A MUCH-LOVED teacher is being given a special memento of her 37-year stint at an East Renfrewshire school as she looks forward to a new chapter in her life.

Lorna Goudie, 59, is retiring after almost four decades of service at Neilston Primary.

And, as a thank-you for her efforts, colleagues decided to put together a book of memories from those who had her as a teacher or counted her as a friend.

Lorna told our sister title The Barrhead News: “ I started working at Neilston Primary School, as Miss Wallace, in August 1985 and have never looked back.

“Neilston is such a delightful village that nobody wants to leave it, so I have had the pleasure of teaching different generations within families. It always made parental meetings all the more exciting when a past pupil had become the parent sitting opposite me.

“I will miss the wonderful staff and pupils but have many happy memories to take away with me.”

Gerard Curley, headteacher at Neilston Primary, described Lorna as “a brilliant teacher.”

He said: “During those 37 years, hundreds of children and young people have passed through her hands and, may I say, they are all the better for it.

“Lorna’s commitment to the profession and the young people of Neilston is second to none. She will be sorely missed by her colleagues, our young people and their families.

“Everyone at Neilston Primary and the wider village community wishes her a long, happy, healthy and relaxing retirement.”

Natalie McMillan, a chairperson of the school’s Parent Council, also paid tribute to Lorna, who lives in Clarkston.

She said: “Mrs Goudie – or Miss Wallace, as she will always be to some of us – has been at Neilston Primary since 1985. We are so proud and privileged that she chose to give her career to the children of Neilston.

“How many people stay in the same workplace for nearly 40 years? This is a massive achievement. Think of the changes in technology alone she has had to adapt to since 1985, not to mention how many different education policies.”

If you have memories of Lorna that you would like to offer for inclusion in her retirement book, send an email to npsparentcouncil1@gmail.com.