AFTER four decades at Garscadden Primary a teacher has finally said goodbye to the job she loves.

Linda MacKay, 61, was recently recognised at a special assembly dedicated to her committed work.

The mother-of-three told how the school had become a family to her and she had made so many friends in her tenure.

But after semi-retiring to three days a week a year ago, Linda has stepped down and admits she is unsure of how she will spend her newfound free time.

Linda told the Post: “It feels really strange to be leaving. There’s a mixture of excitement and knowing that I will miss it. It’s been so familiar for all these years.

“Last year, when I was 60, I thought about it and decided to phase my retirement. It seemed like the logical step, you can’t go on forever, as much as I want to.

“I’ve loved being here at Garscadden and I have made so many friends, including people I started with 40 years ago.

“It’s a really friendly school, the staff and children are fantastic, and it’s the sense of community I’ll miss the most.” When Linda’s career began 40 years ago she didn’t initially expect to stay at the school for four decades.

However, she stayed on and has no regrets.

She said she would miss the assemblies, school trips and all the pupils and fellow teachers she knows so well.

Linda, who lives in Jordanhill, joked: “I think sticking it out for 40 years has been my biggest achievement.

“But I’d say the biggest one is having three children and they’ve come here and they’ve helped out.

“My family and school life are entwined, and that’s what I’ll miss the most.” Linda told how the school has changed “so much” since she started off, with exceptions of the building. The retiring teacher recounted how the desk layout and teaching methods have transformed since.

Expressing her thanks to staff, she said: “I would just say that it’s been fantastic being part of this Garscadden family.

“I’ve taught many of the parents that their children to school here today, and my own children have all been through Garscadden Primary.

“It’s a stable community and people tend to stay in the area. I’ve stayed here for 40 years — I didn’t plan on it — and I’ve no regrets whatsoever.

“Head teachers over the years have been very good but I couldn’t single anyone out — great staff, great children and a great school.” Linda is married to Finlay, 63, a retired teacher who was a deputy head at Vale of Leven Academy. Her son Neil, 30, is also a teacher and she has two daughters, Kirsty, 28, an actress and social worker Lindsey MacKay.