Inchview Primary School – text of booklet

Inchview Primary School was built on the site of the old Pennywell school and opened its doors on the the 4th of January 1973. It was given its name by the local councillor for the area who officially opened the school along with the new headteacher, Miss Kathleen Dougall, and six year old Albert Duncan.

Well, its been a long time, since I walked through the doors of Pennywell School in 1940. My memories were unhappy unfortunately, with being given the strap on the hand at aged 7 that left me black and blue for days after it. That was a big brute of a woman called Miss Wallace, the head teacher. I was cheeky to a Miss Bib, who dobbed me in to Miss Wallace.

Mr Davie was a kindly man, he was in charge of the school on the Ferry Road, and a Mrs Morgan, was the sort of chief attendant, caretaker, medic, and the rest; I met her years afterwards in a shop at Comely Bank. She even recognised me, hi. It was difficult years for all the people then, with the war, and I daresay, hard for the staff to cope with kids who were rebellious, frightened of the war, and in my case, from an unhappy home. (I lived in (6 Ferry Road Gardens at the time). I do remember kids then, Billy Brims, Joey Cardownie, John Williamson, Molly Black, Alex Fyfie, and lots more.

Do you know, I met a man called Frank Redpath the other day, he was at Pennywell too, and lived at the Pennywell Road end at the same time as us. I hadn't seen him for 60 years, and it was a shock!... My sadness too, in those early years, was to be cheated out of the dux by Elma Brown, we were both equal in marked for the years, but they needed a Gala Queen for the West Pilton Community Gala Day, and of course, she was a girl, so they gave the dux to her!... I saw her years later and she wouldn't speak to me. For various reasons I suppose. I was told at the school I ‘could’ go to Leith Academy, and ran home to tell my mother, and she said ‘I want you here to run messages’, so I never got to Leith Academy. My dad had a business in Elm Row, I was signed up for Heriots in 1939, the business went on fire with no insurance, so I never got to Heriots. I ended up in a technical school, and my loves were English classics, and poems, and music. Why was I at a tech school? I was highest for three years at Ainslie Park for those subjects.

I did well for myself here in Australia, so I am not fazed. My brother, who was also at Pennywell School, ended up as RSM in the British Army but has now passed on. So, goodly folks of Edinburgh, just have a look at all those little tackers (Bairns) you teach, and recognise that one day they may all be good people out in the world somewhere. And that wills make you feel happy I expect... Take care now,

I have many memories of Inchview. One of my favourites is also one of my most abiding. It is the memory of the look of awe and wonder on the faces of the children as we gathered each year for our Christmas Carol Service and sat encircling the Christmas tree in the warm glow of candlelight, The hall was in darkness – the tree was decked in silver and shone with soft white lights – the candles around the tree were lit one by one and the children from nursery to P7 together with teachers and many parents listened to the Christmas story and in unison sang out our favourite carols -

Wind through the olive trees; See him lying on a bed of straw; Light the lamps, Joseph; Girls and boys leave your toys; Star in the golden sky; Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches.

It's a precious memory but only one among many.

Memories of children – 'open', responsive and trusting. Memories of parents – appreciative, supportive, loyal and friendly. Memories of teachers – who could not do enough for the children in their care -who loved the children and were loved by them in return.

Once Mrs Main was questioning a group of children to find out what kind of ‘reward’ they most wanted, Did they appreciate most of all being given sweets or was there some other way they could be rewarded for their efforts? All the children in the group asked for praise and encouragement but Denver along with many others wanted a star. A star? Why a star? Because you can 'feel it' and ' touch it and 'it never goes away'.

When ‘Inchview’ closes its doors for the last time it is hoped, that in years to come the happy memories it evokes will be ‘like a star’ and '‘never go away’.

I remember the headmistress was Miss Dougall. One of my class teachers was Mr Mann, who was my favourite teacher. The secretary was Miss Berry and the jannie was Charlie Galloway. I liked going out at break to play football with a few of my friends like Colin Muir, David Bell and James Laidlaw.

