Published: Thursday, 3rd January, 2008 4:30pm

Sir Albert reflects on Highland fling

UNIFORM: Sir Albert McQuarrie.

GREENOCK-born Sir Albert McQuarrie achieved a milestone on New Year"s Day - it was his 90th birthday.

Sir Albert was the last Member of Parliament for East Aberdeenshire (1979-83) and, after redistribution of the seat, the first MP for Banff and Buchan (1983-87).

Born at 14 Murdieston Street, he was Dean of Guild in the old Gourock Town Council and founder president of Gourock Pensioners" Association and Gourock Horticultural Society. He was an officer in the Royal Engineers during the Second World War.

Sir Albert was educated at the Highlanders" Academy, Greenock High School and the Royal College of Science and Technology, now Strathclyde University.

Highlanders" holds a warm place in his heart.

Sir Albert recently came across a card for the school"s centenary and jubilee reunion in Greenock Town Hall, held on Friday 25 November, 1938. The school opened in 1837 when it was located at the corner of Duncan and Roxburgh Street, later to become the Co-operative dairy premises when the school moved to Dempster Street.

The event was organised by a general committee of former pupils under the chairmanship of Grierson Macara and with headmaster William Hutchieson as secretary.

Sir Albert and Douglas C Scott, formerly of Lizars the opticians, were only 20 at the time and the only "boys" on the committee, of which Sir Albert is the sole survivor.

He paid tribute to his teachers, including Miss McKirdy, Arthur Henderson, T C Carnie, who was a well-known Glenpark cricketer, and assistant headmaster, Mr Mackenzie.

Sir Albert said: 'My three brothers and sister were also pupils at the school. My sister, Margaret McPhail, still lives in Greenock.

'I wonder how many who entered the school on the same day as I did in February, 1923, are still living. Perhaps we could arrange a visit to the school and have a party. Unfortunately, we would not have one similar to that in 1938 which cost five shillings!

'My greatest pride as a former pupil of Highlanders" Academy is the fact I am the only one ever to have received the accolade of knighthood from Her Majesty The Queen and also to have served as a Member of Parliament at Westminster.

'For this, I am grateful to those who educated me in my formative years.'

Sir Albert still has a copy of the Highlanders" centenary jubilee reunion card signed by other organisers of the event.

The evening comprised the chairman"s remarks, followed by whist, then tea and, finally, dancing to the St Louis Dance Band from 10.45pm to 2am.

Sir Albert, who lives in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, is pictured in the mess dress of the Order of St John of Jerusalem taken in October, 2006.