1967 17th Nov .HIgh Blantyre Primary Fire, Hunthill Road
On 17th November 1967, the High Blantyre Primary School in Hunthill Road went on fire. It is unknown if it was started deliberately or accidentally. (This school was also later known as “The Annexe”).
Pictured here in a brief newspaper article, is a picture of three positively elated boys whom had just been told the school was to close for a few days until repairs could be made. Even as the picture was taken, the firemen were still on the roof in the background making things safe.
The boys weren’t named in the article, but through social media, I have been able to determine who they are. Pictured from left to right is William Shaw , Ian Baird (The Janny’s son!) and John Dixon. I have to say they are simply levitating with excitement of having no classes for a while. Great photo.
Now, this is where i LOVE social media William saw this picture on Blantyre Projects website and decided to recreate it in 2014, albeit just himself. He told me, “Hi all, things have changed a wee bit since that picture was taken and not just the background!Yes, I remember that day well, like most of the kids I was in the main hall eating school dinner when the head teacher came in and told us to leave our dinners and get out as the school was on fire! It was pretty serious at one point with flames leaping through the roof but thanks to the swift action of the Fire Service the damage was limited mainly to the left
2014 William Shaw/McLelland at Hunthill Rd
hand office and one classroom. The picture was taken by the photographer from the Hamilton Advertiser who wanted us to jump for joy as the school had went on fire. I can’t remember how long the school was closed for but I think we were all back to school pretty quickly. My name is William Shaw McClelland. I was William Shaw at primary and McClelland from secondary school onward. I lived in Sydes Brae and now stay in Hunthill Road, haven’t moved far lol. As mentioned the other guys are Iain Baird and John Dixon. Good to hear from some old…sorry ex school mates.“