My most vivid memory of my time at Inchview is of the Jannie, Mr Galloway. He used to come into the classroom and sing us songs such as ‘John Brown's Body’. I also remember him showing us across the road to the park at break times. I also have lots of memories of Miss Dougall, like going to her office for spelling tests. My teachers were Mrs Coupar, Mr MacMillan, and Mr Anderson. The funniest story was when I was in primary 6. Mr Anderson was out of the classroom and we all had shots of practising snogging in the cupboard... (can't remember who with though)!

Quite honestly the only days I enjoyed were my first and last days. I felt like I didn't fit into the school because kids would give me a hard time due to my colour.

My favourite memory was going to the Council to meet the Lord Provost and accept a certificate for writing in Scots language. My other favourite memory was that Miss Dougall and Mrs Main were always kind and asked how you were. I was surprised that the school was to close and hope that the school doesn't lose its identity.

I enjoyed Inchview but didn’t enjoy High School. The outings and residential were good especially Ratho. I remember all the friends I made at school. Miss Dougall was really, really nice. You think it's a bad thing the school closing because it's been here so long but it might be good as well as its a new school and it's nearer me.

I remember that the teachers were very nice and it was such a friendly school back then.

I think Inchview was a very good School with friendly teachers and staff. We felt very close to everyone due to the size and open plan of the School. My favourite memory of the School has to be the visit to Yellowcraigs with Miss Dougall! I feel very sad about the closure of the School. I always felt a very strong bond with the School and the Teachers, which is why I enrolled my own kids here, despite the fact that I now live in Granton. I have some old photographs from our visit to Yellowcraigs and some old pupils.

First, it was really close from my house to School...loved that! Plus I never forgot coming here as it was great. For me, I looked forward to every day.. honestly! Football at break time was great and I was very close with my teachers, Mr Mann and Miss Dougall. I am very sorry to hear the School is closing and wish it could stay open!

My memories of my experiences at Inchview are of cooking with Mrs Berry and Mrs Main and receiving the mouthwash from Miss Dougall! My favourite memory of the School is when my class performed in a Shakespeare Play called ‘MACBETH’ with Miss Warwick! I find the closure of the School quite upsetting.

When I got off the bus for my first visit I met Mrs Hume who directed me to Inchview and chatted about how great the school was. That was a nice introduction. Memories of individual children having fun in the dunes at Yellowcraigs and running straight into the freezing sea! Trips on the mini-bus were a weekly treat. I doubt any primary school had their own dedicated minibus now. These excursions would enable many children who did not go on Holiday or have a car at home to visit many parts of the City. In fact, the centre of town was often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’.

The year’s end was celebrated at Christmas with candles in a circle. Is this still done? I also remember a young boy singing ‘Bright Eyes’ with Mr Dougie Mann playing the piano...Happy days! I enjoyed working at Inchview and especially appreciated the friendships and support of all the other teachers. I am sure the happy and hopeful atmosphere generated at Inchview will continue at the new school. Good luck at the new school!

My favourite experience of Inchview occurred on the 28th August 1972 when we went looking for Inchview Primary School. No one seemed to know where it was, not even at the local police station. After a long hunt, we found a building site in West Pilton Avenue and it turned out to be Inchview Primary School. Four classrooms were ready for occupation. Ms bougall was there, Mr Galloway and his dog Kim and that was it. That was the start of many happy and some sad days working at Inchview, there was never a dull moment and lots of work to keep you busy. I have lots of favourite memories – Christmas parties, zoo, Halloween parties with the staff and children dressed up and Yellowcraigs, where it never rained once in all the years I was there! I don't like to think of Inchview closing. I always thought small was beautiful and the children got a lot more from the classes being small in numbers.

I was the first school secretary and enjoyed working there very much. I thought the teaching staff were very patient with the children and the Open-plan was especially good when the classes were small. I also thought that the staff were very welcoming to the parents. I liked that because parents often felt in awe of their family’s teachers. There was a very good team spirit in the school probably due to the exceptional Head Teacher’s teaching ability. My favourite memory is of a Friday morning when I could hear the children singing at their weekly service. It was lovely to hear then being accompanied by a member of staff playing the piano or wind instrument. On hearing Inchview is to close, I felt very angry and sad and wondered why? Especially since the school was as popular and so young – surely it is not in need of demolition already?

