Niall Brown, the charismatic and hugely likeable head teacher of Dalintober Primary School said in a news letter to parents
"Finally, as many of you already know, I shall be taking early retirement in August and Mrs Watson, formerly head teacher of St Kieran's, will be acting head teacher here until such time as a permanent head teacher has been appointed. There is a moratorium, or hold, on permanent appointments to promoted posts in Argyll & Bute Council just now. I know that you will support Mrs Watson in her acting post and that you will help her ensure that Dalintober continues to be a happy and successful school."
Mr Brown added "I take this opportunity to thank all parents, staff and pupils past and present, for their wonderful support during my 28 years as head teacher of Dalintober School. It has been a privilege for me to have led what I consider to be the best school in the world and I leave with so many happy memories. I wish you all the very best of everything in the future."
William Crossan, who has always been totally committed to Campbeltown Grammar School also wrote to parents saying:-
"I write to confirm what you have no doubt heard by now through the local ‘grapevine’, namely, that I will be retiring this summer after nineteen years as Rector of the Grammar School. While looking forward to retirement and to having more time for the things which will continue to keep me busy, I will in many ways be sorry to leave. Being Rector of the school in which I was a pupil has been challenging at times, occasionally frustrating, but more than anything else fulfilling. I extend my thanks to you and to your children that this has been so.
Mr Michael Casey, who has been senior depute since 1994, has accepted a 23-month secondment as Rector in order to maintain stability in management while further roll-drop staffing adjustments are made. I thank him for his outstanding support over the years and extend to him and my other senior colleagues, Miss Cameron and Mr Gallagher, my very best wishes for the future."
We wish both Mr Brown and Mr Crossan all the very best and have a long and happy retirement!
