PUPILS past and present have joined staff and parents for a 50th anniversary celebration at Johnstone High.

The school opened on its current site in the town’s Beith Road in 1965 and the event marked the 50th anniversary of the completion of the first school year in the new building.

Former pupils from all but one of the last 50 years met with staff and current pupils before joining the audience for the traditional senior pupils’ award evening.

Lynne Hollywood, acting head teacher of Johnstone High, said: “The school has always been known for being at the heart of the community.

“Talking to former pupils from all these years, it is clear that there is a great fondness and regard for the school.

“We want to maintain and expand on our record of inclusiveness and achievement for many years to come.”

Graham Munro, depute head teacher, added: “The anniversary has prompted a lot of interest within the school.

“I would particularly like to thank pupils Maia Glackin and Kayla Speirs for all their ideas and enthusiasm in helping to organise the event and in tracking down former pupils to attend.

“Both pupils are interested in going on to study event management and they certainly showed an aptitude for that work on this occasion.”

The S5 pupils were delighted at the response from the school community to the celebration event.

“As we talked to pupils from the 1960’s to the present day, they all said that their school days were a very important part of their lives,” said Maia Glackin.

“It was great to hear so many positive memories of our school.”

Kayla Speirs said: “We managed to get a representative from virtually every year since 1965 to take the time to come back for this event.

“That shows the regard people have for Johnstone High.”

Over the years, Johnstone High has had some famous alumni, including actress Phyllis Logan.

Ray Campbell from the Class of 1966 was in drama productions with Phyllis Logan. “I loved Johnstone High and had a great time. One of my favourite subjects was drama and I remember being in school plays with Phyllis."

Fiona McCracken, Class of 1986, said: “We had a fantastic head teacher, Mr Steel, and I also remember that discipline was also quite strict.”

The Class of 1999 was represented by Andy McLean who said: “My biggest memory of my time at school is getting the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Amy Couttie, of the Class of 2009, said: I particularly remember our year was quite close and I still see a lot of my friends from school.”