Apples connecting pupils with core of historic past
Church service marks 450th anniversary of The Royal School
The Royal School of Dunkeld recently held a church service to mark its 450 anniversary.
On February 2, its annual Founder’s Day, pupils came to the Kirk in Little Dunkeld. There, an ageold ritual involving apples was played out.
“On Founder’s Day the youngsters are each given an apple,” explained Dunkeld local Fiona Ritchie, a past parent who is helping set up several events this year to mark the school’s major milestone.
“An important former pupil was Alexander Mackenzie, the first Liberal Prime Minister of Canada from 1873 to 1878. He was known for his love of munching apples, so in his memory, it’s a RSD quirk that every child is given an apple on Founder’s Day.”
Ms Ritchie added that 2017 is going to be a big year for the school, but help from outside was being sought.
She continued: “The Royal School of Dunkeld has always been at the heart of our community and the 450th anniversary presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a unique, rich heritage.
“We hope people will find lots of ways to get involved and that we might be welcoming former
Fiona Ritchie
pupils from far and wide back to Dunkeld and Birnam for the main celebration on June 27, when we hold a Royal Garden Party.
“The school would love to invite former pupils to visit and share their memories and artefacts with the children.” Several exciting events are planned for June. Ms Ritchie added: “Our school is believed to be the first in Scotland to be granted Royal status and a Royal Charter in 1567.
“This actual Royal Charter - in Latin on velum and still with scarlet seal attached - has been safely held and cherished at Blair Castle over the centuries.
“We hope this ‘royal’ charter will be re-dedicated by a member of today’s royal family in the historic Dunkeld Cathedral.” P6 and P7 pupils dressed in period costume told the history of the Royal School of Dunkeld on Founder’s Day