A LONGSTANDING Wee County headteacher was given a send off to remember as she commenced her retirement.

Nuala McElroy, headteacher of St Bernadette’s RC Primary School, closed the door on a decade of work in Tullibody.

She had served at the school for 10 years and announced her retirement last month.

A popular figure among St Bernadette’s pupils, parents and teachers, a ceilidh was thrown for her to celebrate a pillar of the school.

Acting depute headteacher Kirsty McDonald spoke of Nuala’s character within the school and wished her well for the future.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Mrs McElroy,” she told the Advertiser. “She’s had a huge impact on the school over the years and we will all miss her.

“We had a ceilidh at the end of term to celebrate her success at the school.

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“We wish her a long and very happy retirement.”

Nuala had been at the helm of the school since 2014, overseeing the move from the old school campus to the Tullibody South Campus.

Parents hailed the inclusive environment she had created and maintained at the school, with one praising her “unwavering commitment to education.”

One parent said: “Mrs McElroy left an indelible mark on students and staff alike.

“She was instrumental in making St Bernadette’s the family friendly, multicultural, inclusive school that welcomes pupils from all denominations.

“She has created an environment which is nurturing and supportive to all. The ceilidh evening was a huge success.

“Pupils from primary 1 to primary 7 stepped up to present Mrs McElroy with a bouquet and gift on the night with farewell wishes from all.”