Pride of Formartine award for Meiklemill’s much-loved depute headteacher Lorna Keith

A dedicated Ellon depute headteacher whose warmth, creativity and unwavering commitment have helped generations of local children flourish has been honoured with a Pride of Formartine award.

Lorna Keith, the longest-serving teacher at Meiklemill School, received the coveted award in recognition of an outstanding career spanning more than four decades and her remarkable contribution to pupils, families and the wider community.

The award was presented by Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine Area Committee chair Cllr Iain Taylor ahead of the depute headteacher’s retirement.

Nominating Mrs Keith for the award, Ellon councillor Louise McAllister praised the positive and welcoming environment she has created throughout her years at the school. She said: “Being involved in the school as a councillor, I am struck immediately by the warm and inclusive atmosphere every time I visit the school with Mrs Keith always actively welcoming and encouraging all in attendance.

“There are so many wonderful teaching and learning projects that are ongoing with just one example being the recreation of Ellon out of cardboard boxes in the gym hall. All credit went to Mrs Keith for the initiative and the work and outcome was truly amazing, involved all the children, encouraging team building, imaginative working and immense pride in the children and their home.

“Now that she is retiring, she will be a huge loss to the school and the celebrations of her time and connection with so many children, families and the wider community have already begun. With some 42 years to cover, there is a lot to celebrate.”

Throughout her career, Mrs Keith has gone above and beyond to make learning memorable, fun and inspiring. From teaching Doric poems and helping pupils master cat’s cradle, to leading technology challenges, organising treasure hunts around Ellon and encouraging children to bake afternoon teas, her enthusiasm has left a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Her dedication was perhaps never more evident than during the challenges of lockdown, when she helped keep pupils and parents connected and supported, while continuing to nurture the strong sense of community that lies at the heart of Meiklemill School.

She has also been the driving force behind many treasured school experiences, including trips, sports days, concerts, open days and the creation of the much-loved school mascot, Muckle Moo.

Parent and Parent Council member Johanna Basford added: “Mrs Keith has dedicated a huge part of her life to helping kids at Meiklemill flourish and reach their potential. I hear she often eats her lunch in the playground whilst turning the skipping rope or helping the kids with their badge challenges. She is the heart of our school and will be missed.”

Presenting the award, Cllr Taylor paid tribute to Mrs Keith’s extraordinary service and the lasting legacy she leaves behind, saying: “I am delighted to present this Pride of Formartine award to Lorna Keith, who we’re all gathered here today to celebrate.

"You are the longest-serving teacher at Meiklemill since 1984 and the dedication and commitment you have shown to the school and children has been truly exceptional.

“We’ve heard about all the extra things you do to make school special for all the children in your care, often eating your lunch in the playground with the young people and all the fun challenges and extra-curricular activities that you have co-ordinated.

“You really are the heart of the school and I think everyone here will agree that, although today is a celebration of someone very special who generations of pupils will hold happy memories of, this is also going to be a very difficult goodbye.

“You will be very much missed by all at the school, and we wish you a very happy and healthy retirement.

"Thank you so much for all you have done. We are indeed very grateful and lucky to have had such a fantastic individual within one of our schools.”