Coatbridge nursery nurse says farewell

Irene’s swapping work for a new life in sunny Spain

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a “highly respected” Coatbridge-based nursery nurse who has retired after two decades.

Irene McLaughlan, the head of Coatbridge’s Dunbeth Nursery in Coats Street, has decided to swap her 20-year career of working with youngsters in the community for a new life in sunny Spain.

Irene, an inspirational mum from Wishaw, has not only dedicated her life to caring for her daughter Stacey, but has been working with young children across North Lanarkshire for over 38 years.

Laura Reid, depute at Dunbeth Nursery, told the Advertiser: “I will miss Irene; we have been working together at Dunbeth for over 20 years and it will be a big wrench for all of us.

“Everybody loves her; she is very highly thought of and is well respected by all the staff at Dunbeth and everyone she meets.”

Irene, 60, has been a passionate advocate of early years’ training at the nursery, and over the course of her illustrious career was instrumental in bringing many of its initiatives into fruition and in recognition has received a host of prestigious accolades.

Laura explained: “Irene is a really valued member of our team and she was instrumental in proposing a lot of different new initiatives and over the years has been recognised for her dedication.