Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Des Browne MP officially opened the new St. Modan's High School in an evening ceremony attended by over 300 guests on Friday 5 September - 75 years to the day when St Modan's first opened in Barnsdale Road St. Ninian's in 1933.

To mark this auspicious occasion and to reflect the school's unique catchment area Provost Wood of Stirling Council, Provost Stewart of Clackmannanshire Council and Mary Pitcaithley, Chief Executive of Falkirk Council each represented the three local authority areas served by the school.

Earlier in the day Bishop Vincent Logan of Dunkeld led a dedication mass to celebrate the opening of the school chapel.

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Head Boy Michael McKeown and Head Girl Emma Weir opened the ceremony and welcomed guests. Special guests on the evening were family representatives of former Rectors of the school including three children of the school's first Rector JL Foxworthy, themselves former pupils, who were each given a presentation to mark their family’s contribution to the school.

Former Rector John Oates was there in person with his wife and was presented with an inscribed medal. Also present were former pupils from 1933 including former Dux Medallist Mrs Anne McGarr, and all were given a warm ovation.

The opening ceremony comprised of speeches, readings and choral recitals including a motet 'Sapientia et Gratia' specially written for the occasion by Ms Linda Galbraith and performed by the school's Chamber Choir. Mr David Cameron Director of Children's Services and Mr Frank Lennon both spoke and Cardinal Keith O'Brien gave a blessing. Afterwards sixth year pupils gave guests guided tours of the school.

Secretary of State Des Browne MP officially declared the building open and said: "This building provides the young people of St Modan's with an outstanding facility within which to pursue their education. It has been a privilege to part of such a historic occasion on this the 75th anniversary of the opening of St Modan's."

(GK/JM)