A POPULAR head teacher has retired after 41 years including quarter of a century as a primary head.

In 2001, Karen Waugh was appointed head teacher at the Junior School in Bearsden – the primary school for the High School of Glasgow.

She previously spent 10 years as head teacher at Mearns Primary in the South Side which is one of Scotland’s largest primaries.

Mrs Waugh, who is a black belt in karate, was appointed as an associate part-time assessor with the Inspectorate at Education Scotland in 2007.

In that role, she took part in school inspections across Scotland, talking to pupils, teachers and other head teachers.

When she announced her retirement, Mrs Waugh received hundreds of good will messages from pupils, former pupils, parents and the local community.

She said: “I look by on my years in teaching in Glasgow’s South Side where I started and took up my first head’s post with much fondness.

“I have really enjoyed every minute of my time at the Junior School in Bearsden and will miss the daily contact with pupils, teachers and support staff and parents.”

Over the last 15 years, Mrs Waugh has seen through a number of developments at her school including major refurbishments, new classrooms a modernised curriculum and developing an out of school care club.

She said: “At the Junior School we now have over 30 extra-curriculum clubs and activities including a pipe band, string orchestra, percussion ensemble, four choirs and four judo clubs thanks to the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.”

Brian Adair, chairman of the High School board of governors described Ms Waugh as inspirational and innovative.

In retirement she plans to spend more time on charity work and fundraising through the Trades and Merchants’ Houses of Glasgow.