I started at Inchview in January 1973 as one of the original 3 class teachers. Right from the start I knew I was somewhere unique and exciting. My favourite memory was of the summer trip to Yellowcraigs. The whole school went and we sat in the hollow near the beach having lunch together – a great end to the school year. I think it is very sad Inchview is closing. The school is in a good position at the centre of the community. It has a history of a successful school helping many children and families.

I taught at Inchview between 1975-1979. My experiences of Inchview were six very challenging children for my first year of teaching, which I call my 'Baptism of Fire' but this experience taught me so much. There was almost a mystical quality about Miss Dougall's leadership, support and inspiration. It was a real privilege to work with her, the other staff and the youngsters at such a formative time in my own life and have the chance to contribute. My favourite memory was of Charlie Galloway’s guided tours of Edinburgh and of Paul's conversation with Her Majesty's Inspector of Primary Schools when he declared Inchview, ‘Barrow’ (posh for barrie!) I feel sad that the school is closing but the green shoots will appear elsewhere.

When I was at Inchview the Teachers always had lunch with the pupils. Here is just one of the many experiences I had at Inchview. I remember a pupil asking what was on the lettuce in his salad. He was told that it was cress. ‘I'm no eating gress!’ he exclaimed. My first experience of Christmas was walking into the hall and seeing a 'real' Christmas tree surrounded by wine bottles full of lit candles. This was breathtakingly beautiful and watching the children's faces experience this was just wonderful! I feel very sad that this forward thinking and innovative school has only lasted 30 years.

I had three happy chapters of my working life with Inchview. From joining Lothian Regional Council in April 1978 until 1983 when my responsibilities included Nursery Education. During this time we piloted successfully a version of ‘Early Intervention’ in the school. From 1985 – 1993 I was involved with the school as a member. My favourite memory has to be my first meeting with Kathleen Dougall. If you want to know the real meaning behind the words of ‘Mission’ and ‘Charismatic’, trace back her career. Much more recently I’ll never forget the look of wonder and delight on the faces of the school staff when they heard the initial verbal feedback last Summer from the very successful Review.

Maybe I’m not the best person to ask what I think of the closure of Inchview, as I have played a part in wider re-organisation of schools in Pilton/Muirhouse! I do believe, however, that by combining with Craigmuir, both schools will be able to build on their individual strengths to provide further educational opportunities for the children. The concert on 16th December 2002 gave a glimpse of what is possible.

I was visiting PE specialist at Inchview for 14 years. I remember the enthusiasm and enjoyment the pupils of Inchview always showed. When I retired I really missed everyone. My favourite memory was of the hall full of pupils practising their Scottish Dancing ready for their Christmas celebrations. I'm very sad that such a friendly and successful school should be closing.

My favourite memories of Inchview area all to do with food! Picking blackberries at the railway line and making then into jam every summer. Using the broth mix we'd confiscated from the kids in P5-7 (who had been using it as peashooters!) to make delicious broth. Making Christmas cake with P7 but using a recipe from World War Two (our project). With no sugar, butter or flour, it tasted vile! Making toffee apples with my first class (P7 – 1980-81) whilst on camp at Ratho. I am very shocked and saddened to learn the school is closing. It will be West Pilton's loss.

I taught P3 and P4 in the ‘middle area’ for four years from 1988 – 1994. We always had a trip every week with Mrs Berry in the minibus. I took my class of 16 children everywhere in Edinburgh where it was free. Parks, museums, art galleries, Corstorphine Hill – everywhere! One day we took a service bus to town at Festival time. A juggler moved us on, as his act was unsuitable for children! We ate our playpieces in the gardens and the orchestra was rehearsing for the fireworks concert that night. At that time, I had a wee girl who was not well and unable to walk very far. By this time, she had to be carried along the gardens. She was afraid of wasps and she shrieked every time one came near. She was getting very tired. We headed off to get the bus home and she said, ‘That was a good trip, eh?’

We never saw her again, as she became ill and died at the September weekend. Those who were at her funeral will never forget it I am sure. A few weeks later we were on another trip to Dunsapie Loch. As we climbed Arthur's Seat, someone said, ‘We are really high up here. Do you think wee Charmaine can see us?’ I said I thought she probably could.

