MUCH loved Greenock head teacher Isabel Lind has inspired generations of her children to reach for the stars.

Now she is bringing the curtain down on more than 40 years in the teaching profession.

Staff and pupils past and present got together at Aileymill Primary for a farewell garden party on Monday to honour a head teacher who has left an impressive mark on a community.

One of her ex-pupils, 16-year-old Ross Bevan, spoke to the Tele about his mentor, who recently won a UK lifetime achievement award.

He said: “Mrs Lind is the best head teacher you could ever imagine.

“I honestly never thought she would retire — I thought she would chain herself to the building!

“I am hoping to go to university next year and that is all thanks to Mrs Lind.

“I would never have done it without her.

“She gave us the confidence to believe in ourselves, introduced us to arts and culture and made every one of us feel accepted no matter what our talents were.

“She is the best person I have ever met and has been a huge part of my life.” Another former pupil at the party, Gail Fulton — now a litigation lawyer in Glasgow — was equally fulsome in her praise. The 25-year-old said: “I would never be the person I am today if it wasn’t for Mrs Lind.

“She makes every child feel special and made us all feel part of it — no one was ever left out.

“If there was a school show, everyone had a part.

“She included us all.” Gail’s younger sister Laura, 17, is heading for university to study zoology.

She added: “Mrs Lind is just amazing.” Notre Dame music teacher Gemma Lamont, 33, is also a former pupil.

She told the Tele: “What can you say about Mrs Lind? She is incredible and a big inspiration to many, including myself.” Aileymill Primary parent council chairperson Lesley Crumlish tried to sum up the effect Mrs Lind has on her school. She said: “She is most definitely a hard act to follow.

“Mrs Lind knew every single child by name.

“The school has been her life and she will be so badly missed.” At the garden party pupils made a song and dance about Mrs Lind’s life — even making up a special edition of the Tele.

They spoke of how she would often go above and beyond for her pupils and families, helping those in need.

But as she bows out Mrs Lind remains modest about her achievements and is happy to give others the credit.

She said: “I have to say that I have learned from my pupils every single day.

“Every child is special and that is something that you should never forget.”