Tributes paid to Inverness head teacher

The head teacher of Inshes Primary School, Mrs Ishbel Gilroy, has died at the age of 55.

Mrs Gilroy, who was honoured with an OBE in the summer of 2006 for her services to Gaelic medium education, had been absent from work through illness since the summer holidays and was receiving treatment at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary at the time of her death on Friday (8 October).

She is survived by her husband, Eric.

Mrs Gilroy was appointed to the post of head teacher of the new Inshes Primary School, Inverness, in December 2006 in readiness for the new school opening in August 2007.

Mrs Gilroy was previously head teacher at Central Primary School, Inverness - a post she had held since 1994.

From the Isle of Lewis and a fluent Gaelic speaker, Mrs Gilroy began her teaching career at Avoch Primary School in 1976. She gained a post graduate qualification in special educational needs teaching and for four years was education development officer in the advisory service, providing advice Highland-wide on special educational needs' issues.

As head teacher at Central Primary School, Mrs Gilroy oversaw both English and Gaelic Medium classes. She has also spearheaded a number of successful initiatives for the council.

Mr Hugh Fraser, Director of Education Culture and Sport, said Mrs Gilroy had made a huge contribution to education in the Highlands since taking up her first post at Avoch more than 30 years ago. She was an inspirational leader at Central Primary School, where she had also developed and overseen a thriving Gaelic Medium Unit, and had continued her excellent leadership at the new community school at Inshes, which now has a roll of 430 primary and 70 nursery pupils.

He said: “This is very sad news indeed.  No tribute is high enough for a head teacher, whose leadership and mentoring skills were exceptional.  Our sympathies go to her husband and family at this very sad time.”

Mr Richard Syred, acting head teacher at Inshes Primary School, said the entire school community had been deeply saddened by Mrs Gilroy’s passing.

He said: “She was an outstanding head teacher and a wonderful mentor to everyone who worked with her.   The children will sadly miss her.  It was a privilege to call her a friend.”