Former head teacher’s MBE donated to school

THE MBE given to the first head teacher of an Arbroath primary has been gifted back to the school.

John Robertson was head of Timmergreens Primary School from 1969 to 1980 and was presented with the MBE for services to education by the Queen in 1978.

Known as Jack, he previously taught at Andover Primary School in Brechin and Stracathro Primary, and was head at Ladyloan Primary in Arbroath for four years before taking his final job at Timmergreens.

His daughter, Gail Snowdon, spoke of how her father loved his job as she presented the MBE to Timmergreens’ current head teacher Jacqui Smith at a school assembly.

She said: “My father loved children and knew all the pupils by their first name. He was dedicated to the school.

“He created a nature trail along an old railway line for pupils and explained in a booklet about the plants to see.

“I remember that he was thrilled to get the MBE. He went down to Buckingham Palace and it was presented by the Queen.”

Mr Robertson died in 1995 and the decision to give the MBE to the school was taken after the death of his wife, Dolly, in July.

Mrs Snowdon added: “My dad would be so proud that it is going to be on display.”

The MBE has been framed with its certificate and a quote from a Tibetan proverb — “a child without education is like a bird without wings”.

Ms Smith said: “I think it’s a lovely gesture.”

Brian and Gail Snowdon holding the framed MBE, with head teacher Jacqui Smith, back right.