An Inverness school will celebrate its 50th birthday today – kicking off a week of celebrations.
Pupils, parents and staff – past and present – will be heading to Lochardil Primary as it marks its half century in style.
The school opened its doors for the first time in August 1964, and a number of artefacts from those early days will be on show throughout the week.
The anniversary will be officially recognised at a ceremony in the school and a tree will be planted in the grounds before members of the public are invited in at 2pm for a celebratory party.
Head teacher, Audrey Kellacher said she wanted to thank the parent council, parents, pupils, teachers and many others who have helped to organise the 50th anniversary celebrations.
“I am sure that we will have a fantastic week,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome to join us at the open events and share in the fun to mark this occasion.”
Other activities will include a number of sporting challenges – with a highlight likely to be a netball match pitting pupils against parents and staff on Friday.
An open evening and exhibition of school memorabilia will be held on Wednesday from 7-9pm and an anniversary fun day will be held in the school grounds next Saturday from 11am until 2pm.
As part of the celebrations, pupils in the school’s eco group will be joining local councillors and Lochardil and Drummond community council to mark the completion of a £60,000 upgrade to the nearby MacDonald Park play area.
Youngsters planted bulbs and councillors Alasdair Christie, Norrie Donald, Fraser Parr and Jean Slater gave their support with a £30,000 award from the ward discretionary budget.
Backing was also provided by the Inverness Common Good Fund (£20,000) and the Council’s Community Services (£10,000).
The play area has been completely renewed with wooden equipment, a new rubber play surface and improvements to the footpaths around the park.
Lochardil and Drummond Community Council was involved in the planning process.
Chairwoman Maria de la Torre said: “We were delighted to help with the revamp of MacDonald Park both at the planning stages and also by making a contribution towards the cost of nets for the new goals.
“We hope families in the community will enjoy the newly improved play facilities.”