Harris Academy was “looted” by a group of marauding former pupils, who got together after 25 years to raid the old building.
However, the “class of ‘89” FPs, who nicked door-knobs, nameplates and even doors and furniture, were doing so with the blessing of head teacher Jim Thewliss.
With the school set to be demolished to make way for a new-build, state-of-the art £31 million Harris Academy, members of the public have been welcome to wander around the school one last time and pick up any souvenirs they like.
However, the idea to remove items from the school came from former pupil Bobby Paterson, 42, who now lives in Edinburgh, after she found out the school was to be bulldozed.
“I read in The Courier that it was going to be entirely demolished and I was very sad about that, I don’t think beautiful old buildings should be knocked down to make way for modern blocks,” she said.
“I got in touch with the council and asked if I could take away my old Latin teacher’s door and they passed on my request to Mr Thewliss.
“He said I could get Mr O’Hara’s door, he was the best teacher we ever had and I thought I could put his door in my flat.
“After I got the go-ahead I posted a bit on Facebook and my old pals from school got in touch to say they wanted to do that too.”
Bobby then arranged to meet up with her old pals Jeni (Evans) Brand, 42, Carolyn (Fleming) Thompson, 41, Joy (Melville) Watson, 41, and Elaine Hallyburton, 42, with a joint aim to have a reunion at the place where they first knew each other and to grab some artefacts.
“This is the first time we’ve met for nearly 25 years,” she said.
“We were all at Harris together from 1983-89 and it’s much more meaningful and much nicer than meeting somewhere and talking about houses and cars we own.
“I wanted to take away something to remember the school by, I’ve got door knobs, nameplates and drawers, I was going to take away Mr O’Hara’s room door but it’s been changed and doesn’t have the number 27 on it any more.
“I’ve got a cupboard door from his room though and I’m thinking about making a bookcase out of the stuff. It’s so sad that after tomorrow nobody will be able to go along and visit this place any more.
“I’ve got stuff for my uncle and auntie who were both at the school too. Generations of the same families have been here, not to mention the amount of teachers too.”
Head teacher Jim Thewliss said: “We were very happy to have the FPs coming in and taking what is very minor but obviously sentimental souvenirs and they are very welcome to do that.
“We have been welcoming members of the public to come in and have a look around for the past month or so and the main object is to allow them to wander about and enjoy their memories,” Mr Thewliss said.
“The school has been here for 83 years and they are a part in its history, so it’s only appropriate that they can come in and have a final look at it.”