Croileagan Inbhir Pheofharain stalwarts' influence on hundreds of Gaelic-speaking children over three decades acknowledged by Dingwall colleagues
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AFTER around 30 years of dedicated service at a Dingwall nursery two women are taking a well-earned break – and the plaudits of colleagues who paid tribute to the difference they have made to Gaelic-speaking kids.
Annie Macdonald started at Croileagan Inbhir Pheofharain in December 1988 as an early years practitioner and was later promoted to be the manager.
She is originally from Lewis and now lives in Dingwall.
Margaret Mackenzie startedin May 1992 as a senior early years practitioner and is originally from Harris but now lives in Alness.
Staff and children at the nursery marked the occasion by wishing them well. Fellow early years practitioner Carrie Stewart said they would be missed by everyone.
She said there were visitors from past and present at the nursery and added: “It’s amazing what they’ve done for Gaelic, Dingwall and Ross-shire as well.
“The kids have come from far and wide to be here. They will be hugely missed.”
Mrs Stewart said they had been at the nursery for so long that the children of some former pupils were now attending there.
She added: “They provided a very welcoming, caring and nurturing environment at Croileagan over the years creating a home from home feeling for the children. Children that attended Croileagan still remember their time and talk about it.
“They have done a tremendous job of promoting and supporting the Gaelic language in Dingwall, with hundreds of children passing through their care and continuing onto Gaelic medium education.”
