PUPILS and staff at Musselburgh Grammar School have been left shocked by the death of “outstanding” teacher Moira Campbell after a short illness.

Mrs Campbell, who was head of business/computing, worked at the school for 38 years.

This week, headteacher Colin Gerrie paid tribute to her, saying she was a “consummate professional”.

Mrs Campbell, from Port Seton, passed away at St Columba’s Hospice on Sunday, August 12, at the age of 59.

Mr Gerrie said: “Her commitment to the Grammar is exemplified by the fact that it was the only school that she ever worked in.” 

Staff were informed of her death at a recent in-service day and pupils attended special assemblies on their return to school last week.

Mrs Campbell graduated in commerce from Edinburgh’s Napier College and qualified as a teacher after completing a post-graduate qualification in business studies and economics at Moray House.

She joined the staff at Musselburgh Grammar in 1980 as a teacher of business studies. In 1995 she was promoted to the post of senior teacher, with a whole-school responsibility for homework.

She went on to be appointed principal teacher for business education in 2002 and also became responsible for study support in 2005.

Mrs Campbell was an experienced marker with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and in 2010 took on the mantle of Musselburgh Grammar’s faculty head of business and computing.

During her career at the school, Mrs Campbell worked with five different headteachers.

Mr Gerrie said: “Moira will be remembered by staff, parents and pupils from several generations as a teacher who was pupil-centred.

“She was a team player and loyal to those who she worked for.

“Moira was open to change and wanted the best for all young people. Whether it was serving on the PTA as treasurer or as the Girl Guides district commissioner for Cockenzie and Port Seton, Moira was keen to help outside of the classroom.

“Her commitment to local businesses was evident throughout her career and she encouraged enterprise at every call.

“Moira was kind and thought of others every day. She would often support the community at the right time and with the right words. This approach of being upbeat was highly respected by her pupils.

“In addition, she was innovative in the way that she taught her subjects, particularly given the changing society that has prevailed. Moreover, she was passionate about imparting these skills to our young people so that they had made a difference to their life chances.

“Moira was very family-orientated and our sincere condolences are extended to her family, including to her husband Duncan, her sons William and Ian, and also to her sister Catherine.

“Despite her illness, Moira continued to teach the pupils she cared for whilst awaiting treatment – a remarkable and brave woman in the face of adversity.”

The funeral cortège will pass Musselburgh Grammar School as it makes its way to Seafield Crematorium for her funeral at noon on Saturday.

Mr Gerrie said the funeral was on a Saturday “because it was her wish that she didn’t want to disrupt the teaching and learning of the young people in Musselburgh”.

A retiral collection will be taken at her funeral in aid of Cancer Research UK.