School telling its story to Festival-goers

Published on Wednesday 29 July 2009 22:06

ONE of Scotland's most prestigious independent schools is marking its 350th anniversary in an unusual way – with an exhibition in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

George Heriot's is compiling the display of photographs and mementoes from the school's past including information about one of the world's first hot air balloons, which was launched at the school.

In part it will tell the story of George Heriot, a renowned jeweller and goldsmith, born in Edinburgh in 1563.

He became the official jeweller and financier to King James VI and Queen Anne of Denmark and bequeathed his wealth it to founding a hospital for the purpose of educating "faitherless sons of Edinburgh burgesses".

The school was built between 1628 and 1650 and has become a landmark building on the city's skyline.

Alistair Hector, the school's headmaster, said: "We are proud to present this exhibition which marks the beginning of the school's 350th anniversary year.

"Given Heriot's standing as one of Edinburgh's great educational institutions and the prominence of the 'Old Building' as a city landmark, it will be of interest not just to those associated with the school but to a wider public.

"By holding the exhibition during Edinburgh's festival season we can open our doors in a way that would not be possible during term time."

The exhibition will run at the school from 8-22 August, except on Sundays.