PUPILS, parents and teachers celebrated Hillside School’s 25th birthday at Dumfries Arms Hotel.

Head teacher Debbie Skeoch said: "The Friends of Hillside Charity organised the birthday party for Hillside School. Pupils and staff had a fantastic night out. The school was celebrating the 25th birthday of its official opening at the Dumfries Arms Hotel in Cumnock, which was the perfect venue for a special school family celebration. Pupils, staff, families and friends joined together to celebrate the school’s achievements over the past 25 years and look forward to the future as they start their journey towards the new Barony campus.

"A huge Hillside thank you to Charlene McCreadie and Jasmine Leggott from Ahead Of Hair in Cumnock, Heather Kelly at Purity Massage, the Enterprise Team at Cumnock Academy and Beauty by Jade in Mauchline. All these fantastic people offered their services on Friday afternoon at school offering hair and beauty treats to pupils on their pamper afternoon in preparation for the party.

"Friends of Hillside is a registered charity run by parents and friends of the school. The group meets regularly, to plan and organise events and activities for those who attend Hillside School. This includes fundraising events aimed at raising funds to augment the work of the school. The party was one example of this, and in the past they have raised funds for the inaugural school prom, purchasing of sensory books, specialist technological equipment and providing all pupils with swim-bags and towels, as well as many others fun extras."

Friends of Hillside will continue to raise extra funds for the school to provide fun activities for the pupils in their Year of Celebration. The Treasurer of the Group Andy Harrow and Sylvia Doole Parent Council Chairperson said “We are always looking for support from the community for Hillside. Hillside is a small school and although we have great intentions our charity is small in numbers but big in heart. So if you would like to join us, you would be more than welcome and your support would be gratefully received. In addition we would also love to hear from anyone who has any fundraising ideas as we really want this year to be the year we make a difference and help the pupils of Hillside School.”

If you think you can assist with any of the above, please contact the school office on 01290 423239 and they will pass your details on to the right person. Thank you in advance.

Pictures by Alister Firth.