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sented the King's and School Colours to the Senior Boy. His Majesty on this occasion decorated the Commandant with the Victorian Order (Fourth Class), and presented the King's Badge to Sergeant-Major J. Lindsay, and briefly addressed the boys.
On June 18th 1910, Waterloo Day, the memorial Chapel was formally opened and dedicated by the Right Reverend the Moderator of the Church of Scotland. The Honorary Treasurer and Secretary telegraphed to the Private Secretary of His majesty King George V announcing that the ceremony had taken place that afternoon, and received a suitable reply from Windsor.
The Swimming Bath, the gift of Mr Edmund Pullar, was also completed in the year 1910.
In the year 1913 the Hospital and Gymnasium were added. The Army Council authorised the General Officer Commanding in Chief, Scottish Command, formally to take over the buildings from the Committee for the use of the School. The opening ceremony was performed by Major-General Sir Nevil Macready, KCB, on July 21st1913.
The Play Hall, Library and Science Room were added during the year 1914.
On July 11th 1914, King George V and Queen Mary, accompanied by Princess Mary, visited the School. Their Majesties inspected the boys and the School premises.
From the foregoing remarks it will be seen that the School as it stands today took, from the time of its inception, some thirteen years to complete. (From an article in The Victor/an, December 1923.)
THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL
was a great day. King Edward VII had travelled from Balmoral to Dunblane by train, the station was decorated with flags and red and blue bunting, a large crowd had assembled, many from various parts of Scotland and England. Amongst the crowd were Lords, Ladies, Generals, and notables from the aristocratic families of Scotland, and also I think, five holders of the Victoria Cross. The Provost of Dunblane, the Town Clerk, Magistrates and members of the Town Council were in attendance.
The Guard of Honour was provided by 2nd Bn King's Own Scottish Borderers, with the regimental band, in front of the station and had the honour of being inspected by HM The King, before entering his carriage for the journey to the School; the carriage was escorted by members of the Scottish Horse. The route to the School was lined by detachments of the Scottish Regiments right round to the North Gate. On arrival at the School, a further Guard of Honour from 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders was inspected by HM The King. After speeches, the King was given the key to open the building, after a short inspection he signed the Visitor's Book.
At the end of the School, leading to where the Chapel was to be built, was a covered canopy through which |
the King walked to lay the Foundation Stone of the chapel. The King gave the stone 3 sharp taps with a gavel, then declared the stone to be well and truly laid, amid loud applause from those watching the ceremony. The short walk from the School to the chapel was afterwards known as King Edward's Walk. After a further short speech he then left in his carriage to continue his journey back to Balmoral.
(An extract from an article written by
George Dowling (No. 269) who was at the School from 1912-1917.)
THE CARVING OVER THE MAIN ENTRANCE
OF THE SCHOOL
Although 18 years have passed since the School was opened, the freestone blocks on the front of the building have become badly weathered. In some places the inscriptions are now illegible, and it is possible that in another generation the figures themselves will become unrecognisable. We are, therefore, putting on record the details of this work. Above the door are two versions of the Royal Arms of Scotland. The lower one with the Lion Rampart on the escutcheon was the Royal Arms of the Kings of Scotland up to the time of the Union with England in 1603, after which date it could not, of course, legally be used. As there was, however a distinct need for a Coat-of-Arms for the Great Seal of Scotland, a special design was approved in 1903 by King Edward for use in Scotland. This version is seen in the upper coat-of-arms over the main door. Both these Royal Coat-of-Arms have the mottoes "Nemo me impune lacessit" below and "In defens" above.
Flanking these two coat-of-arms on both sides are to be seen four smaller ones. On the left (facing the School), appear the Coat-of-Arms of Edinburgh, above, and Perth, below. On the right those of Glasgow, above, and Stirling, below.
A very brief account of each of these Coats-of-Arms
is given below:
Edinburgh - A triple-towered castle standing upon a rock, with the motto, "Nisi dominus frustra". This is a contracted form of the passage occurring in Psalm cxxvii, "Except the Lord (keep the city, the watchman waketh but) in vain". The castle is an obvious reference
to Edinburgh Castle.
Glasgow - An oak tree, surmounted by a salmon on its back, with a signet ring in its mouth. On the top of the tree is a robin, and beside the tree an ancient handbell. These refer to incidents in the life of St Kentigern, the patron saint of the city. The motto is, "Let Glasgow flourish (by the preaching of the word)".
Perth - On the escutcheon of Perth appears the Holy Lamb carrying a staff and cross on which appears the banner of St Andrew, the whole surrounded by a (ressure with fleur-de-lys. This is in honour of St John the Baptist, the Patron of the City. The motto is "Pro rege, lege, etgrege".
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