The following article was published by Eddie McRorie on 11th May 2025 on the Johnstone History Facebook page and is reproduced here with his kind permission.

New Public School, Ludovic Square – Opening, 1895

A large gathering of townspeople attended the opening of the new school, officiated by their M.P., Mr. C. Bine Renshaw (Chairman of Stoddard Carpet Works). The new school represents a significant advancement in the provision of education for the town. Hitherto, there had been no secondary education, but with this new institution, that deficiency is to be addressed.

The County Council, by means of a grant of £240 for laboratory and secondary department furnishings, along with an annual grant of £120, has ensured that teaching—comprising a graduated three-year course in higher subjects—will now be offered in addition to the ordinary school curriculum.

The syllabus has been approved by the Education Department, and in this respect, Johnstone has now been brought in line with modern educational requirements.

Accommodation has been provided for 640 scholars—an increase of 380 compared with the previous school. This brings the total school provision in the town to 1,480 places.

The building, which occupies the site of the old school, is designed in a simple Renaissance style. It features an 87-foot frontage to Ludovic Square. On the ground floor are an entrance hall with cloakrooms, three large classrooms, and retiring rooms for male and female teachers. On the upper floor, there are four classrooms divided by sliding glass partitions, along with two smaller rooms fitted for technical education purposes.

The principal feature is the hall and staircase, which boasts a coffered, panelled ceiling lit by a cupola in the roof.

There are separate staircases for boys and girls. The entire building is heated via hot water pipes on a low-pressure system, though open fireplaces have been installed for emergencies. Ventilation is provided by self-acting ventilators located on the roof.

The building has been erected to the plans of Messrs. Kerr & Watson, architects of Johnstone, with local contractors as follows:

• Masonry: Messrs. W. Jaffray & Sons

• Joinery: Mr. A. Morrison

• Painting: Mr. R. E. Kennedy

• Slating and Plastering: Provost Thomson

• Plumbing: Mr. Charles McAllister

• Ironwork: Mr. D. McCollum

• Heating Apparatus: Messrs. Jas. Combes & Sons, Glasgow

• Tile Work: Mr. J. W. Mackie, Glasgow

The total cost, including furnishings, is not expected to exceed £4,500. After deducting grants, the net cost stands at £4,200, or approximately £7 per scholar.