AN ALLOA-BORN man has become the first Fife teacher in years to be bestowed a prestigious honorary degree.

Tony Russell, who grew up in the Mar Policies, has been named a Fellow of the Educational Institute of Scotland (FEIS) this month for decades of work and dedication.

The award is a recognition of his work in both developing children’s learning experiences and in supporting colleagues in a union capacity.

As a primary chartered teacher, Tony initially taught young people in London for a decade before supporting pupils in Fife for 25 years, with a one-year exchange to Australia in 2011.

He received his fellowship on Thursday, June 6, at the Caird Hall in Dundee during the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) Annual General Meeting.

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Receiving the fellowship was never his goal as he was nominated by colleagues for his hard work over four decades.

Tony said: “It is an especially gratifying award to receive because the application is completed secretly by colleagues who wanted me to receive recognition for educational, union and community accomplishments over four decades.”

It is understood only a handful receive a fellowship each year at the EIS, which is believed to be the oldest teachers’ trade union in the world.

Outside of education and union work, Tony has also been working closely with communities.

One of his projects saw him organise the Community Fridge at Leuchars PS called Leuchars Larder, for which he was awarded North East Fife Citizen of the Year in 2023.

An annual football festival which Tony has organised for 30 years, latterly with some 200 pupils taking part, has also been named The Russell Cup.

The Russell family home was at Menteith Court in Alloa with Tony attending Hawkhill PS and Alloa Academy.

Recently retired, he is enjoying life in the East Neuk and is looking forward to becoming a grandad soon.