Tributes paid to Elgin High stalwart Jeff Dugdale
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Jeff Dugdale loved teaching at Elgin High and he devoted 40 years of his life to the school.
The 73-year-old, who passed away last Friday, was among its original batch of teachers.
Over the ensuing years he then went on to serve as Elgin High's deputy head, its assistant rector and its head of English.
Many years later Jeff would write a well-received book about his experiences at Elgin High.
Its title, The Pigeon Post Years, referred to the school newspaper, of which 171 editions were produced.
The book's illustrations were done by his wife, Eve Archer.
Speaking this week, Eve said: "His life was the school.
"Although he had plenty of outside interests, he missed teaching so much when he finally had to retire.
"He just loved it."
Jeff was a pupil himself at Arbroath High School, before going on to study English Literature at the University of Aberdeen.
From there he worked for periods at Forfar Academy and Banff Academy, before beginning his long stay at Elgin High.
One of his many hobbies outside of work was philately.
A leading member of Moray Stamp Club, he was an expert on the subject, writing regular articles for Gibbons Stamp Monthly.
In addition, he produced and edited the Astro Space Stamp Society magazine for more than 25 years.
A man of diverse talents, he was also a qualified referee who officiated in the Highland League for many years.
Bill Hope, who was head teacher at Elgin High for much of Jeff's time there, described him as a "rock" at the school.
He said: "Writing an tribute for Jeff is so difficult because it is imposable to believe that such a force of nature is no longer with us and that he was taken so quickly.
"He just loved teaching and brought English alive for generations of pupils.
"He created the school newspaper Pigeon Post.
"Come what may, it came out without fail every month for years, leaving the school with a treasure trove of memories.
"Much of the news was generated by Jeff’s many other activities such as producing school plays.
"He was totally loyal to the school south of the railway.
"All colleagues past and present send condolences to his widow Eve and family."
As well as Eve, Jeff is survived by his stepson, Stuart, who became a familiar face on TV in 2016 as a finalist on Masterchef.
His daughter, Kezia, is even better known, having been the leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
Jeff retired from Elgin High in 2008.
However he enjoyed the job so much that he then went back to work as a supply teacher, taking lessons at Milnes, Buckie, Elgin Academy and Lossiemouth, until finally calling it a day in 2016.
