ANOTHER new school year begins, and Frank Oakes is hard at work again, fulfilling the role he has performed at Strathallan for 50 years.
The signwriter, originally from Stockport, has meticulously painted the names of the school’s Captains and Champions by hand since the 1970s – almost half of its entire history.
What began as a job in the army quickly became a passion for signwriting that took Frank’s skills from the sides of tanks to cars, lorries, buildings and the walls of the Perthshire boarding school for half a century.
Now 88 years old, Frank says he still loves every day of his job.
“I should be retired really but well, it makes me happy, I’d rather keep doing this than sit at home.”
Headmaster of Strathallan, Mark Lauder, said: “Thanks to Frank, there are thousands of names in Gold on our walls.
“What a fantastic contribution and service to the school – for many more years too I hope!”
Strathallan is about to enter this academic year with the largest school roll ever in its 102-year history.
The school is welcoming five- and six-year-olds for the first time this September, meaning Frank could be kept busy for years to come with the names of its youngest ever pupils.
With plans to develop the school already with Perth and Kinross Council, Strathallan School offers education to girls and boys from 5 to 18 years old.
