SCHOOL’S out forever for a trio of teachers after clocking up 112 years service between them.

Deputy head teacher Kathleen Lyons, physics teacher Brian Falconer and faculty head of social subjects Danny McMahon have bid a fond farewell to St Columba’s High School after spending their entire careers there.

All of them were also former pupils at the school. Kathleen, 59, who taught at St Columba’s for 37 years, paid tribute to her colleagues and pupils, saying: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. I’ll miss the the staff and the friendships and I’ll miss the pupils as well.” Kathleen is married to James and has two grown-up daughters, Paula, 34, and Leanne, 28, who also attended the school.

She said: “I’m going to spend more time with my grandchildren Michael and Gracie and do a bit of travelling.” Science teacher Mr Falconer started his teaching career at the school on the very same day as Kathleen.

He said: “I was living in Canada at the time and remember sailing back on the Empress of England on 3 May 1968.

“The school has a considerate and caring atmosphere and an ethos of hard work. Everyone is approachable. It’s been great —that’s why I never left.” Brian, 60, says his highlight has been running after-school sports clubs and helping pupils fulfil their potential.

He said: “It’s been great to see a wee boy or girl win the Scottish championships when they didn’t think they would. Giving people opportunities has been a highlight.” Now that he has retired Brian and wife June now hope to visit their daughter Amy, 23, who lives in Melbourne with her footballer husband.

They also have a son Jordan, 33, who is a firefighter and daughter Erin, 26, who works for Sportscotland.

Meanwhile Mr McMahon, 61, who chalked up 38 years of service, says he has mixed feelings about leaving.

He said: “I’m sad to be going but I know it’s the right time for me. I will miss the kids and the staff and the support from staff throughout my whole career here through good and bad times.” Danny cites ski trips he led to the USA as some of his happiest memories at the school.

Danny said: “Taking kids away and seeing them develop and blossom has a positive impact on their learning, ethos and relationships.” He now plans to improve his Italian and do a bit of skiing as well as spend more time with his family, wife Margaret Ann, son Kieran, 29, and his three-year-old grandson Liam.

The teachers enjoyed a special presentation on their last day.

Head teacher Jim Docherty was swift to praise the three dedicated members of staff and the contribution they have made to the school.

He said: “They have been part of the fabric of the school for generations and they will be hugely missed by staff and pupils.”