I was school nurse at Inchview for about 15 years. There was much satisfaction to be gained working there. The pupils and staff all made Inchview an interesting place to be. My favourite memory was of lunch times when the staff would play Boticelli. I'm still lost!

I was a Nursery Nurse at Inchview. What a lovely place to work. A happy 60 place full time Nursery is quite a feat. My favourite memories were of fun, friendship and laughter. My views on the closure: Its bitter sweet, but the move should be good for everyone in the present school.

I was a Nursery Nurse at Inchview school for 3 years. It was my first job as a Nursery Nurse and it has been my favourite job. I loved the children and the other staff were really great to work with. Twenty one years later, I still keep in touch with three staff I met, we have become lifelong friends, I still have all the photos of the children and staff I worked with and sometimes wonder how all the children are getting on, they are probably all mums and dads to their own children by now!

Inchview was a very happy place to be and I hope it still is.

I was a very young teacher when I started at Inchview in October 1985. KDC (the Headteacher) persuaded me to start ‘the next day’ although I had only just arrived home from a year travelling the USA. What a shock to find 30 P1 faces eager to run off in all directions! I remember KD put flowers on my desk for my arrival. She was a very special person and taught me, by example, how to bring out the best in everyone. Everything I learned whilst working at Inchview helped me to be a better teacher.

I have lots of lovely memories of teachers, parents, janitors and children. Candlelit gym hall at Xmas with the whole school singing ‘No Man is an Island’. Squashing 30 Pls in the minibus for our annual trip to Lanark Lanimers in June. Long-suffering Mrs Berry and Mrs Thomson driving and helping. We all went to my modest family home for a tea party and games – great fun! The Scots Night -lots of boys in tartan bow ties and girls in tartan sashes dancing to a live band. Almost all parents attended and joined in the fun. Children and staff sang solos and read Scottish poems. Taking my energetic P7 class to skiing lessons at Hillend. They were all so brave and there were many talented skiers. They won the Novice Ski Award and we were so proud of them. They were a super class of friends. Dressing up at Halloween – especially the year we dressed up as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and the year we dressed up as St Trinian's. Yellowcraigs! Always lovely because we were all there on our ‘holidays’.

I was school secretary for 20 years, seeing second generations of the children, meeting the children every day and helping out with any problems. My favourite memories are of the trips to Yellowcraigs. The children had a great time, playing on the beach and going into the freezing cold water! I remember the trips to the zoo and pantomime – all part of the ‘happy’ task of being a school secretary. I feel sad to think that such a lovely school is no longer needed. It was a lovely set-up, being open plan, all on one level and so bright and welcoming to visitors.

I am sure the closure is very sad for the present staff and pupils. You are very lucky as I was to e part of the social history of Inchie. Good luck for the future. Thanks for the memories.

Inchview was a happy, worthwhile environment and working with the children gave me a lot of pleasure and satisfaction in the job I did. My favourite memory was of the 1988 trip to Yellowcraigs with the children. Inchview’s last day will be a sad day for all concerned with the school.

Inchview was a busy and lively School, where it was exciting to be Headteacher from 1990-1996. Every day was memorable, working with hard working staff and happy pupils. Special memories include visits to Yellowcraigs, the Brunton Theatre and sports afternoons. There were often good links with other schools and agencies. I hope this will be a successful new beginning in a new School building and wish everyone good luck.

My experiences of Inchview are when I got on well with Miss Inglis and Mrs Richardson but my special times was all the fairs and days out with the school. All my seven children have been to Inchview and all are doing well. Myself, I used to take boys for football a long time ago. My favourite memory of Inchview is when Miss Inglis was Headmistress. We had a fund raising which I raised €250 for football team and school. My view on the school closure is that I'm so very, very sorry to see the school close. It is a school with great character and feelings.

I remember Miss Bogie and Mr Napier were my teachers. My favourite time was in P7 as I felt a lot more grown up. I think its bad its closing as its a good school.

I have lots of memories of Inchview School. So many I can't remember them all. I don't want them to close the school. It’s good for the area left on its own.

I remember I used to get into trouble at school. My favourite memory is going to Edinburgh Castle with the school. I think it’s a bad thing they are closing the school so young ones won’t get the chance to come here.

