Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Hilltop opening hits the right note
Pupils and staff at Hilltop Primary celebrated as the Airdrie school marked its official opening.
North Lanarkshire provost Jean Jones carried out the formal ceremony at the £17.5m school, which opened its doors in May following the merger of the former Dunrobin and Petersburn primaries.
Families and invited guests in attendance were entertained by members of the school choir and its sight and sing club, who performed songs including A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman and High Hopes, while the school’s Samba band performed Brazilian song Magdalenha.
Hilltop caters for more than 500 young people at its primary school, nursery and language and communication support centre.
Provost Jones told guests: “I’m sure that everyone is impressed by the investment we’ve made in this stimulating environment, which reflects our determination to ensure young people are able to realise their full potential.”
She helped cut a celebratory cake alongside pupils and head teacher Tina Donnelly while school chaplain Kay Gilchrist, of nearby Jackson Church, gave the blessing and dedication.
Guests at the opening included Airdrie MSP Alex Neil, North Lanarkshire Council leader Jim Logue and chief executive Des Murray, education convener Frank McNally and Airdrie South councillors Paul Di Mascio and Sandy Watson.
Mrs Donnelly praised the school’s “wonderful new facility” and said: “There has been so much progress and achievement in the short time Hilltop has been in existence, and all staff are striving to provide high-quality learning experiences for all of our children.
“We’ve enjoyed great support from so many people, including the interim parent council who supported us throughout the transition. This is continuing through the newly-formed parent council.”
She added: “There are many cherished memories from Dunrobin and Petersburn schools, and their legacy will live on in Hilltop’s story.”
The school’s name was chosen in a vote involving 500 families. It reflects the fact that the name Airdrie is derived from the Gaelic for “high plain” or “pasture” and came top from among four options put to the community.
Pupils and families also voted for Lyndsay tartan and wine to become the uniform colours, while former pupil Mark McLellan won a competition to design the school’s crest.
Hilltop was constructed on a site beside the former Dunrobin Primary, and work is continuing to complete its outdoor areas, with the car park due to be completed next month and playing fields ready for the start of the next school year in August.
Its facilities include semi-open plan class bases with smartboards and stateof-the-art technology, arranged round shared activity spaces to be used for small group work and informal learning; plus a distinctive circular assembly and gym hall known as “the drum”, a sensory room, e-learning zone and tiered outdoor amphitheatre.
Education convener Frank McNally said at the official opening: “The campus reflects North Lanarkshire Council’s vision for thriving community hubs which provide wider support for the benefit of people who live in the area.
“Hilltop has been on quite a journey over the past few years and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for their efforts in getting to this place and for their clear commitment to our young people and the community.”