Our Primary 7 pupils, along with S4 – S6 senior pupils and staff, made their way inside with a rousing welcome from our Pipe Band. This was a highlight for many, with even the public stopping to listen on their way past. Rev Mark Johnstone welcomed everyone before, Rector, Mike Martin, gave words of commemoration. Head Girl Beth read The Old Testament Book of Psalms, Psalm 139 vs 1 – 12 and 23 – 24, while Head Boy Henry read Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13 vs 4- 13, both speaking with grace and confidence.

Sandra McGruther, Scottish Author of the Detective Lorimer novels, spoke about her time at Hutchie, how her teachers inspired and guided her, commenting:

“There always will be teachers who are inspirational and who are keen to guide and encourage their pupils. I was lucky to have several of those sorts of teachers. When I was eight years old and in Miss Galbraith’s Primary 4 class, she told us stories some afternoons, capturing my imagination with wonderful tales like JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Miss Galbraith must have seen something in me back then, since she told my parents I would “grow up to be an author”, her words, not mine.”

Sandra also spoke about her career as a teacher turned crime writer, and also how music has influenced her writing; “Singing in the school choir was a joy and I remember my first rendition of The Hallelujah Chorus as a first soprano from the balcony in Kingarth Street. Music has also crept into my writing. The composer, Ken Walton, used some of the words from my novel, The Riverman, in his oratorio, “Colours of the Clyde,” performed by Hutchie pupils in The City Halls.”

She continued:

“There will be teachers here today who inspire many of you the way my teachers did for me…the ethos of Hutchie today is such that I am certain there will be inspirational men and women employed to teach in Beaton Road. What they encourage you to enjoy now may very well last for your entire lifetime, enriching it in ways you can hardly believe.”

Sandra also spoke about her writing passionately and the places that it has taken her and the people she has met as crime author; “My 21st novel will soon be published, but apart from the actual writing and publishing, the books have taken me into many amazing places. I have lost count of the number of prisons I have visited in my capacity as an author, encouraging inmates to read and write, to express themselves creatively as an aid to rehabilitation.”

Sandra’s inspirational speech, resonated with many and we were honoured for her to share her experiences and wisdom.

During the service the 100-strong school choir, made up of S1-S6 pupils and staff, beautifully sang Lux Aurumque by Eric Whitacre, and How lovely are the messengers by Felix Mendelssohn, making it a sublime listen. It was a wonderful occasion, reflecting on our journey from the past to the present, and the path that lies ahead.

Special thanks to Rev Mark E Johnstone for leading the service and Glen Collie, Clergy and Office Bearers for their valuable assistance.