School News

Primary 5 pupils at Morrison’s Academy have left a lasting legacy for Crieff by burying a time capsule that will remain sealed until 2050.

Buried in the school’s Primary gardens, the capsule contains contributions from local businesses, community organisations and pupils, preserving a unique snapshot of life in Crieff in 2026 for future generations to discover.

Among the items included are examples of pupils’ work, community contributions, local information and predictions for the future. A commemorative plaque now marks the spot where the capsule will rest for the next 24 years.

The initiative formed part of a summer term study led by Primary Teacher Bryony Lukas, who challenged her pupils to explore how life has changed since the year 2000 and consider what future generations might want to know about their town. To begin the topic, pupils examined artefacts from the year 2000 and explored the significance of the new millennium, including the widespread concerns around the “millennium bug”. They also looked at how technology, toys, music, children’s television and everyday life have changed since then.

The idea was inspired by a family Millennium Box created by Mrs Lukas’s late aunt for her nieces and nephews around the turn of the millennium. Discovering the box last year reminded Mrs Lukas that she had been the same age as her current Primary 5s when it was put together, inspiring a project that would encourage her pupils to explore the past, reflect on the present and think about the future.

Over the course of the term, the pupils met with a range of businesses and organisations to document everyday life, local industries, community activities and aspirations for the years ahead. Crieff Community Trust and the Crieff and Strathearn Museum visited the campus to share insights into the town’s past and present, helping pupils deepen their understanding of the community they are part of.

Ailsa Campbell of Crieff Community Trust said: “It was a pleasure to support this project. We know that Crieff is constantly evolving so it was great to explore with the pupils how the town has changed over time, why those changes have happened and how local businesses and community groups have adapted over the years. It also provided an opportunity to discuss what the pupils can do to help shape Crieff for the future. The time capsule will provide a fascinating record of life in Crieff in 2026, and we hope those who open it in 2050 will gain a real sense of the town, its people and the aspirations of the generation that created it.”

The project also brought together pupils from Morrison’s Academy and Ardvreck School, who collaborated on ideas and artwork imagining what Crieff could look like in 2050.

Alongside learning about local history and community life, pupils developed skills in research, interviewing, persuasive writing, newspaper reporting, debating, map work and data handling. They carried out surveys on campus and explored how changing lifestyles and community needs could shape the future of the town.

Mrs Lukas added: “We wanted to capture a genuine picture of life in Crieff in 2026. The children have worked with local businesses, community groups and pupils from another school to record what makes our town special and how they hope it might develop in the future. 

“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved has been incredible and the children loved meeting people from different organisations and hearing about the work they do. It helped them understand not only how their community works today, but also that they can play a role in shaping its future.

“Burying the capsule was a proud moment. One day these children will return as adults to see what future generations think of the Crieff they knew.”

Rector Andrew McGarva joined pupils and staff for the burial ceremony, which marked the culmination of months of research, collaboration and community engagement.

He said: “When the capsule is opened in 2050, today’s Primary 5 pupils will be in their thirties, offering a fascinating opportunity to compare life in modern-day Crieff with the hopes and predictions of a previous generation. Projects like this create meaningful connections between learning and community life. The children have not only recorded history, they have become part of it.”