Holy Cross pupils say goodbye to headteacher

The 58-year-old, who held his post for 23 years and also taught at the same school for a five year period early in his career, said that leaving was a ‘‘very emotional’’ experience.

He added: “When I started at Holy Cross it only really served Croy but it has expanded to Balloch, Eastfield, Smithstone and Blackwood during my time.

“I have seen so many generations of families go through the school.”

Mr McCreadie’s departure was marked in several ways during his final week.

There was a presentation mass with the school community and his former colleagues, and he was presented with the Catholic Teachers’ Award from the Archdiocese of Glasgow.

And then there was a presentation held in at the school in which he received gifts from the children, staff and parent council at the school.

Mr McCreadie says he has no grand plans for his retirement, but expects to be kept busy with jobs around his house in Twechar and spending time with his three grandchildren.