IT WAS the end of an era at Lochgelly High School this week as, after thirty-four years at the school, PE Teacher Joyce Soutar has decided it is time to hang up her whistle and retire.

Joyce will be well known to many people in the local community having been at the school since it’s opening in 1987.

Her career began in 1980 when she started working as a PE Teacher in local Fife primary schools.

She then moved to the PE department of Auchterderran Junior High School in 1981, before coming to Lochgelly High School in 1987.

Within the school community Joyce has fulfilled a wide and varied range of roles over the years: PE Teacher; Girls’ Football Coach; Minibus Driver; Guidance Teacher; Athletics Official; Union Representative; and Health & Safety Representative, all alongside her work with the RAF which has taken her on regular globe-trotting missions.

Speaking to the Times on the retirement, and what a loss it will be for the school, Sarah McIntyre, depute headteacher, said: “For so many people that Joyce has worked with she has been more than just a colleague, but also a mentor, a friend and an inspirational figure.

“Joyce’s many friends and colleagues are delighted for her as her retirement has been a carefully planned event of which she has spoken for many years.

“Now that the time has come, Joyce will not be idle. She has plans of world-wide travel and continued work with the RAF. We all wish her well, and are thankful for the legacy she leaves.”