I have been involved with Inchview since my son started at Nursery, as a parent helper and went on to be chair of the School Board for 3 years. I have found the staff an inspiration to the point I now work in a local school as a classroom assistant. I always found Inchview a welcoming school. The staff always saw my son's potential and pushed to help him reach it. For which I will always be very grateful. I am very proud of my son and realise just how much credit goes to you all in helping me achieve this. I attended a small community primary school and know how special they are. Inchview will be remembered for all the right reasons and sadly missed.

All I can remember was that it was fun here. It gave me a good start in life with good friends. I don't mind the school closing as long as the other school is just as good but I don't really understand why they are closing it down.

My favourite memories were of Yellowcraigs trips. Inchview taught me a lot about education, lots of fun and lots of heartache. I remember Christmas with candles in bottles round the tree and a small boy asking if I would play ‘the moonlight sinatra’ at the next assembly. The closure of Inchview brings the end of an era and I only hope that the children, parents and staff are happy in these days of the shifting sands of education.

My experiences of Inchview were of teaching primary 1, primary 4 and 5 between 1990 and 1993. The two Head teachers were Miss Dougall and Sheila Inglis. The staff were always supportive and hard working. They always wanted the very best for all the children. My favourite memory of Inchview was the children, who were so enthusiastic about new subjects. I also enjoyed my first residential at Ratho and the children were up most of the night with excitement! I feel sad that the memories of the children at Inchview may be lost. I hope that the new school gives children what they need in terms of a caring environment where each is known and is special and where they are given many, many chances to succeed.

I have many fond memories of the primary seven trips – One trip was to Ratho, where Jackie Rollo and I seemed to cook non-stop for the children. Another memory is of a wonderful week on Iona – living in the McLeod Centre with sheep right on the doorstep. Brilliant weather and an incredible trip to Staffa where we saw Fingal's Cave and puffins. Of Wiston Lodge and of a visit by Mrs Richardson and Miss McCrory who both abandoned us on a walk through a field when some cows came towards us. They left us trying to reassure the children that they weren't really in any danger despite the fact that Mrs R and Miss McCrory had leapt over the wall with amazing speed and agility. And of course who could ever forget our whole school trips to Yellowcraigs every summer.

I took my class to the zoo on a lovely sunny day. We had our picnic lunch as usual next to the play area. A Scandinavian Youth Orchestra were playing next to the Steading and the children gradually made their way over to listen. When it was time to head back for the bus, I realised I could only see half the class. The other half had made themselves comfortable sitting in between the band members! Inchview's closing makes me feel very sad at the passing of such a welcoming, friendly little school.

I will always have fond memories of Inchview children and staff. I learnt about the wider aspects of teaching – social and emotional as well as academic!! My favourite memories are of the trips to Iona and Wiston Locfoe, Biggar, with two P7 classes, tasting Greek food, with a P5 class performing a Grease song, with P7 teaching Art lessons on different countries, when we had a team teaching skills afternoon, the closeness of all the staff. It's a shame that Inchview will lose its identity. The small unit of staff (who always got on well and supported each other) will no longer be there in a bigger set-up.

At Inchview I experienced 14 years of enjoying sharing in the life of Inchview as community minister, visiting on behalf of the Church. It was always a warm welcoming place where I felt at home and at ease. My favourite memories were of trips and outings in the minibus and residential camps to Ratho and Wiston lodge. What made Inchview special was the people and the spirit/philosophy. If that is created in a new school, all that is good about Inchview will endure.

As I sit down to record a few of the many memories I have of my time at Inchview, two thoughts come to mind. These are, how to contain them all within the stipulated eight to nine lines and also how to ensure that a few memories represent how I feel about Inchview. Inchview was a very special school. This was because of the people in it, past and present, the school staff, children, and parents and a few very special people like Miss bougall, Scott Marshall and Mrs Main who continued to support the school, long after their original association had ended. There was always a feeling of ‘family’ in Inchview. People got on well with each other (most of the time!). There was a sense of care for one another, pride in the school and fun!

