This year, Albyn School is celebrating an extraordinary milestone - 100 years at its Queen’s Road home. More than a centenary of education, this is also a celebration of people, place and community.
For a century, Albyn has stood as a landmark in Aberdeen’s West End, shaping generations of pupils while contributing to the cultural and civic life of the city. Thousands of families, staff and alumni share a connection to the school, making this anniversary not just an Albyn moment, but an Aberdeen one.
To honour this rich history, Albyn School is hosting a year-long programme of events starting this month that bring together past and present, tradition and innovation, including:
- Alumni reunion weekend in September - where lifelong friendships and shared memories are rekindled as former pupils enjoy afternoon tea and revisit their old classrooms and haunts
- September Family Fun Day - open to the Albyn community, this event will feature activities for all ages and showcase the warmth and spirit of the Albyn family.
- Civic Reception: official recognition of the contribution of Albyn School to Aberdeen in November.
- Ceilidh: to celebrate Scottish culture, our January Albyn ceilidh will bring people together in true Scottish style to mark this historic year with music, dance and tradition.
- An original musical production at Aberdeen’s Tivoli Theatre in March 2026, written by staff and telling Albyn’s story through the decades - this promises to be a creative tribute to the role the school has played in the city’s life.
Head of School, David Starbuck, said: “Reaching 100 years at Queen’s Road is a huge moment for Albyn School. This is not just about looking back, but also celebrating the role Albyn plays in the lives of our pupils, families, and the city of Aberdeen. We are delighted to share this milestone with the whole community, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations in one way or another.”
This calendar of events follows the tradition brought to Albyn School by Miss Oliver, the Headmistress at the time of the move to Queen’s Road, who always celebrated her birthday as an occasion for the whole school community with games, music and dancing. These events bring the Albyn community together in a spirit of fun and shared experience, as Miss Oliver did almost a century ago.
The launch of this exciting programme of events also coincides with the release of ‘Albyn School: A Century at Queen’s Road,’ a commemorative book to further mark this momentous occasion. The book, written by Albyn’s very own former pupils, includes vivid stories and pivotal events throughout the school’s history. Former pupil, Valerie Lowe (class of 2005), described it as ‘a true autobiography’ that ‘very much focuses on the memories of the school’s former pupils.’
Albyn School’s centenary year promises to be one of reflection, joy and togetherness - a fitting tribute to a school that has stood at the heart of Queen’s Road for a century. For more information about the centenary celebrations and details of upcoming events, please visit www.albynschool.org/news-events or contact the school on 01224 322 408.