It was an emotional day for staff and pupils of a rural north-east Fife school as they left for possibly the last time.
Rathillet Primary School closed its doors this week and from August will be merged with nearby Balmerino Primary School, in Gauldry.
The Rathillet school has seen a major decline in its roll there were only 16 pupils left and the decision was taken to close it for a two-year trial.
Pupils, staff, parents and grandparents attended a service in Luthrie Parish Church.
Head teacher Vivien Macqueen, who will take over from retiring Balmerino head teacher Lesley Blair after 17 years at Rathillet, said the service was “lovely but emotional.”
She said, “Although I’m looking forward to going on to Balmerino it is a new challenge and will be good for the children it is very sad leaving.
“It’s been a privilege to work here. There’s a very good staff team and the ethos is fantastic.”
The school’s last inspection report was very favourable.
With Mrs Macqueen, five other members of staff and eight pupils will transfer to Balmerino, giving it a roll of just over 100.
One well-known Rathillet face who won’t be making the move is janitor Rena Davidson.
She is retiring at 64, after 28 years at the school.
A farewell was also said yesterday at Balmerino to Mrs Blair (63).
She has been head teacher for three years but has taught at the school for 25 years.
Mrs Blair’s career in education spans 42 years, having trained at Jordanhill, and also taught in Glasgow, Crawley in West Sussex and St Andrews.
She intends to spend more time gardening and with her four grandchildren.