Millburn Academy
Located in the heart of the Highlands, Millburn Academy (Gaelic: Acadamaidh Allt a' Mhuilinn) is a state-funded secondary school serving the community of Inverness, Scotland. Established in 1961, the institution provides a comprehensive six-year education to students living east of the River Ness and in various rural areas to the south of the city.
The school's location is historically linked to the 'Mill Burn', a stream that once powered a local whisky distillery. While the distillery has since been replaced by a chain hotel, the legacy of the area continues to influence the school's identity.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1961
- Location: Diriebught Road, Inverness, IV2 3QR, Scotland
- Motto: "Strive to Achieve"
- Enrolment: Approximately 1,130 students
- Staffing: Approximately 135 staff members, including 70 teaching professionals
- Local Authority: Highland
Catchment and Community
Millburn Academy serves a diverse geographic area, integrating both urban and rural student populations. Its catchment area includes several primary schools, ensuring a structured transition into secondary education for pupils from:
- Crown Primary
- Daviot Primary
- Drakies Primary
- Inshes Primary
- Raigmore Primary
- Strathdearn Primary
Symbolism and Identity
The school badge, designed by the late James Cameron, the former head of Art and Design, is rich with symbolism that reflects the school's values and local history. The badge features three primary elements:
- A Torch: Representing the pursuit of learning.
- A Mill Wheel and Water: A nod to the Mill Burn that once operated the local distillery.
- An Eagle: The symbol of St John, paired with the school motto, "Strive to Achieve".
Campus and Facilities
In 2007, the original school buildings and huts were replaced by a modern facility constructed via a Public Private Partnership Agreement at a cost of £26,000,000. The current building is organized across three floors to optimize learning and administration.
Ground Floor
The ground floor is dedicated to student support and physical activity. It houses the guidance and support for learning sections, as well as the technical and physical education departments. This level also features a large social area and a canteen providing daily hot and cold meals. A central highlight of the architecture is the massive sports hall located in the middle of the building.
First Floor
The first floor serves as the academic hub for several core subjects. Departments located here include Business, History, Geography, Modern Studies, Religious Education, Mathematics, Music, and Science. A spiral staircase in the main foyer provides access to an additional social area.
Second Floor
The top floor is reserved for the creative and linguistic arts, housing the English, Modern Languages, and Art departments.
Beyond the main building, the campus includes a large grass playing field and a fourth-generation astroturf multi-purpose pitch. Parking is conveniently available adjacent to both Victoria Drive and Diriebught Road.
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Administrative History
Since its inception, Millburn Academy has been led by a series of dedicated Rectors (the head teacher of a Scottish secondary school). The leadership timeline is as follows:
| Rector | Tenure |
|---|---|
| John Mathieson MA FRSGS | 1961 – 1972 |
| William T Weatherspoon BSc Dip Ed | 1972 – 1989 |
| GC Spence MA | 1990 – 2007 |
| Delia Thornton MA | 2007 – 2011 |
| Gavin MacLean | 2011 – 2018 |
| Johnny Croall | 2018 – 2023 |
| Kerry Sinclair | 2023 – Present |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Millburn Academy located?
The school is located on Diriebught Road in Inverness, Scotland (Postcode: IV2 3QR).
What is the school's motto?
The motto of Millburn Academy is "Strive to Achieve".
When was the current school building constructed?
The new building was completed in 2007, replacing the original structures and huts at a cost of £26 million.
Which primary schools feed into Millburn Academy?
The catchment area includes Crown, Daviot, Drakies, Inshes, Raigmore, and Strathdearn primary schools.
What sports facilities are available on campus?
The academy features a large central sports hall, a large grass playing field, and a fourth-generation astroturf multi-purpose pitch.