Class act: Joe celebrates his big birthday

Aretired head teacher has reached a notable milestone, celebrating his 100th birthday at home with his wife.

Joseph Simpson, who lives in Stonehaven with his wife Margaret, spent his entire teaching career in the north east.

As well as his passion for education, Joe was closely involved with school football and enjoyed watching one of his ‘discoveries’, Don Masson from Banchory, go on to play for Scotland.

Joe’s career as a teacher began at Pitmedden School before being appointed head at Catterline Primary in 1956. He spent three years in the village before filling the same position at St Cyrus, where he taught for nine years before moving to Fetteresso Primary in Stonehaven in 1968.

On the opening of the current Mackie Academy two years later, the original building was renamed Arduthie Primary School and Joe became the first head teacher there. He remained there until his retirement in 1981.

Glasgow-born Joe was educated at Hutchesons’ Grammar School on the south side of the city before taking a place at Glasgow University in 1941.

He interrupted his studies to volunteer for service in the RAF during the Second World War, and spent five years in the Signals Corps in India. On his return to Scotland, he enrolled at Aberdeen University and graduated with an MA Dip Ed degree.

A passionate sportsman, he was also awarded a Football Blue and represented the Scottish Universities against the English Universities.

While at university, he met his future wife, Margaret, who subsequently taught physical education in a variety of schools in Kincardineshire, including Carronhill in Stonehaven.

Joe was a member at both Stonehaven and Edzell golf clubs and only hung up his clubs at the age of 97.

The couple, who are both ‘weel kent faces’ around the Stonehaven area, have four children – Gordon, Alistair, Jacqueline and Keith – along with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at all these schools, engaging with the children and wider communities,” said Joe.

His 100th birthday will be marked in the style it deserves once lockdown ends.

HEAD MAN: Former principal Joe Simpson celebrating his 100th birthday at home.