I remember the year when the staff put on a panto for the children ‘Spicerella’ – Who could forget that Oscar winning performance from Miss McCrory as Cruella Spice! or those ugly Spice sisters in the form of Scott, Mr Napier and Mr Smyth. The audience (the children) were particularly good – there was no need for crowd control. Which was just as well, as credibility would definitely have been an issue. I don't think many of them would have had a telling off from a fairy godmother before! Other favourite memories include the times spent with P.7 at Wiston Lodge, toasting bananas filled with marshmallows and chocolate flakes on the bonfire and going for the haunted walk, complete with ghost story! I seem to remember being the one who screamed the loudest. And Yellowcraig – who could fail to be impressed with our children there? Rain, hail or sub zero temperatures, the first thing they did on leaving the bus was get changed into their swimming costumes and run into the sea, where they splashed around in between our red flags. The flags made us feel like we were in Australia, the temperature of the water certainly didn't! But that never thwarted our children! They were made of sterner stuff. I realise I am over my number of lines and I thank Mrs Laing for allowing me this extra bit of space. I would like to finish by saying that I think our School Song – ‘No Man is an Islanḏ encompasses a lot of the feeling of what Inchview stood for. The real Inchview is and was a school community of good people, old and young, who worked together well and were richer for the time they spent together. The real Inchview is made of neither bricks nor mortar, so the demolition crew needs no hammer.

All my experiences at Inchview were great. I’ll remember Inchview and everyone there forever. My favourite memory was of being in P6 at Yellowcraigs when we had a water fight. It's s000 sad that the school is closing because small schools are the best.

My experiences of Inchview are all very good. I will always remember my teachers and what the school looks like. My favourite memory of Inchview would have to be when I learnt about sex education with Miss Bogie! I think its a shame the school is closing but it's for the best.

I remember our school camp, Wiston Lodge, because we all thought it was haunted. I remember P1 because I was petrified of our tall teacher, Mrs Goodwin. We were all tiny. She wore big dangly earrings with wee parrots in. I always remember the P1 Nativity Play. You had the Pls singing all dressed like angels at the back. You used to have the wee people skipping round the Christmas tree because I used to be one of them. You used to have the doll and it was too big for the cot so you had to bend its legs and cover it with a cover. I liked P7 because I had Mr Napier again. He was the only teacher I did like. He was just always happy and he always made jokes. He was good at reading books with all the expressions. I'm not happy about the school being shut. Why do they have to do that anyway?

I thought the School was a great little School where everyone knew each other and everyone was friendly. My favourite memory was winning the School Prize of £1000! I think it is terrible that the School is shutting down. Nothing good will be achieved from a bigger School. It will lose its charm, a smaller School is better because everyone knows each other and individual time will be greater.

My years at Inchview were great. My favourite time was going to Wiston Lodge. I think it's good the school is closing.

I am in P7 and anyone that says Inchview isn't good they must be mad. I have great memories from all the time I've been at Inchview. I can remember when I broke my arm when I was in P2 by getting a ball kicked hard against my arm. It's a shame that Inchview will be getting knocked down next year and will be getting joined up with Craigmuir Primary. All I'm hoping for is for it to be a good school because no point changing this brilliant school to a bad one.

My favourite memory has to be school camp. Mostly because I got whacked in the back of the head (Thanks Dean!). My favourite teacher has to be Mr Napier because I had him for 2 years. I remember being in Nursery watching the older people play football. Mum remembers dragging me out of the tunnel on my first day because I didn't want to go home. My teacher was Mrs Welsh. She always wore a bumbag. She says it has been like that ever since. I usually had packed lunches because I didn't fancy the school dinners. I remember being piped out the school on my last day and the girls were bawling their eyes out.

Mr Napier was my favourite teacher. I liked it when he read us the Hobbit in P4 with all the funny voices. I always remember Maggie because she was my favourite Nursery Nurse but we called her Mrs Cooper then. School camp was great because of the pillow fights in the boys' bedroom. The ghost walk through the woods was scary and we were glad to get back into the Lodge. And then Miss Bogie jumped out on us and we all got a scare. When I was in P2 I ran into a fence and slit my eye open. My teacher was Mrs Harvey. Inchview is a great school and I'd like to come back.

