Gemma Louise Cruickshank has stumbled across a surprising time capsule while renovating a rural school in Scotland.
Among the discoveries were a hidden whisky bottle tucked away in the wall of a headteacher’s toilet, an old scout handbook, and sections of the original wooden flooring, still intact.
Gemma is treating the items recovered in Aberdeenshire, Scotland as treasures worthy of display.
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Preserved for decades, the finds have left locals fascinated, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Images of the discoveries provide a quirky and unexpected glimpse into the life of the school long ago.
Among the treasures and trinkets is an old army man toy, hidden behind the boys’ toilet block.
And a retro sign on the wall of the school kitchen reads: “How to use Zaplon – Pull lever towards you once to obtain sufficient cream for a wash and work cream over both hands before washing. Do not wet hands first.”
Gemma also found and took the original toilet pull from the headmaster’s personal toilet, as well as another from a children’s toilet block, and framed them.
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One image shows a whisky bottle she spotted behind the headmaster’s panelling in the toilet.
Another picture reveals an original Victorian chemistry fume cabinet, which she plans to convert into shelving for spirits.
Gemma framed around 20 “Forces Day” pins and badges, too, as well as tickets and booklets.
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While renovating, Gemma also discovered original solid wood flooring from the oldest part of the school – which she learned came all the way from Canada.
Gemma and her partner Scott say they have since removed, cleaned, re-layed, sanded and oiled over every piece.
In more images, she also shows off an old scout handbook – which she believes dates back to the 1800s – plus original classroom door numbers and books from past pupils.
Gemma shared a post of her collection on Instagram, which has gathered over 13,300 likes and 400 comments.
Vicky said: “The whisky bottle in the headmaster’s loo! You can just picture him nipping to the loo for a crafty swig when the kids were trying his patience.”
Soozi added: “Ahh love this. It’s so interesting to imagine what lives were being lived in your home way before you were.”
Sheila said: “So many ‘everyday’ things – such a lovely snapshot of a moment in time.”
Kelly added: “That’s incredible, so many real treasures. You’ve inspired me to frame the coins that were found on our fields. I love your fume cupboard, I can’t wait to see it as a drinks cabinet.”
Villemo said: “I just LOVE how much you have found and what you have done to save everything!! What treasures!!”
Someone else said: “Love all of these, so much history.”
Grace added: “Oh I love this. So many treasures.”
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