Education chief Mike Russell goes back to school in Troon

May 7 2010 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

IT’S good to be back.

That was the message from Scotland’s education secretary as he strolled through the corridors of Marr College.

It may be 40 years since Mike Russell sat in the classrooms of the historic Troon school.

But he fondly recalls his days as a pupil – and is urging the class of 2010 to be a pioneer for education.

Mr Russell revealed: “My father was in the very first intake of pupils at Marr in 1935 and the school has seen all generations of my family.

“My brothers and cousins all came here and, of course, I myself attended in the 1970s.

“I still have my old school scarf in the wardrobe and my wife is always telling me to throw it out, but I can never bring myself to do it.

“Being back in Marr College as the education secretary, rather than as a pupil, is fascinating.

“It’s intriguing to see how the school has developed but also to see what has stayed the same.

“The new classrooms are already providing real benefits for current pupils and I am pleased to hear they are also proving beneficial as the school drives forward implementation of the new curriculum.”

Mr Russell was back in town to talk with candidates running for the school’s pupil council.

He handed out helpful hints to boost their election campaign, with Marr voters also going to the polls today (Thursday).

And he insists any new building for Marr College will be secondary in importance to the pupils using it.

Mr Russell revealed: “A school is nothing without its pupils and Marr College has always been lucky in that respect.

“I know the local authority is looking at building a new school here and that can only help matters further.

“This school has always had a very proud tradition but none of that would change with a new building.

“I’m confident that the school is well placed to harness its potential to deliver real improvements for pupils and their learning.”

Ayr MSP John Scott, who invited Mr Russell to the school for a tour, is delighted the former pupil has seen for himself the need for improvements.

Mr Scott said: “During his visit to Marr I believe Mike Russell saw a school with an excellent educational record but the fabric of which is clearly no longer fit for purpose.

“I want to thank the cabinet secretary for accepting my invitation to visit Marr College and for taking the time to come to the school and to see for himself the need for substantial investment to be made in secondary school provision in Troon.”