The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

apanderson · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:20 am Post subject: Stirling Highland Hotel

Formerly The Old High School of Stirling.

Inside the Leisure Centre of the Stirling Highland Hotel, is a very plain window bearing 2 panels with the dates 1914 - 1918. I would imagine that this is some sort of War Memorial, perhaps to commemorate former pupils . There is nothing to suggest that it is, but why would it have these dates otherwise?

No-one in the Hotel knows anything about it.

I found this: "This is the former High School of Stirling which dates from 1854; the later extension designed by James MacLaren was added in 1888 and includes a copper domed observatory tower at the south-east end of the building. The conversion of the High School to the Stirling Highland Hotel took place between 1989 and 1991."

I have a photo of the window but I don't know where or whether to post it.

Anne

spoons · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

My vote would be to post it under schools memorials. I would hazard a guess that there may have been a roll of honour (book or scroll) associated with the window. That might have moved to the new school if it still exists. Alternatively, do you think it is possible that the windows were originally stained glass and these have been removed?

\Paul

apanderson · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject:

Good points Paul.

I found this today on Wikipedia and I presume what's now left in the Old High School was part of the one in the following article.

"A stained glass window created by Mr James Atterson to commemorate the school's victims of the World Wars.

The following is Mr Atterson's description of the window from when it was installed in the old school. It has subsequently been moved to the new high school.

This Memorial Window is built into the fabric of the School on the site of the town wall, which guarded our town in days gone by. In keeping with the School's ancient history and traditions, it is fitting that the medieval language of Chivalry and Heraldry should be used in the design. This design is built round the Christian Symbol of the Cross - the Cross of Service, Sacrifice and Salvation. This Cross is formed by the central mullion and transom. With shields in the upper portion are placed the emblems of the Services :- The Royal Navy is represented by the anchor, symbol of faith and steadfastness. The Army is represented by the firmly-grasped sword of Justice, raised in defence of freedom and right. The Royal Airforce is represented by a wing issuing from a cloud, symbol of these gallant Knights of the Air who dared all in defence of our country. The Merchant Service is represented by the trident issuing from a wave, symbol of the service which maintained our life-line throughout the seven seas at such high cost. On the right lower portion of the window, is the figure of Queen Margaret, taken from our School badge, and at her feet the wolf of Stirling, traditionally associated with the ancient history of our town. On the left, against a background of the old School and the Tree of Life and Knowledge, is the figure of a kneeling Knight in a Crusader's Cloak, offering his earth-won laurels in exchange for the Crown of Life. Above the figure of Queen Margaret is the inscription, "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life." May this memorial give lasting form to the image each of us carries in our heart and mind of a "Verray parfait gentil Knight" who dared all, gave all, gained all." [1]

I've sent the school an e-mail requesting access for a photo so we'll wait and see what happens.

Anne

spoons · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:35 pm Post subject:

Congratulations, nice find. I would very much like to see the photo of the memorial as it is now along with the photo of the dates in the original location that you already have. I am sure that UKNIWM would be very pleased to get all this info as I could not find any reference to the memorial on their site.

\Paul