from March 1986 shows the High School of Dundee’s Orchestra standing on the steps of the building before heading off on a music trip.

The food was delivered to the homeless charity.

Christmas dumplings were on the menu in December 1988!

Our picture shows third-year pupils cooking up some tasty treats from ingredients supplied by Stork which were delivered to the Cyrenians in Dundee.

Were you one of the triumphant youngsters?
Were you one of the triumphant youngsters?

Up next is this snap from January 1989 and these pupils are celebrating after victory in the Dundee Primary Schools’ Winter League tournament.

They all look mighty pleased with themselves and rightly so!


1990s

Big hair and bigger smiles in the 1990s.
Big hair and bigger smiles in the 1990s.

We fast-forward to 1992 to find a group of pupils back on dry land!

Katie Lawson, Jennifer Thomson, Kirsty Hope, Fiona McDonald and Richard Hope were successful at the Scottish Schools’ Swimming Championships in Edinburgh.

The panto cast were pictured in December 1992.
The panto cast were pictured in December 1992.

The cast of the High School panto in costume in 1992.

Were you there when these pupils were treading the festive boards?

The annual sports day is always a popular event.
The annual sports day is always a popular event.

June 1993 finds the school holding its annual sports day at the Mayfield grounds in sunny conditions with action from the 80 metres race for pupils under nine.

Did the girl in the lead manage to hold on for victory?

Were you among the cast of this West End favourite?
Were you among the cast of this West End favourite?

Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’!

June 1994 finds these High School pupils rehearsing for their production of the musical number Oklahoma! which was performed at the Gardyne Theatre.

Back: Henry Harding and Sally Hopkins. Front: Neil Young, Thomas Pitcaithly and David Illsley.
Back: Henry Harding and Sally Hopkins. Front: Neil Young, Thomas Pitcaithly and David Illsley.

Fifth and sixth-year pupils from the High School of Dundee appeared on Channel 4’s Fifteen to One quiz show in 1999 against opponents from Manchester and Bristol.

Can anyone tell us if they won?


2000s

These guys show their true colours.

The High School rugby team took their largest travelling support with them in February 2004 when they set off for their Scottish Schools Cup final in Edinburgh.

More than 500 pupils, staff and relatives made the journey in nine coaches and a fleet of cars only to see Dollar Academy run out 27-14 winners

Pupils take part in The High School of Dundee Christmas Concert.
Were you among the pupils performing?

The High School of Dundee Christmas Concerts remain a fixture of the season.

Pupils and members of the public packed out the Caird Hall back in December 2004 and our picture shows the junior choir in full voice!

Mr Wilson and his students.

Ian Wilson is pictured with pupils from the history department in 2006.

They were about to board a bus to take them for a study weekend at The Burn in Edzell.

More than 500 pupils and staff participated in the event.

Sixth year Gemma Riley led the team of pupils that raised a mug in support of Macmillan Cancer Relief’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning event in 2010.

Juice and crisps were on sale at the High School’s distinctive pillars, which were decorated for the event with Macmillan banners and balloons.

Pupils gathered and waving for the camera in front of the High School of Dundee's pillars.
Did you leave for the last time 10 years ago?

Pupils from the High School of Dundee marked their last official school day in 2012.

They were about to go on exam leave but managed to get together for one last time for a creative photo outside the school.

Pupils all ready to go skiing.
The group combined lessons during the day with activities including skating at night.

These pupils were enjoying Alpine adventures during a ski trip to France in 2014.

They also had the chance to build upon their language skills and cultural knowledge.

The children even had the chance to have a go at using the fire engine hose.
The children even had the chance to have a go at using the hose.

Let’s bring things right up to the present day.

Children at the High School were thrilled to welcome some very special guests from Blackness Road Fire Station in August 2022.

The visit was part of the L1 classroom topic, People Who Help Us, which had seen the children learn about the work of the fire service.

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