TRIBUTES have poured in for a former primary school headteacher dubbed "inspirational" after news of her passing.

Nancy Robb, or Miss Robb, is a name synonymous with primary school teaching in the Three Towns.

A former deputy headteacher at Hayocks Primary, Nancy is perhaps best known by pupils and parents past and present at Dykesmains Primary School in Saltcoats where she was headteacher for a number of years.

After news of her death earlier this month, aged 72, a number of former colleagues have paid tribute to a woman who will be remembered so fondly.

Fiona Dunlop is Headteacher at Beith Primary and Gateside Primary, and worked closely with Nancy over the years.

She said: “Nancy was always focused and dedicated to her children and families.

“She was forward thinking and always inspired her children to aim high and attain well. That's my memory of Nancy – that she was inspirational to her staff, children and families, aspiring for the best possible outcomes for them.

“She also laid on a great feast if you were ever visiting her in school, and was very hospitable!”

Current headteacher at Dykesmains Primary School, Elizabeth Gribben, added that she will always be fondly remembered at her former school.

She continued: “The staff were saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. She was Headteacher for many years and will be fondly remembered by families in the local community.

“Nancy loved to see pupils doing well and was often to be found on the sidelines at school football matches, supporting the endeavours of the team with great enthusiasm.

“Fond memories of fun times include trips to Europe for pupils, ice cream van visits and great sports days, complete with burgers.”

While another headteacher from a former school of Nancy's, Penelope McCann, of Hayocks Primary and Early Years, described her as "inspirational".

She added: “As Depute Headteacher at Hayocks, Nancy was a fun, friendly and outgoing member of the leadership team.

“She always had the children's best interests at heart, and she had the most infectious laugh. We are blessed to have known such an inspirational woman.”

This reporter recalls fondly his time at Dykesmains Primary School with Nancy Robb as headteacher.

Not only was she a teacher, but a friend to our family and I will always recall my last meeting with her.

She came to visit my former place of work, during my time working as a barman, and became emotional as she embraced me and asked for updates on my life.

I don't think anything could exemplify just how much she truly cared for each pupil she ever had at her school and the impact she could have on the lives they went on to lead. She will be sadly missed.

For funeral arrangements contact AW Blair & Sons Funeral Directors on 01294 468238.