AN ERA has ended as one of Greenock Sheriff Court's most well kent faces bids a fond farewell after nearly a quarter-of-a-century of appearances.

Highly respected social worker David Johnston is bowing out today with happy memories and no little amount of emotion.

David — who has been part of the very fabric of the court for 24 years — says he's been 'overwhelmed' by the generosity shown to him by all who work there.

He told the Tele: "I've had lots of happy times, good times, that I will cherish forever.

"I'll take away great memories of working with a whole array of colleagues — sheriffs, sheriff clerks, fiscals, police officers, bar officers, the cells staff and, of course, my colleagues in social work.

"It's been a very good place to spend such a long time."

David added: "I worked it out in terms of the history of the court, this being it's 150th year, and I thought, 'My goodness, I've been here for a sixth of that time!'."

He is retiring to spend lots more time with his three-year-old grandson and also to continue to follow his beloved Celtic.

But he'll also be back to visit all his friends at the court from time to time.

David joked: "I will certainly come back — but it will be through the front door and out of the front door too!"

He added: "I will miss an awful lot, not just the court but also social work in general because I've been in the job in total for about 40 years."

Football fan David has enjoyed a hat-rick of presentations from the court clerks, the fiscals and the Geo Amey custody staff — the latter of which launched a ruse to get him down to the cells.

He said: "They called me to say that one of the people in custody needed to see the court social worker, so I trooped down and there they all were with a gift for me.

"Later that day someone from the sheriff clerks and someone from the fiscals' office both came to my door with nice gifts and cards, so I've been quite overwhelmed by it all."

David added: "One of the things I will particularly treasure is a wee gift set of slate coasters with the court and 150-year anniversary etched on them.

"I didn't know they had been made, so amongst the bottles of wine, of which I have had many over the last few days, I also have these lovely coasters.

"That was a particularly emotional thing as it's very personal."

Asked what he was most looking forward to, David said: "Spending time with my grandson as he is the main purpose of the whole exercise.

"Anyone who knows me knows I dote on him.

"Also following Celtic, which has been something all of my colleagues know about.

"There's been a fair bit of banter in the past from sheriffs who support Celtic and sheriffs who don't support Celtic, depending on how results have gone, on a Monday morning."

He added: "I'd also like to make special mention of Kim Stewart who has been my colleague for 20 years and more, and for at least the last 15 based in the court with me. She has been an invaluable colleague.

"There's always been good relationships between the various staff groups within the court and that has never changed in all the years I've been here.

"There has always been good communications, both formal and informal, and good social relationships.

"We can all knock on each other's door when we're looking for advice, guidance or information.

"So, I'm sad to be leaving the job, yes, but I take with me very special and happy memories."