Carrick Academy Buries New Time Capsule for Future Generations

Pupils at Carrick Academy have buried a time capsule in the grounds of the new Maybole Community Campus for future generations to open.

Image - South Ayrshire Council

In 2024, during the demolition of the former Carrick Academy building in Maybole, a time capsule dating back to 1925 was discovered.

The contents of the time capsule were carefully inspected and preserved by the Ayrshire Archives, details of which can be found in our blog: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/article/61496/100-year-old-time-capsule-discovered-during-Carrick-Academy-demolition-works

During the course of the 2025/26 academic year, pupils and staff from Carrick Academy, in addition to Culzean and St Cuthbert's Primary Schools are commemorating the move to the new facility, which officially opened in November 2024.

In light of the discovery of the time capsule and to continue the special tradition, a time capsule ceremony was held in which artefacts related to the official opening were sealed and buried for pupils to rediscover in another 100 years' time.

The time capsule includes:

· A letter from current Carrick Academy School Captains;

· Messages from pupils at Culzean and St Cuthbert's Primary Schools;

· Head Teacher's speech from the time capsule burial ceremony;

· A copy of Carrick Academy Code of Conduct;

· Official Opening Ceremony Programme;

· A copy of the senior phase subject options form;

· A copy of the Standards and Quality Report from 2024/25;

· Collection of sterling coins;

· Copies of local newspapers.

South Ayrshire Council's Depute Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said:

"The discovery of the time capsule last year provided a tremendous insight into what life was like one hundred years ago in our rural communities. I'm delighted that we are commemorating the inaugural year of the new school campus in the same way, giving future pupils a snapshot of what life used to be like in Maybole."

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor William Grant, said: "The discovery of the time capsule at the previous Carrick Academy site was an incredibly exciting insight into our local history. The school has always played an important role within the community and we were all fascinated to see what school life was like back in 1925. It's hard to comprehend at times!

"The burial of the new time capsule within the grounds of the Maybole Community Campus is a unique opportunity for our pupils and staff from Carrick Academy, Culzean and St Cuthbert's Primary Schools to be part of history. The items deposited in the capsule will hopefully provide generations in 2125 with an insight into our school community."

South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Housing and Property Services, Councillor Martin Kilbride, said: "I was amazed when the time capsule was found during the demolition of the former Carrick Academy. It's not every day that we find such hidden treasures when construction works are being carried out. I'm pleased that we have incorporated aspects of the school's history into the Maybole Community Campus, whilst continuing the special tradition on site of the new campus for future generations to find."