School's top job goes to top pupil

A FORMER dux has been appointed rector of the school where she left as the top pupil.

Frances Murray, of Stornoway, who takes up the post of Rector at the town's Nicolson Institute, is the first woman to do so.

Mrs Murray attended Glasgow University after leaving the Nicolson Institute and went on to gain an Honours degree and an M. Phil.

She spent 16 years teaching English at Castlebay Community School on Barra before returning to her home town in 2003 to take up post as principal teacher of English at the Nicolson Institute. She later become deputy rector of the school and in April 2010 became learning community principal.

Mrs Murray, who is currently completing her doctoral studies, said: "I am delighted to be returning to the Nicolson Institute at a time when a new curriculum and a new building will provide wonderful educational opportunities for the young people of the island.

"A talented and hard working staff, a supportive education department and parent council, and the goodwill of the wider community will all be vital to our success at this exciting time for education."

Morag Munro, education chair of Western Isles Council, said: "I very much look forward to welcoming Frances as the new rector. This is a key role."