AS SCHOOLS returned last month, one long-serving Fife teacher who retired before the summer break has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.

Mandy Miller, from Dunfermline, was described as "the heart and soul" of Lochgelly High School in a tribute paid to her by local MSP Annabelle Ewing at Holyrood.

The motion read out to MSPs stated: "That the Parliament congratulates Mandy Miller on her retirement from teaching after an incredible 37 years at Lochgelly High School (LHS).

"Latterly as principal teacher of Music, recognises that Mandy has been described as the "heart and soul" of LHS since first arriving in 1987; understands that Mandy is also the depute principal assessor for Higher Music for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA); further understands that Mandy received the Paul Harris Fellowship from the International Rotary Foundation, in recognition of her positive contribution to music making within the community.

"(The motion) notes that Mandy has also taught choral conducting across the world, serving as a testament to her commitment to both music and education; recognises what it sees as the impact that Mandy has had on pupils, teachers and parents across her time at LHS; commends Mandy for her dedication to learning and teaching, and wishes her all the very best in her retirement."

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The lengthy statement was something Mandy was unaware of but was touched to hear about it afterwards.

"It was a total surprise – I heard by accident," she said. "The SQA contacted me and congratulated me and I said I am not sure what you are congratulating me for.

Mandy Miller who was recognised in the Scottish Parliament for her musical efforts over the last four decades.Mandy Miller who was recognised in the Scottish Parliament for her musical efforts over the last four decades. (Image: David Wardle)

"I got a huge send off from school. It was just so nice. I could greet at the drop of a hat thinking about it."

Having stepped away from her beloved role in Lochgelly, Mandy admits it hasn't been a relaxed step into retirement.

"It was quite a traumatic transition because I was so blessed with doing the job my whole career. I taught in Fife for 43 years. I loved it. I cannot think of anything I would rather have done than that," she said.

"I am still busy. I was always over committed and had far too many things going on. I was a great believer if I believed in it at the time, I would just do it."

As well as her teaching commitments, Mandy has been involved in a range of other music-related organisations and events.

She founded the Dunfermline Junior Chorus 20 years ago which has provided an array of opportunities for young singers over the last two decades.

"That has been a great joy for singers and their families over the 20 years. With that, we have sung in the Carnegie Hall in New York, we have sung in the Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline, we have sung all over. We sung for Charles and the Queen when he came out of mourning for the city status.

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"We were only allowed to take 20 singers and that is a memory which will last forever.

"I have also been conducting the Dunfermline choral union for 32 years. That is a choir of 110 adults. That, again, has been a privilege.

"I founded a choir in a high security men's prison and ran that for a number of years. That was quite amazing.

"I did that for long enough, from 2012 until 2018. That was a really positive and meaningful experience."

A recipient of the Paul Harris fellowship award from International Rotary for contributions to music making in the community, Mandy helped provide musical opportunities for budding musicians from across the region.

"My school choir sang in St Peter's Basilica, So that was kids from Lochgelly who have a memory that is hard to top for the rest of their lives," she added.

"My senior girls' choir at the time at Lochgelly was invited to participate as the only UK choir in the Tuscany music festival. Part of that was we sung in quite a few places.

Mandy has been administrator for the Fife Festival of Music for more than 30 years and has worked as a deputy principal assessor for the SQA.

"I have been busy, busy, busy but I am a believer in music and I am passionate about teaching so the two go hand in hand," she said.

Later this year, Mandy will head out to America for her 15th year of taking part in a conducting/Teaching residency with the St Louis Children’s Choirs.

With the Dunfermline Junior Chorus returning this year for its 20th year, Mandy is looking forward to marking the year with several special performances and events.

She is thankful that many of her students and choristers have continued to enjoy their music into adulthood "Lots of them have gone on to do things in music, the same at the school," she added. "It is hard for me to single them out.

"There are also so many teachers in Fife now as well and head teachers. It has been a huge privilege and I am so proud to see them doing well."