YOUNGSTERS returning to Aberlady Primary School after the Christmas holidays will be welcomed by a new headteacher.

Natasha O’Connor will take on the role at the beginning of next year and succeed Pam Currie, who was the school’s previous permanent headteacher.

Mrs O’Connor is currently on secondment from her substantive post of depute headteacher at Gullane Primary School to the post of acting depute headteacher of Wallyford Primary School.

Mrs Currie left Aberlady at the end of September to join Dunbar Primary School as a depute headteacher.

In the meantime, Stewart Brown, headteacher at Athelstaneford Primary School, has been undertaking a shared headship period across the two primary schools.

Mrs O'Connor was counting down to taking up the role in the new year.

She said: "I look forward to joining Aberlady Primary School as headteacher in January, and I am excited to get to know the children and families over the coming months as I become part of the Aberlady community."

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, the council’s cabinet member for education, families and children’s services, welcomed the new permanent addition.

She said: “She brings a wealth of experience with her to the role and will work closely with her staff team, learners and families across the school community.

“We are grateful to Mr Brown for continuing to undertake a shared headship across Aberlady and Athelstaneford schools, providing leadership until Mrs O’Connor joins in January.”