Mick Vassie, from St Peter the Apostle High School and Evelyn Jamieson of Ladyton Primary are bowing out after spending almost four decades in the profession.

Mick started his career in Glasgow and moved to West Dunbartonshire as a principal teacher of history at St Andrew’s High School. He was appointed head teacher in 1995. In 2009 he was appointed head teacher of St Peter the Apostle High School, which was formed after the amalgamation of St Andrew’s and St Columba’s.

He said: “Of my 38 years in teaching I have spent 23 of those in Clydebank and have thoroughly enjoyed every day. It really has been a great pleasure to serve the pupils and parents of this community and I regard myself as an honorary Bankie, not bad for a boy from Drumchapel.

“I have formed many great relationships in this time, not only with pupils and staff, but also with parents – many of whom I think of as real friends. I will miss these friends greatly, but, above all, I will miss watching the young people of the Clydebank area develop into fine young citizens.” Although he has a few ideas for retirement, he has no precise plans for the future.

Mick added: “Without seeming to be too arrogant, I have achieved the ultimate success in teaching, as there is no greater achievement than being the head teacher of such a fantastic school as St Peter the Apostle High School. There is honestly no better school in Scotland and no finer people to work with than the people of Clydebank.” Evelyn started her career in 1976 as a probationary teacher at Bonhill Primary and transferred to Ladyton to complete her second year. The next ten years Evelyn spent teaching kids in East Dunbartonshire and Glasgow before returning to West Dunbartonshire in 1988. She gained much of her experience teaching in Gavinburn, Edinbarnet and Knoxland before getting a permanent position at Christie Park primary in 1990.

She added: “I will be very sad to leave the children and the great staff at the school but I feel now is the time for a new chapter in my life.

“I look forward to spending more time with my four tiny grandchildren, a bit of a busman’s holiday for me.

“I’m looking forward to having time for nice long walks and enjoying some well deserved holidays.” Councillor Michelle McGinty, convener of educational services, said: “I would like to express thanks on behalf of the council for the fantastic efforts these two great Head Teachers have given over a number of years. They will be really missed by pupils, parents and fellow colleagues. We wish them well for the future in their retirements.” Laura Mason, head of educational services, added: “We would wish to thank Evelyn and Mick for their leadership, dedication and commitment to children and families in West Dunbartonshire. We wish them both every happiness in the future.”