It is the end of an era for many as last week saw the closure of the Auchinleck and Cumnock academies for the final time ahead of the big move to the £69 million Barony Campus on Monday, October 26.

The final day for students at the academies was Wednesday, October 7. Staff then had two days to pack up stuff from the school in preparation for the move.

Social media was awash with outpourings of memories and messages about the schools.

Mrs Cook, a music teacher at Irvine Royal Academy who was a pupil at Cumnock Academy and later a teacher at Auchinleck Academy, said: “Loved my time teaching at Auchinleck Academy and my years at Cumnock Academy as a pupil and student teacher.

“I’ll forever be grateful for the colleagues and pupils I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Good luck in your move to The Robert Burns Academy.”

A former pupil at Auchinleck Academy, Mr Haynes, who now teaches in Midlothian said: “Many happy memories at Auchinleck Academy and sad to see it go. I have so much appreciation for the staff that helped me to get to where I am today! Best of luck to all the staff and pupils at The Robert Burns Academy.

“Amazing facilities, cannot wait to see the rugby achievements.”

Students will begin attending The Robert Burns Academy, part of the Barony Campus super-school later this month.

The campus is split into separate schools for different ages of students, with The Robert Burns Academy being the first to open.

Phase two will see the opening of the Cherry Trees Early Childhood Centre, Hillside School and Lochnorris Primary School and Supported Learning Centre and is not anticipated for another month yet. The plan is for students attending these sections of the campus to begin on Wednesday, November 18.