Remember, Remember the 12th of November 2025
The 12th of November 1925 was a momentous day for the residents of Newtongrange with the official opening of the new primary school. The Dalkeith Adveriser covered this the following Thursday with the title: NEW SCHOOL FOR NEWTONGRANGE. SIR JOHN GILMOUR PERFORMS OPENING CEREMONY. WARNING NOTE SOUNDED TO EDUCATION AUTHORITIES
The population had grown in Newbattle Parish according to the census figures there were in 1873, 2424 inhabitants, while in 1921 there were 6493 inhabitants. Taking the census of children between the ages of 5 and 14 they found that the approximate figures were 592, in 1873 rising to 1580 in 1924.
Temporary accommodation in the Lothian halls. And the need to procure two large Army huts and adapted them to form 5 classrooms.
Sir John Gilmour, Secretary for Scotland, accepted a key from Mr Thomas S. Sandilands, J.P, opened the new village School.
The assembly in the hall was presided over by Dr Robert Inch, Chairman of the Midlothian Education Authority, and those present included :—Sir Henry Dundas of Arniston, Hart.; Mr Jas. A. Hood, Midfield, Lasswade ; Mrs Inch, Stobsmills House, Gorebridge ; Dr and Mrs T. Douglas Inch, Gorebridge ; the members of the Newbattle Parish Council, Mr Wm. Fowler, M.A., and Mrs Fowler, Mr John Welsh, M.A., Mr John Rutherford, J.P., Provost Doughty, Mr John C. Sturrock, Mr A. L. Fletcher, B.A., and members of the local School Management Committee.
The total cost approximately £17,000. The buildings were designed by Mr William Scott, the Authority’s Architect,.
The school on a well chosen site on rising ground almost in the centre of the village and adjacent to the new public park. The building is one storey in height, and the general plan of the school is laid down on simple and compact lines in the form of the letter F. Provision is maid for a future extension by adding an additional wing which, when completed. will give the form of the letter E. The accommodation comprised 11 classrooms, hall. 4 cloakrooms, 3 staff rooms, and other accessory apartments. The classrooms are placed to the south or west, thereby getting the benefit of all the sunshine. Each classroom provides accommodation for 50 pupils, and is equipped with the latest type of dual desks and furnishings.
On this day Louis Armstrong & His Hot Five recorded the songs “Yes! I’m in the Barrel”, “My Heart” “Gut Bucket Blues” and the silent Western movie ‘Galloping On’ starring Floyd Taliaferro Alderson, “Wally Wales”(November 13, 1895 – February 10, 1980), Louise Lester (August 8, 1867 – November 18, 1952) & written by Elizabeth “Betty” Burbridge (December 7, 1895 – September 19, 1987. This season Newtongrange Star would win the EDINBURGH & DISTRICT LEAGUE, EAST OF SCOTLAND CUP & MUSSELBURGH CUP.
Sir John advised the boys and girls of the school to take pride in their school and in their work. They were always to play the game, and he promised that he would continue to take an interest, not only in the school, but in the district.
With the school nearing its centenary the need for improvement both inside & out is apparent. The school deserves the opportunity to get the refurbishment previously mooted for pupils & district to thrive once more.
Newtongrange Primary School has the 100th year celebrations firmly in our minds. It would be term 1 in session 2025-2026 that we would plan to involve all learners and the community in planning for this.
You have any school memories to share contact:
newtongrange.ps@midlothian.gov.uk
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References:
NEW SCHOOL FOR NEWTONGRANGE. SIR JOHN GILMOUR PERFORMS OPENING CEREMONY. WARNING NOTE SOUNDED TO EDUCATION AUTHORITIES / Dalkeith Avertiser 19/11/1925
