Duncanrig high school by Basil Spence

Duncanrig Secondary School by Sir Basil Spence

The first school built in EK.

“Careful consideration was given to colours, textures and light both inside and outside of the school. Each of the two-storey classroom blocks originally had a sun terrace while the internal wall of the foyer was covered with a colourful mural by William Crosbie representing the history of the Clyde.”

Boys and girls were kept apart for some activities – there were two gymnasia, separate playgrounds, cloakrooms and even entrances. The girl’s entrance was timber clad with flower boxes, while the boy’s entrance was given a more robust finish of stone and rubble.

The building was demolished in 2007.
[Basil Spence archive]

Duncanrig high school by Basil Spence

Duncanrig secondary school interior, 1956

Borda Crossings

Article from Canadian Architect Journal about Sylvia Grace Borda’s photographic project.


Highlights how schools in EK were “sited on spacious vistas around the city and characterized by pure, geometric concrete forms, ribbon windows, roof lights, and large playing fields…  Moreover, they allow children to walk to neighbourhood schools rather than being bussed to larger institutions.”

Jack Coia’s Kirktonholme primary school