SJC History in Scotland

The first Community was in Girvan, Ayrshire. In 1879 the Parish Priest, Father O'Shaughnessy invited the Sisters to take charge of the small Primary School he had opened. They were the first Religious in the Diocese of Galloway since the Reformation.

The hard work of the Sisters brought success and in 1881 the Boarding School was opened with 25 children. In 1889 a new Primary School Primary School was built.

The Secondary Dept. was soon raised to the status of Academy. The school continued until 1991 when it was declared by the Educational Authorities that the Sec. Dept. was uneconomical to run because of falling numbers. The building was converted into flats, part of which the Sisters now occupy.

The Secondary School 

The Primary Dept. still exists as Sacred heart Primary School situated across the road from the old building in Henrietta Street.

Birnie Knowe
In 1885, 4 Sisters were sent to establish a house in Birnie Knowe, Ayrshire. Three were engaged in education while one looked after the poor families of the district and cared for the sick in their homes.

The Primary School 

One Sister, Sr. Laurienne was killed by a train when out on an errand of mercy. After the death of a second Sister from a serious illness, the house was closed.

Stranraer
In August 1887, a house was rented by a benefactor in Stranraer for two Sisters to teach in the parish, and give religious instruction to adults. Then a convent was built when the Community had increased to 4 Sisters of Cluny who were engaged in Parish and Social Work. The Community closed down in Jnauary 2004. 

Irvine
On 8th September 1902 at the invitation of the Parish Priest Sisters went to Irvine, Ayrshire to take charge of the school. They remained at this work until 1919 when because of death and illness the Sisters wer forced to abandon their apostolate.

Glasgow
In November 1945 a house was purchased in Glasgow to enable the young Sisters to live in community while pursuing their higher studies. This became a permanent Community for Sisters working in four different schools in the city and also contributing their best to other types of apostolate. In 1992 the Community was transferred to Dennistown where the Sisters have been engaged in Parish and Social work until September 2007. In 1948 the Sisters acquired Kildonan House, Barrhill, set amidst rich woolands about twelve miles from Girvan. In 1958 Trochrague House passed into the possession of the Sisters.

Johnstone
From 1997-99, a small community of two was operating in Johnstone, Paisley Diocese. The Sisters carried out Parish work and helped in the Jericho Benedictines' Charity shop.

Ayr
In 1993 a small Community was opened with two Sisters in Ayr, which lasted until November 2005. The Sisters did Parish and Social work and were normally three in number.