Moray & Banffshire Heroes 2025: VOTE NOW for your primary school teacher of the year!
VOTE for your primary school teacher of the year by midnight on Monday, March 24!
READ the shortlist in full.
Caroline Ferguson, Findochty Primary School
FINDOCHTY Primary School teacher, Caroline Ferguson, has been thanked for her tireless work with her pupils, encouraging them to read more and socialise without screens and gadgets.
Teaching P3 to P5, Mrs Ferguson is now in her seventh year at Findochty where she has set up a reading ambassador programme and engages with children's authors including Barbara Henderson who included them in the prologue of her novel The Chessmen Thief.
Mrs Ferguson also acquired funding for a book neuk where the children go to read in peace, and she works with the nursery, holding weekly buddy sessions for the children transitioning to P1.
A nomination said: “Mrs Ferguson works tirelessly with the children of Findochty with a real focus on instilling a love of reading. She runs an after-school games club to allow children to socialise with 'classic' games without the need for screens or gadgets. She will tell you that she's 'just doing her job', but I think she really goes above and beyond for our children in Findochty.”
Mrs Ferguson loves being a part of the Findochty family and sharing her passion for reading: “Reading is my thing! I enjoy boosting reading in the school, working with reading ambassadors and we’re trying to raise funds to regenerate our library.”
She added she was shocked but delighted to be a finalist: “I feel quite humbled and honoured, it’s lovely to be recognised. It’s a fantastic school with the community at its heart and to be a part of that is amazing.”
Martin Collins, Burghead Primary School
DESCRIBED as being the ‘heart’ of his school, head teacher Martin Collins has clearly won the hearts and confidence of his pupils and the local community!
He has been praised for transforming Burghead Primary School with his energy and commitment which has boosted morale and captivated youngsters.
His popularity has even prompted calls that he delay his retirement and continue leading the school into the future with his’ vibrant spirit’!
A nomination said: “In just a short period, Martin Collins has transformed our school with his boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. His zest has not only captivated the students but also galvanized the staff, propelling the school toward new heights. He is not just a teacher; he's the heart of our school.”
Mr Collins has been teaching for 36 years, starting in 1989 in Oldham before returning to his native Scotland. He has taught at seven different schools in Moray and has been at Burghead for almost two years.
“I’ve always liked the outdoors so wherever I’ve taught, I’ve brought in that side of education. It’s still really nice to see the boys and girls enjoy their learning and be enthusiastic about it. Teaching keeps you young.”
Shocked at being shortlisted, he added: “I’m very surprised and blown away! But more than anything, I’m humbled that someone took the time to put me forward.”
Moira Grimson, Bishopmill Primary School, Elgin
PRIMARY one teacher at Bishopmill Primary School, Elgin, Moira Grimson has been praised for her commitment to her pupils, particularly during the Covid pandemic lockdown, and giving them the very best start to their education.
One parent described her as ‘phenomenal’ and highlighted how she engages with families to ensure they are fully informed about their child’s learning.
A nomination said: “Mrs Grimson is a phenomenal and hugely committed P1 teacher. She involved parents in their child’s learning through home learning tasks and shared learning sessions in school. Learning is documented daily for parents so we can discuss every day at school with our child. She is committed, friendly and really gives P1s the very best start to their education.”
Mrs Grimson, who is in her 14th year at Bishopmill Primary School, was delighted to be shortlisted for the primary school teacher of the year award.
She said: “I was shocked when I got the news! But I am sincerely touched that somebody would go out of their way and make the effort to nominate me ‒ amazing!
“I feel I do my job the best I can. I don’t feel I do anything out of the ordinary to be worthy of such a nomination.”
The award for primary school teacher is sponsored by GrainTek
Kenny Addison, GrainTek managing director, said: “We’re delighted to give our support to Moray & Banffshire Heroes again and sponsor the award for primary school teacher of the year. They do such an important job and bear a huge responsibility ‒ primary school is a key stage of every child’s development. We want to show our support for the hard-working, dedicated primary school teachers across Moray and Banffshire and urge everyone to show their appreciation by voting for them for a Heroes award.”
