Richmond School ex-pupils celebrate first-ever reunion
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PUPILS of a school which closed around 40 years ago have held their first-ever reunion.
Friday June 20, 1986, saw the Richmond School at Clochan, which served children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) close its doors for the last time.
The pupils studying at the school were moved to a newly-created base at Buckie Community High School (BCHS).
It is here that children with support needs have gone ever since as part of a nationwide move to integrate ASN youngsters with mainstream education.
However, thanks to the determination of a former pupil, with the help of the current PT special education department at BCHS Sharon Aitken, former classmates were reunited.
Mrs Aitken told the Advertiser: "Peter is a former pupil and when he heard that there had never been a reunion he said he thought there should be one.
"Peter worked very hard to get in touch with as many of the former pupils as possible and the event was held in the Buckie British Legion hall, with a disco provided by Adam Chisholm. Peter's family provided a buffet for everyone which we all enjoyed.
"We were delighted to welcome a very special guest in former staff member at Richmond, Doris Murray, and she and Pete cut a special cake.
"It was a wonderful event and we all enjoyed ourselves."
The building which houses the former school stills serves the local area as the community centre.
Mr Smith is currently a trainee with Moray Reach Out's Waste Watchers can recycling facility in Buckie.
The charity, which recently opened their new HQ in Buckie, provide training opportunities for adults with learning difficulties.
