The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Big Jim returns to his former primary school
IT WAS back to school for Fife’s new Provost Jim Leishman yesterday.
Big Jim, as he’s more usually known to the Dunfermline Athletic faithful, returned to the Lochgelly school where he first learned the beautiful game.
Born just a free-kick away in the town’s Gardiner Street, the provost had fond memories of Lochgelly South, where he was a pupil between the ages of five and eight, before transferring to Lochgelly West.
At a special assembly featuring music and song, he told the youngsters he was honoured to be standing before them.
After touring the classrooms he said: “The teachers and kids here are part of a wonderful close-knit community in Lochgelly and set a great example of a school that really cares about the future of its pupils.
“Your teachers at this age can have a huge influence on your life and I said to the kids this morning that they should listen and learn as much as they can while they’re at school.
“I can still remember being inspired and encouraged by the teachers here and I would say that it doesn’t matter what school you go to, or where you come from, if you work hard you can do whatever you want to do.”
Headteacher Janice Davidson said it was an honour and a pleasure to have the famous former pupil pay them a visit.
“He was here a few years ago when he came and opened our garden party – that was when a lot of people first found out he was a pupil.
“He is well known by the children.”
She added: “We are very proud to see a former pupil do so well – we are delighted to have Jim back with us.”