Old school’s past revealed

New details about a former Old Town school’s contribution to history have been revealed.

The Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust is trying to bring the neglected North Canongate School building back into public use.

Its study reveals the school – attended by some of the city’s poorest children – helped shape the Children’s Act of 1908.

Headteacher Andrew Young, who later became an MP, was a key witness to a House of Commons study which led to the ground-breaking legalisation being introduced.

The future of the building is in doubt after the council revealed it is in talks with a prospective new owner which would see it demolished.