Applecross primary recruits new head teacher

A small school serving communities in the Applecross peninsula has recruited a new head teacher.

Highland Council had to re-advertise the vacancy at Applecross Primary after initial efforts to find a suitable applicant were unsuccessful.

Suzanne Gillies will move from West Lothian where she has been teaching at Kirknewton Primary.

When she takes over after the summer, the roll at Applecross will have fallen from 13 to 11 pupils.

The school is in the village of Camusterrach about three miles from where the alpine-like Bealach na Ba road reaches sea level.

Mrs Gillies has previous experience of teaching in remote Highlands schools after working as a class teach for six years at Lochcarron Primary.

She said: "I am very pleased to be moving to Applecross.

"I know the community well and understand its special nature. I am looking forward tremendously to the opportunity of leading Applecross School and working with the staff, parents and children."

Meanwhile, Highland Council has sought to fill more than 50 other teaching vacancies.

Maternity leave and early retirement are among the reasons for so many posts becoming vacant.