The Foundation Stone of the School was laid on 3rd August 1854. The estimated cost of the building was 4,000 pounds. Originally Stirling had three schools ... a Grammar School ... an English School ... and a Mathematical School but in 1854 they amalgamated to form the High School of Stirling and a fine new building was opened in Academy road in 1856.
Three score and ten boys originally occupied the building!!!
The North side with its lofty observation tower (gifted to the School by former Prime Minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman) was built in 1889. The architect being J. M. McLaren -- former 'Old boy' -- hence the McLaren Suite.
The School closed in 1962. It was then used by Central Regional Council for storage and archives.
In 1989 Scottish Highland Hotels started to renovate the listed building and turned it into a 4-star Conference Hotel with Leisure facilities. The Hotel opened on 9th March 1991.
Over the years it was a school, subjects taught in the classrooms often varied, but we do know the former primary school is now the Leisure Club.
Latin and English were taught in Scholar's Restaurant. Our Library as indeed the original Library, although we do not believe drinks were served in the Headmaster's Study!!!
Our smallest meeting room -- the Art Room -- was the original Rector's office, and the Art Department, with its large windows, is now our kitchen.
Rizzio's Restaurant was the School's Gymnasium. It still boasts the original wooden floor (and we believe the aroma has improved).
The exterior of the main building and the original main interior walls have not been altered, indeed some features have been restored -- the sun dial is now back to its 'former glory' and the clock in the Clock Tower now works!!