A last look around the corridors of Kirkland

The public was given a last chance to look around the school before it and Buckhaven High close in the summer, heralding the arrival of the new £44m Levenmouth Academy in August.

It was one of a series of events and projects organised by both schools to document the transformation into one new school – and the Mail is also looking to hear from you before the bell goes for the final time in June.

Prefects conducted tours of the Methil Brae premises, while the library hosted a display – with refreshments – of yearbooks, work books, academic medals and shields, pictures from school shows, newspaper cuttings from the East Fife Mail, and picture displays on a loop of class line-ups and sports squads, and other memorabilia.

Ronnie Ross, head teacher elect of the new school, said there were definitely mixed emotions – but the turnout was “overwhelming” and “incredible”.

“It shows the strength of feeling people have about their association with the school – from lots of generations too. It’s just fantastic.

“People came around to meet former pupils, colleagues and teachers, and to see round the building, to remember the classrooms they were taught in, and to reminisce before it closes – we only have one term left.”

Among those taking a look around were the Paterson family – dad Craig was at Kirkland from 1969-73, while his daughter Laura Spence is a head teacher in Dalgety Bay.

“I think the school did really well for everybody,” said Craig. “ I think it got a bit of a bad press but a lot of good people came though here – people who achieved a lot.”

Laura added: “It’s great to have the opportunity for people to come and have a look.

Laura said: “You got out of it what you put into it” and named Mr Diack (computing) and Alison Fleming (currently principal of music) as favourite teachers.

Here at the Mail, we’re hoping to gather together as many old photographs, report cards, event posters and personal memories as possible – from Buckahven and Kirkland – which we’ll collate in a special edition of the Mail in the final week of term.

What were your school days like? Perhaps you met your future partner at school? Are you still friends with the people you met at school? And everyone has a favourite teacher – what would you like to say about them?

Between now and June, we want to hear from you.

You can send your memories and pictures to [email protected], visit our Facebook page or tweet us @eastfifemail.