One of South Ayrshire's hardest working school crossing patrollers has been shortlisted for a national award. Robert Lamont (61), now retired, was both Janitor and School Crossing Patroller at Doonfoot Primary in his home town of Ayr, and has reached the final three in the ASSIST Facilities Management School Crossing Patroller of the Year awards.
The 2017 ASSIST Scottish National FM Awards aim to help promote and improve service delivery to public sector organisations throughout Scotland and to provide support to those officers involved in delivery of services. Robert is going up against competition from Dundee and West Lothian, with the winners announced later this month. Based at Doonfoot Primary since 2014, Robert became part of the school community, welcoming children and parents on their way to school at his crossing site, and a fond farewell on their way home. Caroline Connell, Headteacher at Doonfoot Primary School, said she was glad such a popular figure had made the shortlist, "Robert's one of the most gentlemanly people I've met. Part of our team, he always worked above and beyond to support our children. "More than that, he was happy to share his experience in the classroom to talk to the children about important things like road safety, and because the children enjoyed such a good relationship with him, they really listened." Robert said the nomination had been completely unexpected, "I had a great time working at Doonfoot and I loved working with the kids, helping them to get safely to and from school every day, alongside my wider duties as janitor. "Even though I'm retired now, this award recognition is a welcome bonus, and a lovely way to round-off what was a great three years at a wonderful school." Councillor Peter Henderson, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance said the recognition was well deserved, "Robert is clearly a shining example of someone who brought a fantastic attitude to his job. "He was willing to do everything within his gift to keep the children, parents and staff at Doonfoot Primary School safe and happy, and has been a credit to both the Council and the community in the service he's provided. "I'm sure making the final of a national awards ceremony will be a great way to let Robert know just how highly people thought of him, and I'd like to wish him the best of luck when the winners are announced later this month." The ASSIST FM awards take place at the Glasgow Hilton on Thursday 24 August.