Former Angus dominie Ian Mathieson, whose passion for teaching in his own unique style endeared him to generations of youngsters, has died at the age of 81.
Born in Edinburgh in May 1934, Mr Mathieson grew up in Leith and as a child was evacuated to Peebles to stay with his grandparents during the Second World War.
He attended the capital’s Lorne Street Primary School and Broughton High School where he excelled academically and developed a huge interest in sport, particularly athletics and rugby.
In 1951 Mr Mathieson embarked on a Master of Arts degree at Edinburgh University, followed by his teacher training at Moray House where he met Jean Pennycook and they married in 1958.
Mr Mathieson was appointed headmaster at Stracathro Primary School in 1965 and moved to rural Angus with Jean and their young son, Kenneth.
He was welcomed into the community as the new dominie and the couple’s second son, Grant, was born in 1967.
A move to Hillside Primary School near Montrose came in 1975.
Ill health prompted him to retire in 1992 but he continued to be active in Hillside and church matters.
Mr Mathieson is survived by his wife and their sons.
His funeral service takes place at Stracathro Church on Wednesday at 1pm.