WATCH: Sutherland primary teacher 'overwhelmed' by Highland Heroes win

A primary school deputy head teacher has dedicated her Highland Heroes award to the whole school community.

Jane Mackintosh was named primary teacher of the year at the awards ceremony held at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel in Inverness and organised by Highland News and Media.

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Deputy head of the North Coast Campus, based at Melvich Primary School, she was described by those who nominated her as "a force of nature" and a role model.

Beginning her teaching career in 1999 she moved to Melvich in 2018.

One of her key priorities is ensuring that the school's rural location does not mean any of the children under her care having to miss out on the kinds of opportunities for fun and learning regularly open to those from more populous areas – and she paid tribute to the parent council for their part in helping achieve that goal.

Armed with her well-deserved award, sponsored by Culloden Cars, she said: "I'm absolutely delighted and completely overwhelmed that I have got this award tonight.

"We are from a very, very small community and I would just like to thank everyone for voting for me, from our wonderful pupils, parents and staff.

"I am really lucky to work in such a lovely work environment, with colleagues that go above and beyond, so this is for everyone in Melvich Primary School."

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