Council bids farewell to dedicated Church Representative

Published 25 June 2026

Ellen McBride has stepped down as Church Representative on the Council’s Educational Services committee after dedicating 26 years to the role.

Members of the committee bid a fond farewell to her at this week’s meeting.

Ellen, a former pupil at Notre Dame Clerkhill in Dumbarton, graduated as a teacher in the late sixties, supporting local children in St Stephen’s Primary School in Dalmuir, and then Head Teacher at St Peter’s Primary School in Bellsmyre, Dumbarton.

Throughout her teaching career she was highly successful and respected, building a strong reputation as an outstanding practitioner and a dedicated mentor to younger colleagues.

After St Peter’s Primary, Ellen joined Strathclyde Regional Council’s Education Department where she joined the Quality Assurance Team, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise and setting exceptionally high expectations for leadership and for the quality of teaching and learning.

In her committee role, Ellen has been highly influential in Catholic school self-evaluation and improvement, combining rigorous educational standards with a deep commitment to the Catholic ethos.

Councillor Michelle McGinty, Convener of Educational Services, said: “Ellen has been a dedicated member of our committee. She is well known for her unwavering commitment to children in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.  Her extensive knowledge, experience, and unfailing commitment to the needs of children and families is evident and while we are sad to see her leave, she leaves with our warmest wishes for a happy and very healthy retirement and I thank her for everything she’s done to support children and young people over the years.”

Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Educational Services, said: “Ellen is highly respected and has been fully committed to delivering high-quality education for all. We are so grateful and privileged to have had her input for 26 years. She has helped shape education in West Dunbartonshire and many children are better off due to her commitment. I thank Ellen for her passion and dedication she has given throughout her career and she thoroughly deserves a happy and healthy retirement.”

Ellen said: “I have been privileged to have had such a wide and fulfilling career and to have worked with many inspiring educational leaders along the way. I am very proud to have helped shape education locally not only as my time as a teacher and Head Teacher and on behalf of the Archdiocese, but my time being a key member of the Educational Services Committee has been very fulfilling. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years and I wish them all every good wish for the future.”