Hermitage Academy's new acting head teacher has given a message of thanks to the local community during challenging times throughout the pandemic.

Douglas Morgan took the opportunity to pay tribute to school staff and parents of pupils through a Facebook video, after being officially announced as the new head teacher, succeeding the retiring Robert Williamson who spent three years at the local school.

Mr Morgan said: “I don’t know if I’d have chosen the middle of a global pandemic or indeed a national lockdown to start a new post, but I’m delighted nonetheless.

READ MORE: Hermitage Academy head teacher Robert Williamson retires after three years at the helm in Helensburgh

“Thanks firstly, to the team of staff who have helped to quickly establish the hub provision for our young people who are children of key workers, or who we have identified as being vulnerable.

“I’d like to thank our teaching staff for their continued efforts with online learning.”

Addressing pupils in the video, which can be viewed on Hermitage Academy’s Facebook page, the new head said: “When we look forward into the coming weeks, we’d ask you to continue to follow the advice and guidance that the teachers have provided through Google Classroom and that you ask for help any time that you may need it.

“Looking after our own wellbeing and that of our families should be at the very top of all our priority lists.”

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