After the long summer break many mums and dads, and even some children, will be eagerly awaiting the start of the new school term.  It has been a long-standing tradition in Scotland that the new school year commences in mid-August and in this month’s Old Photo of the Month, the pupils are gathered in the playground of Slains School circa 1970. 

In the 1970s the school had a staff of three full-time teachers and some 60-70 pupils whose families were resident in Slains, Auchmacoy and Collieston. Many of the children from Slains and Auchmacoy came from farming families or from those families who worked on the Auchmacoy Estate. The Collieston children came from a variety of family backgrounds with many of their parents working in and around Aberdeen.

The majority of pupils travelled to school by bus and those pupils who either walked or cycled were in a minority. The Schools Meal Service provided Slains School with lunches.  Cooked every day at nearby Cruden Bay School, the meals were packed and then transported to Slains School where they were eaten, by both pupils and teachers, in the dining area of the hall. 

The school building, visible behind the children, was built in the 1960s, replacing the old school building that was subsequently demolished in 1968. The land occupied by the old school was eventually turned into a playground for the pupils.

In order to cater for the current educational needs of pupils in the 21st Century and to comply with Health and Safety regulations, it became increasingly obvious that the school was no longer big enough and that more space was required. 

Approval for an extension was granted and on 10th November 2008 work began on a building that would provide a new classroom, a staff room, a disabled toilet, a storeroom and a cloakroom. 

On Saturday 20th June 2009 a Garden Party was held at Slains School to celebrate the official opening of the new extension by Professor Pete Smith of Collieston.

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