Inverness primary school janitor gets send-off to remember as he retires after 24 years
An Inverness primary school stalwart has been given a retirement send-off to remember.
Pat McDaid has been the janitor for St Joseph’s RC and Bishop Eden’s for nearly 24 years and to say a massive thank you, both primary schools and a piper-led parade for him.
He was presented with his very own ‘leavers’ jumper, just like the P7s have, and pupils provided a musical performance.
Having started at the school in December 2000, Mr McDaid said ‘it’s a pleasure to get up for work in the morning’.
“Everyone, the staff, the parents, the kids, everyone is so friendly and all just get on with each other. You just feel welcome all the time,” he commented.
“I also want to thank the Highland Council for all their support over the years I have worked for them. I have found them really helpful as employers.”
Having previously been a welder working at Nigg Bay, he went abroad before becoming a janitor at the school.
He now hopes to spend time with his wife, family and dog, doing some travelling.
He added: “I’ve got a lot of things to see and do. There are lots of places in Scotland I haven’t visited yet, so I’m going to do that with our dog.
“I like travelling so any chance we can do that we will go away.”
Pupils Paige Kean and Aiden Gillies shared their best wishes for Mr McDaid and why they’re looking forward to secondary school.
On Mr McDaid, Aiden said: “He’s just been a very great janitor! He was playing bowls with us last week as a competition. He’s just very enthusiastic and he always helps.
“Best wishes, I hope he will be alright and go on lots of fun trips!”
Speaking about what he is looking forward to at secondary school, he added: “I’m looking forward to being with all my other friends from where I live.”
Paige added: “He’s been a very nice janitor to everyone and he says hello to everyone! He also lets us call him very funny names. He’s made a big impact on the entire school.”
On what she will miss about primary school, she said ‘the teachers because they are so kind.’
She added: “I’m looking forward to the different classes and learning different stuff like science, maths and English.”
