A COATBRIDGE lollipop man is celebrating as he retires after almost 30 years of service.

Alistair Doyle “loved every moment” of his role helping thousands of youngsters cross the road in Coatbridge.

Now the 79-year-old is stepping down from his position at St Timothy’s Primary School – but will be deeply missed by staff and pupils.

The campus even held a special assembly in his honour to mark the emotional occasion.

Glasgow Times: Lollipop man Alistair Doyle bids farewell to pupils at ST Timothy's Primary in Coatbridge after nearly 30 years helping them across the roads. Lollipop man Alistair Doyle bids farewell to pupils at ST Timothy's Primary in Coatbridge after nearly 30 years helping them across the roads. (Image: Gordon Terris)

Alistair, who will retire on Friday, December 22, two days before his 80th birthday, said: "I've been doing this job for 29 and a half years and I've loved every moment of it.

“You are out in all weathers but to see the smiles on the children's faces makes it so worthwhile.

“I can't thank everyone at the school for all their kindness and support. I'll miss them all very much."

Alistair began his working life in a market garden when he was 10 years old.

He then started work formally at 15 in McNaught’s Drapers in Coatbridge Main St, where he became manager at the age of 18.

He worked in Coatbridge Swimming Pool from 1967 until 1995, when he became the school crossing patrol guard outside St Timothy’s, where he was the first cheery face that mums, dads, carers and children would see each morning.

Glasgow Times: Lollipop man Alistair Doyle is retiring Lollipop man Alistair Doyle is retiring (Image: Gordon Terris)

Alistair is also a dedicated community champion in Coatbridge and has raised more than £163,000 for Ronald McDonald House through his annual Christmas lights display in his front garden.

Colin Forbes, headteacher of St Timothy’s Primary School, said: “Alistair is a Coatbridge institution and so many people, me included, remember him from his time working at the Coatbridge Baths.

“He has worked as the crossing patrol guard outside St Timothy’s for nearly 30 years and is much-loved by everyone in our school community.

“Alistair is a larger-than-life character and very much a part of the fabric of daily life at St Timothy’s. We will all miss him very much.

“He is a real example to all our young people, in particular through his charity work.”

Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “I’d like to thank Alistair for his dedication and service to his local community for the past 29 and a half years, helping generations of children at St Timothy’s in his role as a school crossing patrol officer.

"I wish him a long and happy retirement.”

 

Pupils have praised all that Alistair has done for them at the school.

Some of their comments included: “During lockdown, he wore different masks all the time and he always asked us who was on his masks” – Phoebe – P6

“When Alistair organised his Christmas lights display for over 20 years in a row, he raised a fortune for Ronald McDonald House. We are very proud of him” – Joseph – P7 

"He always takes great care of us crossing the road and he always has a kind word for everyone” – Sophie – P7

“He always takes the time to say, ‘Good morning’ and ask how you are” – Evana – P7

“If I am feeling sad, he cheers me up with a joke and makes me laugh” – Aaron – P6

“Regardless of the weather he is always there” – Matthew – P6