The Darroch building dates from 1900 and is a Category C Historic Scotland listed building. It has served several purposes over the years, including its original operation as a Secondary School, an Education Centre and serving as an annexe for St. Thomas of Aquin’s and James Gillespie’s High Schools. It was last used during the construction of the new James Gillespie’s High School, serving as temporary decant accommodation.
Due to the projected increase of the roll at James Gillespie’s High School and the need to plan more effectively for the future delivery of Gaelic Medium Education, the Darroch Annexe was recently refurbished. The renovation was completed in October 2022 and the building was handed over ready for the start of the new Half Term after the October break.
The community at James Gillespie’s High School have provided very positive feedback following the first few months of operation. The Darroch Annexe is currently the base for almost all Gaelic Medium subjects for S1 and S2 GME students. Inclusion is one of the James Gillespie’s High School values which most significantly underpins the way in we have approached the integration of the Darroch Annexe into our community. Mirroring the Main Campus, pupils have access to a Wellbeing Hub and Support for Learning provision, as well as some specialist facilities including PE, Art and, most recently, Music. Additionally, working in collaboration with partners such as Ionad Ghàidhlig Dhùn Èideann, the Local Mòd, Fèis Dhùn Èideann and Capital Gaelic, has meant that Darroch has quickly become the heart of the Gaelic-speaking community in the South side of the city.
Young people also have access to a bright, spacious and comfortable well-equipped canteen area for eating and socialising, as well as outdoor sport facilities, an outdoor classroom and recently-installed Polycrub.
The building also hosts overspill from the main JGHS campus, which consists primarily of Higher and Advanced Higher classes. The Annexe has also been used heavily to facilitate the S4/5/6 prelims allowing for a considerable reduction in displacement disruption on the Main Campus.
James Gillespie's High School 