I have spent 37 years of my life at Ardrossan Academy - 4 as a pupil and 33 as a teacher.

As a pupil, I moved from Largs to Ardrossan Academy in 1963, when I was in third year. I was welcomed by such characters as Andy Partridge (History) and Colin Crooks (Chemistry). In my sixth year, Andy Mackie (Physics) inspired me so much that I nearly took Physics at Uni !!

I attended Glasgow University from 1967 to 1971 where Chemistry became my main subject, once I discovered the true hell of University Physics. I lived a 'Spartan' life in digs in Byres Road, in an unheated room, trying to study with the landlady's TV blaring away next door and sleeping on a bed propped up by my favourite organic Chemistry book, Morrison and Boyd.

Teacher training at Jordanhill followed. I hated it !

I started my first teaching job at Ardrossan Academy on 1 September 1972 and I have been there ever since! I thoroughly enjoyed the 70's and 80's. Colleagues such as Jack Skelly (PT Chemistry), Sandy Morrison (PT Physics), Jim Wilson (Chemistry), Andy Partridge (now rector) and Davy Kerr (Lab technician) helped me through the initial stages of my career. Though I did not realise the full significance, I purchased my first computer, the ZX80, in 1980.

I was appointed APT Science in 1983 and finally made it to Principal Teacher of Chemistry in 1985, a post I have held for the last 20 years. My growing interest in computers helped me with the increasing amount of paper work associated with the job. The department received its first computer, a Mac Plus, in 1985. Now, in 2005, we have nearly 20 iMacs, mono laser printers in every room, a colour laser printer, an IT suite with whiteboard and projector and a broadband connection to the internet. I began writing software for use in the department. I put up a Chemistry website in 1997. The Chemistry website evolved into the school website a few months later. I will continue to administer the school website after I leave -

All the notes I wrote for pupils are still available here.

I will miss all my colleagues. I will miss the pupils who were committed and willing to learn. I will miss the technology: computers, whiteboards, internet etc. I will miss the test-tubes and the beakers. I will miss Chemistry - the best subject in the world. I will miss the Advanced Higher class.

I will not miss getting up at 0600 every morning to get the 0742 train from Largs to Ardrossan South Beach. I will not miss pupils who have no idea how to behave. I will not miss PleaseTakes. I will not miss department meetings, network meetings, whole school meetings, in-service days and parents' nights. I will not miss waiting for the '585' bus home - it was always late.

When I leave, I will spend my time doing the things I enjoy: listening to music, walking on Cumbrae, taking photographs, working on various websites including the school website, building a model railway, gardening, learning how to cook, computing and looking after my cat, Compo.

Compo, sadly, died on 7 December 2007 aged 17. I will miss him - it was a privilege to be part of his life.