MENSTRIE Primary School has said goodbye to their long-serving administrator, Linda Simpson, after she retired at the beginning of the month.

Linda spent a whopping 27 years at the school and decided that it was finally time to take her well-earned retirement, although she did it with a “heavy heart”.

The school had a special assembly for her with a number of special guests there to help wish Linda off in the best possible manner.

Monday, October 16, was technically her first day of retirement although she finished earlier in the month as the schools went back from their October holidays and there will be a notable absence in the school due to the ever-present figure of Linda no longer serving the school with the cheer and friendly demeanour with which every visitor was greeted with.

Linda said she plans to spend more time with her family now that she has retired.

She said: “The last day was very touching and very emotional. I had a box of tissues beside me the whole time. All of my old friends and colleagues had come along to say goodbye to me as I left.

“It has been great, 27 years is a long time but I’ve loved it. I don’t know who is going to be taking over but I know that whoever it is, they will be welcomed warmly.

“When I handed my notice in it was with a heavy heart. My husband is two years retired so I plan on spending more time with him and seeing my family who live down south.

“We will get away some holidays, too. We are going to Cyprus next week which was a little retirement treat.”

A spokesman for the school said she will be sorely missed. He said: “Mrs Simpson was here for 27 years and outlasted several head teachers.

“She was just fantastic. She was very kind and was always there to welcome the kids in the mornings. Everyone will miss her in her retirement.”