A MODERN studies teacher says helping pupils make sense of an ever-changing world for the last 34 years has been a dream come true.

St Stephen's High School's Ian MacGillivray retires after guiding generations in his classroom through seismic political and social events including the end of apartheid as well as those closer to home.

In his time at the Port Glasgow school Scotland has changed beyond all recognition with devolution, the opening of the Scottish Parliament, a referendum on Scottish independence and then Brexit.

Reflecting on his devotion and love of teaching he says it has been a privilege to be part of such a close-knit community.

The lifelong Morton fan says it was the only job for him after and he followed in the foot steps of a legendary local teacher Betty Glancy.

Principal of modern studies Ian said: "To be honest I have wanted to be a teacher ever since realising at 12 years old I wasn't going to play for Morton!

"I thought more and more about it.

"But my biggest inspiration was my St Ninian's Primary school teacher Betty Glancy.

"She was a legend, the most fantastic teacher and an inspiration to so many of us. She was tough, consistent and extremely funny.

"When I went to university that is when I thought about modern studies."

Politics and sociology graduate Ian, from Gourock, joined St Stephen's High in 1990, following a brief spell teaching in Shetland.

Within a couple of years he was principal teacher.

Mr McGillivray added:"There is something special about the school and working in Port Glasgow. You become part of the family, very much part of the community.

"I am very proud to be a teacher at St Stephen's High.

"It is lovely to have pupils I taught then returning as parents."

In those years Ian has helped shaped pupils' understanding of the world around them and the decisions that are taken in their name.

He added: "As a big Morton fan it was wonderful to see one of my pupils Chris Millar go on to play for my team, that was special.

"There is also Paul English, the journalist and broadcaster, and he is still a great supporter of the school."

Ian is also delighted that a former pupil Lauren Kearney, who is now a modern studies teacher as well.

Down the years local politicians have shown their support by coming to the classroom to show democracy in action.

He says along the way he has been aided by committed politicians locally who have helped him including the late Labour MSP Trish Godman, former MSP and Tory party leader Annabel Goldie and sitting MP Ronnie Cowan of the SNP.

He said: "Annabel Goldie in particular was fantastic, the pupils really took to her and she cared about the school. We were really privileged to have the support of our local MSPs."

The late Trish Godman was one of the original intake of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament and donated her commemorative medal to the school for an essay competition.

Among those taking part in the competition was one of Ian's pupils Lauren Kearney, who wrote an essay on her hopes for the Scottish Parliament.

She went on to follow in Ian's footsteps and is now a modern studies teacher.

Ian, who lives locally with his wife Brenda and has a grown up son Calvin, says that teaching has been everything he hoped for.

He said: "There have been lots of changes and modern studies is a subject that never stays the same. When I started teaching it was all about the end of apartheid in South Africa. But so much has changed here in Scotland as well.

"The independence referendum in 2014 was a game changer because for the first time I had pupils in the classroom who would actually have a vote. That was a real challenge at times, there were lots of lively debates.

"At university we were always told to inform our pupils and never influence, I think that was so important."

Now as he bids farewell to the classroom Ian, a keen songwriter, hopes to spend more time with his family, writing more songs and enjoying his favourite hobby of fly-fishing.