A FORMER Dunfermline High head girl who has gone on to teach at the school for nearly four decades will bid farewell to staff and pupils next week.

Mary Murphy, 62, will retire on Thursday after 39 years in the PE department.

On leaving the school, she went to do teacher training at the Dunfermline College of Physical Education in Edinburgh.

After a year at St Columba's, she made her return to Dunfermline High and is currently the longest-serving – and oldest – member of staff.

She said she had "mixed feelings" about her departure.

"It is a bit surreal, especially after the kind of year we have had," she said. "I have very, very mixed feelings about going but I know it is time. It is time for the younger ones to take up the reins.

"I will miss the kids and the routine and the people I work with, particularly my own department in PE."

The former Dunfermline Ladies' Hockey Club player said her job had changed considerably since she first started.

"Everything has changed over the years, even the building – I was in both buildings," she said. "Attitudes have changed, learning has changed. It is a different world."

Mrs Murphy, who is married to Hugh and has grown-up children Dale and Erin, is still working out what she wants to do with her new-found spare time.

"I don't have any plans for the moment because of the uncertainty of things," she added. "When things get back to normal we would like to do a bit of travelling.

"I would also like to get back into sports that I like – a bit of golf and maybe I will try something new."