TEACHING at a Wee County primary was a job for life, according to one local woman who retired after 40 years of service.

Elizabeth McGregor, who was born and bred in Alloa, started and finished her career at Strathdevon Primary School with colleagues and pupils gathering for a surprise farewell assembly last week.

Around 10 headteachers and acting heads came and went in the last four decades, but Mrs McGregor always remained a steady part of the school community.

The 63-year-old, who started teaching in a temporary hut on the playground, was encouraged to become an educator by her headmaster at Alloa Academy when she received her results after fifth year.

She never regretted it, saying she had a lot of enjoyment in helping aspiring youngsters achieve their best over the years.

Mrs McGregor told the Advertiser: “I think Strathdevon is a great school.

“The kids are wonderful, I think we have really supportive parents and the staff are just amazing.

“I think Strathdevon has a really bright future.

“A big thank you for being my family for 40 years.”

The way children were taught evolved considerably as the last four decades progressed; from the Primary Memorandum to the Curriculum for Excellence Mrs McGregor was happy to embrace change with all the reading and meetings in the background that came with it.

She will always remember assemblies where the whole school came together, hailing it as a “great team-building activity”.

The teacher was also involved in a number of school shows and enjoyed seeing children giving their all on stage, allowing everyone to shine and show their talents outside the world of academics.

Some of her other fondest memories are of sporting events and achievements, often at county level.

Latterly, she was taking part in the Support for Learning scheme, working with children who experienced difficulties.

She said: “When they achieve something, say they can read for the first time or write a sentence for the first time, seeing that clicking, seeing the children able to do it was a real kick, you felt you really achieved something for these children.”

One of her last favourite moments from her life at the school is a recent visit from Maasai Warriors, who brought their traditional music and dance to the Wee County from Africa this August 29 – Mrs McGregor’s last day at work.

She added: “That was really emotional.

“They were just amazing, so smiley and happy – they got the children up, dancing and joining in. That was quite memorable for me.”

In retirement, the local teacher is not at risk of boredom and is looking forward to plenty of activities with numerous hobbies, including gardening and walking her two black Labradors.

Then there is sewing, the arts with exhibitions and more, as well as upholstery, which she has recently taken on – all while spending more time with the family.