Festive farewell at Helmsdale for 'awesome' art teacher

Pupils at a Sutherland school have said a fond farewell to an “awesome” teacher.

Art teacher Ian Westacott has been encouraging the creativity of pupils in the senior classes at Helmsdale Primary School for more than 20 years.

He began visiting the small, rural primary when its current primary seven teacher Shelly Taylor was herself in primary seven.

Ms Taylor said: “The last day of term was both a happy Christmas party day but also a sad day for Helmsdale primary pupils because we bid a very fond farewell to our awesome Australian art teacher Mr Westacott.

“He has decided to reduce his working week and will sadly no longer be coming to the school on a weekly basis. We wish him all the best for the future and hope to keep in touch.”

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