Games, Sport and Play

Not every day was spent in academic lessons. School log books refer to sports practice, physical/military drill, inter-school sports competitions, and the sporting achievements of both present and former pupils.

A black-and-white historical photograph showing a group of people posed outdoors in front of a stone building. The group consists of individuals seated and standing in two rows. Most of the seated individuals are holding violins and bows, suggesting a music class or orchestra group. A dog is sitting on the ground at the far right. The clothing appears formal and typical of the early 20th century, with suits, ties, and dresses.

Wick Academy Violin Class. 1937. C/P683/2/2

A black-and-white page from "The Merkinch Public School Magazine" featuring a posed photograph of a girls' hockey team in uniform holding sticks, arranged in two rows. Below the photo is the caption "Hockey Team." The page includes two text sections: one describing the rules and appeal of hockey for boys and girls, and another titled "A Kitten's Song," a short, playful poem by a student named Brian Robertson.

Extract from Merkinch School Magazine 1958-1959, describing the game of hockey. HCA/CI/5/3/163/7/12

Historic team photo of a school shinty team from the 1980s posed in front of a stone building, wearing matching sports uniforms and holding shinty sticks.

The Fort William Public/Higher Grade School shinty team, 1980s

Beyond the standard record series, many of our school collections include magazines and photographs which show school sports teams and record their triumphs and disappointments! In addition, information about school trips, choirs, plays, and fundraising activities can be seen with varying regularity through the years!

Extract from Merkinch School Magazine 1958-1959, describing the game of hockey. HCA/CI/5/3/163/7/12

In the playground, hopscotch, skipping, football and other games were played, often accompanied by songs and rhymes, many of which are still in use today and will be familiar to anyone who grew up in the Highlands. As well as playground games, organised school sports days brought fun to countless generations.

The film below depicts sports day at Kingussie Primary School (date unknown).