Kilmarnock’s Opera House building has been restored with a brand new, unique addition.

The refurbished building has been fitted with windows designed under a partnership of St Joseph’s Academy students and East Ayrshire Council.

Scott Bracki, Liam Gallagher and Siobhan Connelly, three St Joseph’s pupils who have now left school, designed the windows following research of the building’s past which was carried out with help from Kilmarnock and District History Group.

Musical notes detailing Kilmarnock FC’s anthem, Paper Roses, run across the six windows and link the scenes, which have been taken from old photographs.


Marie Macklin, CEO of contractors Klin Group, commissioned the young students in August 2011 to develop decals for the ground floor windows. A financial donation was made to the school for their services.

The building has served in the past as a theatre, church, a saleroom and a nightclub,

Marie Macklin said: "This is what regeneration is all about – involving the whole community, especially our young people.

"We could have appointed a company from the private sector for this service, but to involve the pupils through the Council’s school enterprise and business leaders programme was the right decision."

Councillor Stephanie Primrose, Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, said: "This project provided a marvellous opportunity for students to work with professionals and experts from start to finish – and the inspiring outcome is there for all to see and enjoy for generations to come."

Kilmarnock Academy students have also been commissioned to produce a mural for the entrance of the building.

(IT)