27-05-2025
Inside creepy abandoned Scottish high school 'filled with decay and pigeons'
The photographer said it was "sad to see" the state of the building.
Unsettling photos of an abandoned Scottish high school have been shared online. The former school is situated on the Isle of Bute in the Firth of Clyde.
On Monday, May 26, urban exploration blog Exploring with Natasha shared images of the former Rothesay Academy in the island's capital town of Rothesay. Once full of pupils, the site has been empty since the school relocated to a new campus in 2007.
Exploring with Natasha is a photography blog run by urban explorer Natasha McCallum. She journeys to long-forgotten or abandoned sites across Scotland and shares images of how they look after being left to the elements.
McCallum's latest photographs show how Rothesay Academy has changed since being deserted in 2007. According to the explorer, the building is "filled with decay and pigeons" and mould and greenery covers the walls.
In the images, wallpaper can be seen peeling off and many of the windows are smashed. Additionally, the classroom equipment that remains is in a very poor state and beginning to disintegrate.
Speaking to the Daily Record, McCallum commented: "On an exploring trip we decided to check out various islands, we found this school so decided to explore it. It was amazing to see the science rooms still intact with the old wooden desks. It's mainly filled with decay and pigeons, but the decay was beautiful to capture, especially with the big corridor shots."
She added: "It was pretty amazing exploring the school and getting to see inside before it gets demolished. Especially a school with a lot of history like this one. The views from the top classroom windows looking over Rothesay I will never forget, it's very sad to see it go."
Since being shared on the Exploring with Natasha Facebook page, the images have received more than 120 likes. With more than 20 comments, many Scots also shared their thoughts on the photographs. One Facebook user wrote: "Great find and pics. Thanks for sharing."
A second agreed: "Great photos Natasha, you've really captured it well. Also a nice change to see natural decay over time rather than all out vandalism and destruction."
Read on for a collection of images of the abandoned Rothesay Academy. More information can be found on the Exploring with Natasha page.
