New primary school in Aberdeen could be named after city’s top dolphin-spotting site

The new school on Tullos Circle is expected to open in autumn.

By Chris Cromar

May 17 2023, 12:59 pm

Walker Road School in Torry will be replaced by a new building on Tullos Circle. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson.

The preferred name for a new primary school in Torry has been revealed.

Following a public vote, the replacement Walker Road School could be called Greyhope School.

The new building, on the site of the former Torry Academy in Tullos Circle, is due to open in autumn.

Now members of the education committee have been asked to approve its new name – which is required to avoid confusion since the school will no longer be on Walker Road.

New leader of Aberdeen City Council’s SNP group Christian Allard visited the site last year. Image: Aberdeen City Council.

A consultation with parents, staff and pupils led to a shortlist of possible names for the school being on offer, with these being based on local geographical features and place names.

The four shortlisted were Grampian, Greyhope, Torry and Walker.

Pupils encouraged to vote

To encourage pupils to vote, Walker Road School held assemblies and classroom discussions, as well as providing access to the online voting form and having hard copies available at the school.

In total, 579 responses were cast, with Greyhope School coming out on top with 45.77% of the vote.

The name Greyhope comes from Greyhope Bay, which is located in Torry near the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour and is known for its population of dolphins.

Greyhope Bay is known for its dolphin population.

It is also the site of the famous Torry Battery, while Greyhope Bay Centre – which has a dolphin viewing centre, a cafe and an education and community space – opened last year.

In March, the relocation of Walker Road School was approved by councillors, with the new building hoped to be open for the new school term starting on August 21, or “as soon as possible thereafter”.