Our next HSOG Spotlight contribution is by Former Pupil, Ally Maclay, from the Class of 2001.

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“It’s coming up for 20 years since I left Old Anniesland, as a pupil. In my final yearbook, it said I was “Most likely to be…. the next Dave Barrett”, and low and behold I am Head of PE, in an international school, in Hong Kong. 

“After university life, in Edinburgh, studying an Honours degree in Education, I landed a job at The Glasgow Academy (I know, blasphemy!) alongside other former pupils, Nicola Bannerman and Iain Mackie. Since, I have dabbled in playing some rugby in Hong Kong, as well as working at our alma mater within the PE department before heading back to Hong Kong 5 years ago to take up a position at Bradbury School.

“Life has been colourful, rich and full of opportunities. I must attribute a lot of that to my parents, and also to their generosity in allowing my siblings and me to get a really positive start in life with such memorable experiences and adventures at The High School. From New Lanark to Newlands, Val di Fiemme to Vancouver, The Cathedral to Castlemilk, Thorn Park to Mugdock Park; as pupils, we travelled near and far. Yet the walls of school boast some of the best and most enjoyable memories, I can recount. 

“These experiences wouldn’t be the same if it was not with the class of 2001. Led enthusiastically from Ledcameroch Road by Eileen Robertson and inspired through to 6th Year with Robin Easton (and Colin Mair), I’m incredibly fortunate to still be in touch with a lot of my classmates and teachers. Several of them gratefully visited Hong Kong last year to attend my wedding, two of whom stood by my side at the altar. We were so lucky to have had such a playground to allow our friendships to bond. 

“Old Anniesland’s first-class facilities ignited our enthusiasm and creativity throughout the years, whether on the sports field, the stage or within the classroom. It’s such a pleasure to see it grow and see present students get the same break that we were offered (if not better). I watch with great anticipation to see the school continue to thrive, under the excellent leadership of John O’Neill et al and wish for those present pupils to ‘pass it gloriously on’.“

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We would love to share your story with the HSOG Community – Tell us what you have been up to since leaving The High School of Glasgow, alongwith a photo, by email to: community@hsog.co.uk. Alternatively, you can sign up to HSOG Connect and share your story on the Feed.