Former Midlothian headteacher honoured

Former Midlothian headteacher, Liz Laird, was recently honoured to receive an Archdiocesan Medal for her "outstanding contributions" to Catholic Education, particularly in Midlothian. 

Community celebration

At a mass in St Margaret's Chapel at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh on 4 December, His Grace Leo Archbishop Cushley, presented the award to Liz in the company of her family, friends, former colleagues and managers and the choir from St Mary's Primary School in Bonnyrigg, where she was headteacher for fifteen years.

23 years in Midlothian

Liz retired from teaching in June 2025 having completed 37 years in the profession. She has worked in six different local authorities in England and Scotland, finishing her career in Midlothian where she has lived and worked for the last 23 years.  

Dedication and commitment

Liz was nominated for this award by the Education advisers for the Archdiocese, Melissa Gavan and Margaret Barton.  They wanted to acknowledge the years of dedication and commitment Liz has shown in supporting and strengthening Catholic Education in Midlothian, but also in the wider diocese.  This has included curriculum developments, supporting and mentoring young Catholic teachers and developing and strengthening leadership capacity across the denominational sector.

Willingness to help

While she maintained her substantive post as headteacher at St Mary's, Liz also took on two shared headships with St Andrew's Primary School in Gorebridge and most recently with St Matthew's Primary School in Rosewell.  It was her willingness to step up during these challenging times that are especially acknowledged.  

Huge honour

On sharing the award with her Parishioners at St Margaret's in Gorebridge, Liz said, "This is a huge honour, not just for me personally.  I share it with my colleagues across our Catholic schools in Midlothian who go above and beyond their remits daily for their children and families. It is also a great honour for our parish of St Matthew's where it has been my privilege to have been headteacher of the three schools within it.  I am delighted that Catholic education in Midlothian is being noticed and honoured too, and it gives us confidence to keep building on our strengths."

Immensely proud

Councillor Ellen Scott, Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, paid tribute to Liz’s legacy, saying: “Liz’s dedication, professionalism and compassion have shaped the lives of countless children, families and colleagues across Midlothian. Her commitment to strengthening Catholic education — particularly her willingness to lead across multiple school communities — has left an enduring and positive impact. We are immensely proud that her contribution has been recognised in this way, and we thank her for the many years she devoted to our schools.”

In the picture

Liz is pictured with Father Michael Akintolu of St Matthew’s Parish Rosewell, Bonnyrigg and Gorebridge and Archbishop Leo Cushley following Mass at St Margaret's Chapel at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Also pictured are St Mary’s Primary School  children.