Janitor retires from Bo’ness school

Grange Primary School janitor Eric Ross MBE enjoyed a delayed retirement presentation last Friday, after spending 36 years working there.
By Kevin Quinn
Published 12th Oct 2020, 15:47 BST
Updated 12th Oct 2020, 15:49 BST
Eric Ross MBE, pictured centre, with pupils at his delayed retirement presentation last week at Grange Primary. Photo by Michael Gillen.Eric Ross MBE, pictured centre, with pupils at his delayed retirement presentation last week at Grange Primary. Photo by Michael Gillen.
Eric Ross MBE, pictured centre, with pupils at his delayed retirement presentation last week at Grange Primary. Photo by Michael Gillen.

Eric had planned to retire from his role at the Bo’ness school at Easter but had to leave earlier than expected due to the Covid-19 pandemic closing all schools in Scotland.

He said: “It was very emotional. I only found out on Thursday, to give me time to have a shave and put on a suit!

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“I have been very lucky to spend 36 years in one place, it means a lot to me. My two daughters went there and two of my granddaughters are still at the school. I got picked to carry the baton for the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and I received an MBE in 2004 for my services to the school.

A presentation of a monetary gift of over £1200 from staff, pupils, parents and Grange Parent Council, also other gifts, whisky, framed prints etc. Eric Ross pictured with wife Jean Ross. Picture: Michael Gillen.A presentation of a monetary gift of over £1200 from staff, pupils, parents and Grange Parent Council, also other gifts, whisky, framed prints etc. Eric Ross pictured with wife Jean Ross. Picture: Michael Gillen.
A presentation of a monetary gift of over £1200 from staff, pupils, parents and Grange Parent Council, also other gifts, whisky, framed prints etc. Eric Ross pictured with wife Jean Ross. Picture: Michael Gillen.

“The school means a hell of a lot to me. My daughter, Lynn Barrett, is carrying on the tradition, working at the school as a helper.

“I just want to thank everybody at the school for being so kind, it was a big shock.”

Eric is now looking forward to his wife Jean joining him in retirement next year.

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He said: “I intended to retire in at Easter. As I had a quadruple bypass two or three years ago and I was advised to take a step back. I had to retire three weeks early because of Covid.

09-10-2020. Picture Michael Gillen. Janitor Eric Ross retired after 36 years at the school during the start of lockdown.09-10-2020. Picture Michael Gillen. Janitor Eric Ross retired after 36 years at the school during the start of lockdown.
09-10-2020. Picture Michael Gillen. Janitor Eric Ross retired after 36 years at the school during the start of lockdown.

“I have been getting a lot of work done in the house. We had a holiday booked but obviously we had to cancel that.

“My wife retires in February so I want to get the house done by then.

“We normally go out walking three miles a day through Kineil Woods to keep active.

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“Hopefully as soon as the pandemic is finished we can go on holiday as much as possible to spend time together and go to visit her sister in Turrif. And no doubt it will be ‘gran and grandad day care’ for our two younger grandchildren. We look forward to that.”

Grange Primary headteacher Rosalind Veneroni said: “Eric is a well-respected and very much loved member of the school and local community.

“Eric dedicated 36 years to the children and families of Bo’ness and will be missed by all those who worked alongside him over the years. We wish him a wonderful and happy retirement.”

Related topics:Bo'nessMBEScotland

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