A Helensburgh woman and former acting head of Hermitage Academy is bidding a fond farewell to teaching after 40 wonderful years in the profession.

Kay Dingwall, who has lived in the town for nearly three decades, spent 17 years at the Academy after joining as a guidance teacher in 1987.

She initially trained in both primary and secondary teaching before beginning her career as a probationer at Vale of Leven Academy in 1978, teaching biology and science.

Following her time at Hermitage, she was appointed as head teacher of Cleveden Secondary in 2005, before taking charge of her final school, Knightswood Secondary, in May 2011.

After just two years leading the large Glasgow school, which also incorporates the Dance School of Scotland, she was named Scottish Head Teacher of the Year in 2013, following nomination by the parent council.

Now, as she calls time on her distinguished career, she does so with a heavy heart, but with many fond memories of a working life which began more unusually than most.

Kay told the Advertiser: "I thought I was going to teach English and French, but I changed to biology although I hadn't done it at school because I did chemistry and physics. But when I got the chance to do it later, I was just so interested in it.

"I didn't enjoy secondary school, so I'm quite unusual because I'm sure most secondary headteachers haven't had any primary experience, haven't not enjoyed secondary and haven't gone on to teach a subject they never even did at school, but I think it's give me a much deeper understanding of how I can be the best learner I can be and how I can help others do the same.

"One of the reasons I went into guidance early in my career was because I was interested in the whole young person and not giving them crutches but actually helping them be more resilient and have confidence in themselves. Letting them understand that if you just put in the work, things do get better, you will understand things more and you will be able to resolve problems more easily.

"I did a lot of development of my career and learning through my time at Hermitage. It was absolutely super because I actually lived in the community and taught there.

"Leaving teaching is very emotional and I will find it hard to walk out the door because I've been doing it 40 years and they have been wonderful. It's been an absolute joy and a privilege."

To mark her retirement, Kay was treated to a musical send off and cakes with Knightswood pupils last Thursday.

Depute head teacher John Burns said: “Kay has been an inspirational figure in the school and community with her infectious enthusiasm and joy for life. Her tireless commitment to making sure every single pupil achieves their potential has driven forward the improvements in attainment and achievement over the last 7 and-a-half years.

“We will miss her but we wish her a long and happy retirement - she’s earned it.”

Kay is now looking forward forward to spending more time with her two daughters, her husband Tom and her wheaten terrier puppy, Archie, who she hopes to train as a therapet.

She added: "Although I'm a bit nervous because I've never not had this routine, this purpose for the last 40 years, I'm also full of hope, so I'll go forward and see what's round the corner and I'm sure there will be other opportunities in the next chapter.

"There are lots of care homes in Helensburgh and my mum passed away a couple of years ago to motor neurone disease and I knew how important it was for her to have a dog to cuddle, so I think there is something I can do in that. I just need to hope that our pup Archie is willing and able to step up to the mark."