New head teacher of Fortrose Academy

The new head teacher at Fortrose Academy will be Donnie Mackenzie, the depute head teacher at the 740-pupil school.

Mr Mackenzie, who has taught and managed at the school for 27 years, succeeds Douglas Simpson, who is retiring at the end of the school session after 22 years as head teacher at Fortrose Academy and a teaching career that spans 36 years.

Mr Mackenzie was brought up in the Muir of Ord area, attending Mulbuie Primary School, Dingwall Academy and Aberdeen University where he obtained a degree in Physics in the mid 1970s.

He taught at Alness Academy and then Invergordon Academy and was appointed to Fortrose Academy as Head of Physics  in 1984.  In the following years, he was involved with Physics and Science educational development at both national level and for the local authority.

He entered senior management at the school in 1997.

Mr MacKenzie said: “My appointment represents for me, the “icing” on the cake, leading a fantastic school community of pupils, staff and parents of the Black Isle.

“My vision and aims for the school are centred on the foundation on which Fortrose Academy is built – positive, respectful and supportive relationships.  Fortrose Academy is recognised as a very high achieving school, with our staff delivering a quality educational experience and prepared to ‘go the extra mile’ for our pupils. One of my key objectives will be to maintain this level of professionalism; enthusiasm and commitment from all my staff.”

Married with two children, and a grandson, Mr Mackenzie is a big fan of skiing and promoting it to his pupils, plays bridge at local and national level and is an avid Ross County supporter.

He added: “I consider myself to be a ‘Black-Isler’ and know what the community value and expect of me.  It will be a privilege and pleasure to lead this school which I’ve served for over 27 years.”