Demolition of the old Lesmahagow High School

The new school was scheduled to open on the 20th August 2007, but it was apparent that the school was not really ready. There was a lot of effort over the previous weekend including canteen staff going in to clean up the kitchens. However, I went round about 9 am on Monday 20th to see but it was very apparent that the school was not open. Internet sources indicated that the School would now open in phases from Wednesday to Friday, with different years. Apparently, the decision was taken over the weekend and staff were busy contacting pupils and parents about the change. There was a lot of indignation from parents and teachers about the state of the school.

Once the new school was operational, the next stage could be started which was the demolition of the part of the old school next to the new school to allow the levelling of the site for a car park and a MUGA (Multi-use Games Area). This work had to take place without disturbing the operation of the New School.

Photographs by David Halls

Demolition of the old school on the North side of School Road

Demolition started mid-December in 2007.

Demolition of the newer part of the old school. 16th Dec 2007.

20th Dec 2007. The bridge is still standing but covered with a layer of dust.

23th Jan 2008.

23th Jan 2008

Sorting out all the rubble. 5th March 2008

Demolition of the bridge between the two parts of the old school

The bridge was removed over the weekend in early March 2008. Unfortunately I do not have photographs of it being removed. I do have photos of it in stripped state before removal and the remnants left after removal.

The half-stripped bridge shortly before it was removed. 8th Feb 2008

The remains of the bridge supports after the bridge was removed. 5th Mar 2008

Demolition of the rest of the old school

Demolition of the rest of the school did not take place until 2009

Demolition of the brick-built classsrooms. 20th Mar 2009

Demolition of the old higher-grade school. 7th April 2009

Demolition of the old higher-grade school. 7th April 2009

What remains of the old school in 2018

I returned on the 4th November 2018 to photograph what was left of the old school.

The steps up to the former Higher Grade School and the railings are still there.

The base of the columns supporting the overbridge are still there.

The area liberated by demolishing the school on the south side of School Road has been up for sale for development but has not been sold. Planning permission was granted for a supermarket but no company has been interested in taking it on. The area remains an eyesore.

On the North side of School Road, the steps up to the former High School have been restored and form part of the landscaped bank.

Prepared 22/02/2020. DJH