Published: Wednesday, 6th January, 2010 1:23pm

Marion dedicates MBE honour to local school

By Ewan McInnes

HONOUR: Marion Roy was congratulated by John Wilson. They are pictured with pupils when Auchenback Primary received an excellent HMIe report last year.

A RETIRED teacher has been awarded an MBE in the New Year honours list.

Former Auchenback Primary School head teacher, Marion Roy took over the reins there 19 years ago before retiring in August last year.

And a humble Marion told how the prestigious award, which she will receive from a member of the Royal Family later in the year, is testimony to everyone at her former school and for the town of Barrhead.

She said: "This award is a real tribute to the dedication and hard work of everyone in Auchenback Primary.

"If I'm the one recognised with this honour I couldn't have done it alone and I'd like to thank the staff, teachers, pupils and parents at Auchenback Primary.

"This is their achievement and one that they truly deserve.

"East Renfrewshire is a wonderful education authority and has excellent schools across the whole area."

Marion added: "I feel a special affinity for Barrhead because I worked there for a long part of my career.

"This award is a further recognition of the people of the town and the town itself.

"I'm shocked and truly honoured to receive this award and would like to wish my former colleagues and everyone at Auchenback Primary School continued success."

John Wilson, East Renfrewshire Council's education director, who was honoured by Her Majesty with an OBE several years ago, reckons Marion was entirely deserved of this honour and led the tributes to her.

He said: "Marion was a dedicated head teacher during her 19 years at Auchenback primary and like so many in East Renfrewshire was highly respected, energetic and committed.

"This is indeed a reward for the years of work in Auchenback by her and her team and recognition of her unflinching commitment to excellence."

Another Barrhead woman awarded an MBE was the General Medical Practitioner Dr Mary Brigeen McNee.

She was honoured for her voluntary service to Cancer Research and to healthcare in Lourdes.