Could original Lanark Primary be saved?

A mystery which would test Hercule Poirot has surfaced due to moves to have the original 1883 Lanark Primary School, latterly the Grammar’s science block on Hyndford Road, demolished to make way for a new housing development.

Until now it had been assumed that the handsome old building, redundant for almost a decade, would survive by being converted into luxury flats.

However, it is now understood that the current owners have had a change of plan and want the old school completely demolished so that modern housing can be built on the extensive site.

There is already opposition to this, the building being where generations of Lanarkians were educated.

The news of its impending doom – and perhaps the way that might be averted – was delivered by the town’s Independent member of South Lanarkshire Council and local historian Ed Archer.

He said: “With the move to have the building – which is Listed – demolished, I want there to be a full investigation into an important work of art that is somewhere in that old school.

“It was a mural painted on one of the walls of a classroom by a former Grammar pupil, Jessie M. King, who went on to become one of the important ‘Glasgow Girls’ group of artists in the early 20th century.”

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week’s Lanark Gazette, which is in the shops now.