Highland Heroes 2025: Primary teacher shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!
VOTE for your primary teacher of the year by midnight on Monday, February 10!
Louise Ross, Avoch Primary
While it is not unusual for a teacher to go above and beyond for her pupils, Louise Ross who teaches P1 and P2 at Avoch Primary School, has proved an incredible support for one youngster.
After noticing a problem with one of her pupils, she informed his parents and after medical intervention it was discovered the five year-old had type 1 diabetes.
The diagnosis meant the youngster needed extra support while at school and Louise stepped in to help.
A nomination said: “He is happy and confident to go to Mrs Ross if he feels any different, she reassures him daily. She tells us it’s her job, it’s absolutely not. She goes above and beyond daily and we will be forever grateful. She has truly made his journey easier. When it comes to heroes she is definitely one of ours.”
Louise, who has been at Avoch primary for eight years and a teacher for 12 years, was more than happy to help: “For me, I’m going to do whatever I have to to make the kids comfortable. I love teaching but it’s about nurturing the individual. Seeing their personalities change and shine, that’s the best bit for me.”
She was shocked but delighted to be shortlisted: “I feel it’s a privilege that someone nominated me. It’s overwhelming.”
Muriel Murray, Lochardil Primary, Inverness
Recently retired, Primary seven teacher at Lochardil Primary School, Muriel Murray, has been praised for her dedication to her pupils, school and community!
A nomination highlighted her ‘passion and creativity’ for involving children in community projects including playground and local community grounds, local artwork, global citizenship campaigns and volunteering.
Muriel was also praised for the work she has done to help the school achieve its Eco Schools accomplishments and UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School awards.
A nomination said: “Muriel is an inspiration and the epitome of a teacher, a role model to all she has served for the last 37 years in primary teaching.
“This award would be a fitting recognition for a remarkable, humble hero within our own community."
Muriel qualified as a teacher in 1987 and has been teaching at Lochardil for 27 years across all primary classes and establishing the school’s nursery.
"I enjoy the different levels of teamwork ‒ you manage your pupils in class, you work alongside fantastic colleagues, you work with families and the community. It’s all part of a team and you can’t do your job without the whole team together."
She was shocked to be shortlisted: “I’m completely stunned! I’m very humbled and I do appreciate that someone has taken the time and effort to nominate me and say some very nice things about me!”
Angela McGoran, Duncan Forbes Primary, Inverness
Acting deputy head, Angela McGoran has been thanked for not only her kindness but for changing the lives of her pupils and their families too.
From discreetly supporting youngsters who were struggling and buying Christmas presents to ensuring Duncan Forbes School was always a happy place for children where they could learn but also have fun, Angela has been praised for making a huge difference to the lives of her pupils and their families.
A nomination said: “Even on a normal day she’s amazing! She changes lives, not just the kids who are lucky enough to be taught by her but the parents too. She wraps everyone up in kindness.”
Angela has been teaching at Duncan Forbes for 10 years and joined the school following her teaching probationary period.
She loves teaching at the school and is passionate that her role is not just about education.
“This school is a community ‒ not just pupils but their families ‒ it’s really important that their well-being is paramount and that they have a good quality of life. When their home life is challenging for them, coming to school to learn can be difficult.
“You know you’ve done your job right when you see they’re ready to move on from P7 to S1.
Angela added: “I’m delighted that somebody has felt I’ve done my job well enough that they would nominate me for this award.”
Elaine Maciver, Drummond School, Inverness
Teachers often go above and beyond for their pupils but it’s not every day that they save a young person’s life.
Elaine Maciver, who teaches at Drummond School, Inverness which educates children with additional support needs (ASN), has been praised for her immense care, including her life-saving actions when a child suffered a seizure.
A nomination said: “She goes above and beyond for her kids in class and is also an amazing support to parents. She deserves this.”
Elaine has been teaching at Drummond School since 2009 and is the longest-serving teacher currently there. She undertook work experience at Drummond School when she was 16 and it inspired her to become an ASN teacher.
“Drummond is an extremely special place. We have the best children and young people who inspire me every day, it’s amazing to be part of their journey.
“Every day can be a challenge for them but they rise above and make us proud. There’s nothing more special than to watch a child achieve something they worked so hard to do.
“We’re a community. We compare ourselves to a family. These children are not just our pupils, they are an extension of our own families.”
Elaine added she was shocked to be shortlisted: “I wasn’t expecting it at all. It was a really lovely surprise and nice to think that somebody thought I should be nominated for it.”
Culloden Cars is sponsoring the primary teacher of the year award.
Chief executive officer at Culloden Cars, Craig Walker, said: "At Culloden Cars, we’re thrilled to support Highland Heroes 2025 for the second year running and to honour those who truly make a difference in our community.
“The primary school teacher of the year award holds a special place in our hearts, especially with teaching being a family tradition. The latest recruit is my daughter who is in her second year of study at Aberdeen University and well on her way to become a primary school teacher. “We believe that teachers are the true superheroes, shaping the future one student at a time. We encourage everyone to vote for the outstanding teachers in their lives – let’s celebrate the everyday heroes who are changing the world in our very own classrooms!"