Inchview was and still is a fantastic school. Being at Inchie, I have enjoyed camps, plays, friends and teachers even. At school, everyone I think felt safe because of all the people around them. One of my favourite memories is of doing a millennium Heroes concert in P5. The other best thing was camp. Being with the same people on weekdays was great. I really enjoyed the midnight feast with Louise, Ms Laing's daughter. She was real fun. Just because the school’s getting demolished doesn't mean the memories have to go.

Inchview is a great school it's so small and cosy, it had a great atmosphere; everyone was so friendly even the teachers! My best memory at Inchie was school camp especially the talent show it was such a laugh! And who can forget when Mrs Laing came, we weren't sure if we'd like her as we all loved Mrs Richardson but we warmed to her immediately! I miss Inchie soooooo much!

When I was at Inchie I really enjoyed it! During the years at Inchview so much happened. Mr and Mrs Napier got married when we were in P3. Then in P5, we did New Millennium Heroes. But the best of all of it was school camp in P7. For most of us, the last day was devastating but I managed to keep a dry face11111

I can remember my first day when I came I felt at home straight away and I still do to this day. My favourite memory was in primary 7 when we went to school camp. Just being with my class at school camp was the best but we went on an orienteering mission we got lost and the boys said there was Indians...aye right! My saddest memory was leaving as we felt so close to the school. I will never forget Inchie. I feel sad to see a brilliant school (and people) leaving our community.

I can remember when I was in p7 at school camp. When Mr Napier and Miss Bogie where doing their performance it was s00000 funny! When Ms Laing came, it was so fabby. I remember Mrs Harvey in P1 and P2. She was a good teacher and good at helping everybody and fun to work with. I used to go to Science Club and that was good because at first I didn't know what it was and then I went and saw what it was like and it was good and scientific. I hated it when Mrs Napier left the school cos she was a good teacher as well. I liked Mr Napier as a teacher cos he was good at telling stories. My last day was so sad because when we walked up the corridor everybody was crying. I don’t want Inchview to get knocked down.

At Inchview, I have enjoyed going swimming, having sex education and in P2 reading with Pls. My favourite time was going swimming in P6. I think it is a bad idea to close Inchview because it is a bonnie wee school.

Mrs Napier was my best teacher. I remember being Whoops-A-Daisy-Angel in the school nativity.

I feel quite sad about Inchview closing although I know the kids will enjoy a new school, Inchview was a small but well tight knit school.

My experiences of Inchview have been very good. I have enjoyed the friendly staff, the support and the nursery and my sons are happy being at this school as well. My favourite memory is of my son starting in full-time nursery to prepare for school and meet new friends. I am not happy about the school closing. I was never in favour of the PPP. I would rather they kept Inchview.

All happy ones! It’s a joy to work in such a warm, caring atmosphere where both staff and pupils are always full of enthusiasm for art. My favourite memory is of watching the children's faces when the staff performed Cinderella at Xmas time.I have mixed feelings about the school closing. I'm sad to see the closure of Inchview but looking forward to teaching the children in a brand new school.

I remember getting a new, Headteacher and I loved going to Miss Richardson’s leaving party. I think it is sad the school is closing.

Inchview is an excellent school. I have been here since I started in 1999. I really like it here because all the teachers are nice and kind. The school is small and you get to know people sooner. Last year I was REALLY sad when the P7s left because they were actually like big sisters because Angie and Marie were really nice to me and to other people in my class. It's quite good that the classrooms don't have doors because you don't have to open a door to go out the class to show your work to the teacher. It’s good because you get your dinner right beside your class and you don’t have to walk far away to a dining room. I've not worn school clothes since P1 and I am not that used to wearing school clothes. In the new school I might be wearing school clothes in P5 probably until P7 and that will not really be good. I am sad that Inchview is closing because I will miss all the teachers, especially Ms Davies, who is the best teacher I ever had.

I am in P2/3 but I am a P3. My school is called Inchview and it is a good school. I don’t want to leave this school because I will miss all the teachers and I want Ms Laing to go with us. I am happy because the people in my class are coming and when we go to the new school, I will be in P4. I want the new school to be called Inchmickery.

