A former education chief has been honoured for her years of dedication in the classroom.
Maria Walker, 63, stepped down from her role as director of education for Aberdeenshire Council earlier this year after more than 40 years working in schools across the country.
Yesterday, it was revealed that she would be made an OBE for services to education, just months after her retirement.
Ms Walker, who lives in Errol in Perth and Kinross, said: “It was a huge surprise – and honour – to be informed that I had been nominated. I have been privileged to have a career enriched by working alongside dedicated professionals, in Aberdeenshire and beyond, committed to delivering the best education and facilities possible for our young people and communities.
“This recognition of service is as much for everyone I have worked with over the past years as it is for any part I have played in helping others fulfil their potential.”
Ms Walker, who is originally from Motherwell, was inspired to become a primary school teacher by her mother and aunt.
She started out in 1976, and later retrained as a community worker before moving into education management roles.
The 63-year-old headed up education director roles in Dundee and Perth and Kinross councils before arriving at Woodhill House in 2011.
During that time, she oversaw the opening of three new secondary and four primary schools.
Ms Walker’s former Aberdeen counterpart and current chief inspector for education in Scotland, Gayle Gorman, said the honour was a “fantastic recognition” of her service over the years.
She said: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Maria over the years and have seen first-hand her dedication to children and young people, so this honour is well deserved and recognises her years of service to education.
“All at Education Scotland send their best wishes and congratulations.”
