Pupils make appeal for plaque to record building’s significance

£700 needs to be raised for a plaque to be installed on building which formerly housed the school

Pupils from Perth Academy have launched an appeal so they can mount a plaque on one of the city’s most distinctive historic landmarks.

The building at the centre of Rose Terrace, overlooking the North Inch, housed the school for more than a century – a fact unrecorded for passersby.

“We believe it is important to recognise this beautiful building for the important and significant role it played in the history of Perth Academy between 1807 and 1932,” explained current Perth Academy rector Johnny Lothian.

“The building at Rose Terrace bears some evidence of its former life.

“You can clearly see the image of Britannia on top of the old clock and she is still prominent on the school badge.

“You can also still see the location of the old war memorial on the front of the building.

“It was this fact which led staff and pupils of the school to decide that a plaque to officially mark the location of the old Academy building would be a fitting tribute and an important step in making sure we remember the history of the school. “

In 2015, Perth Academy staff and students embarked on a project to remember the fallen from the First World War who are named on the school war memorial.

And it is the members of this project who have taken the idea of the plaque on the Rose Terrace building forward.

An appeal has been launched to raise £700 to have the plaque made and installed.

The instruction on the plaque will read : “This A-listed building designed by architect Sir Robert Reid was the site of Perth Academy from 1807 until 1932 when the Academy moved to Viewlands. This plaque is dedicated to pupils and staff who fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in the Great War 1914-1918.”

Appealing for public backing for the plaque, Mr Lothian said: “We would welcome donations from the local and school community, former pupils or anybody who believes in our aims to help us achieve our goal.”

To donate to the appeal go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ Perth Academy Plaque.

We would welcome donations from the local and school community, former pupils or anybody who believes in our aims to help us achieve our goal. JOHNNY LOTHIAN RECTOR

Picture: Kim Cessford. From left: History pupils Heather Beer, Rachel Fallon and Corey Coutts with subject teacher Laura Hobson outside the building.