It was quite hard coming to Inchview because it was different from Aberdeen so it took some getting used to. I already knew a couple of people from when I used to visit my aunty in Pilton when I was in Aberdeen. So that made it a bit easier. My big cousin was here. I remember P7 camp because of everything we done on it except I did not like the hill walk. I missed Mrs Richardson but I liked it because Ms Laing came. On the last day they all started crying but I never cos there didn't seem much point because you're just leaving one school to go to another but I miss the school very much and I miss the teachers a lot as well. I will keep coming back to visit.

My experiences of Inchview School are great! Inchview was my primary School for 7 years and it was a fabby school! My favourite memory is going on a school trip to Yellowcraigs! I think that the closing of the School is a very bad thing to do, as it is such a good School.

I have been the nursery teacher in my time at Inchview. I remember Chinese New Year 2001 when Mr and Mrs Law, Max's mum and dad, came into the nursery and cooked some special food for us – prawn crackers, cake and a Japanese fish dish. We all sat down together to taste mountains of food – some very different tastes from our usual snack. I feel sad because Inchview is a wonderful school but happy because the nursery needs to move to a lovely new building.

At Inchview I have experienced a lovely ethos and an atmosphere of real learning. My favourite memories are of the children I met on my visit. My views on the closure: Mixed, but the area needs new schools, which are fit for the purpose.

I was Church of Scotland Minister in Pilton from 1979 to 1983 and lived in the Stair Community in West Pilton Circus. Our children were born in West Pilton so I well remember the children who were our neighbours. As part of my job I was the Inchview ‘School Minister’. Those visits to Inchview School are amongst my happiest memories of West Pilton. The school was one of the most open and welcoming places I have ever known. Days were never dull in the school! Inchview was a place of light and colour and an oasis of hope. It was a privilege to be associated with Inchview School and I will never forget those years. I wish Inchview Primary School all the best for the anniversary celebrations and for the future.

My favourite memory is of going out in the school minibus. Each class had a turn once a fortnight. Half the class stayed with the Headteacher and the rest went on a trip. We visited museums, pet shops, the beach and the park to name a few. It was great fun. Watching Mrs Berry manoeuvre the minibus between the playground gates to park it in the garage in the playground was a sight not to be missed.

I was privileged to become Acting Headteacher of Inchview in October 2001. In the last 18 months, Inchview has taught me so much. It has been a joy to follow in the footsteps of Miss Dougall and she continues to inspire how we work with respect and love for the pupils of 2003. Inchview staff continues the great tradition of teaching with utter dedication to the pupils, their families and community, which makes it a special place to be.

My own favourite memories are of children excitedly playing with new playground toys at breaks children feeling proud of achievements the closeness between P7 and the wee ones last year last year's P7 graduating with their year books under their arms, being piped out of the school by a (gorgeous!) piper the very special team of nursery nurses, admin staff, auxiliaries, classroom assistants and teachers who work so respectfully together IV doing so well in our School Review 2002 the lovely new signs taking our new Pls to Ratho with their families before they started school. I personally think Inchview is best summed up by the famous words, ‘Small is beautiful’. Like most people who have shared their stories in this book, I have gained so much from being at Inchview.

Inchview won’t die – it will live on in our hearts and we will certainly take the spirit of Inchview to our new school in August 2003.

Inchview Primary and North Edinburgh Family Learning would like to take this opportunity to thank the many pupils and staff, past and present who took the time to share their many memories of Inchview School over the last 30 years with us. We would also like to thank Miss Dougall for her contributions of stories and the many lovely pictures that she kindly lent us for this booklet.

Inchview and Family Learning would particularly like to thank Gina Whitelaw, Steven, Rebecca and Mhairi McLeod, The Hume Family, Janette McCue and John Loughton for their ongoing commitment and dedication to this project.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this project.

Family Learning would like to wish the staff of Forthview and all the children and their families a joyous and peaceful transition in to the new school and may you experience many more happy memories over the coming years and may you all look back on Inchview as a foundation for your future. Best Wishes and peaceful times ahead.

Finally, we, at Inchview, would like to thank Michelle MacDougall and Leslie Muldoon for their commitment and hard work. Without you both this book would never have happened. Each story in here is precious as is Family Learning in the City of Edinburgh. You help many of us tell our stories and hear the stories of others. In that process you gift us learning. I have learnt much from these stories about which parts of people's education stands the test of time. Thank you both for this gift.