Pupils go back in time to learn printing trade
Primary pupils from St Ronan’s, Priorsford and Walkerburn were transported back in time last week at the National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Innerleithen.
More than 120 children got the chance to learn all about the printing trade and get some hands on experience, as part of the centre’s continuing 500 years of Printing in Scotland celebrations.
Pupils became potential apprentices and were transported back in time to 1896 where Mr Robert Cowan Smail had his trusted staff instruct them on all aspects of his family run business, including arithmetic, parcel wrapping, spelling and dexterity.
Property Manager Gen Harrison said:
“This was a real opportunity to bring history to life for these pupils. It’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm and excitement for learning about this fascinating and complex profession. I am sure that many of these pupils would have impressed Mr Smail and made it as apprentices.”
Mrs Davidson, a teacher from Priorsford said:
“We just didn’t realise what you had to offer. It’s great to have such a fantastic resource right on our doorstep. The children were spell-bound.”
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