Walk this way as Doonfoot school lollipop man wins national award

One of South Ayrshire’s best loved school crossing patrollers has been rewarded for his dedication to his job with a national award win. 

Robert Lamont (61), now retired, was both Janitor and School Crossing Patroller at Doonfoot Primary in his home town of Ayr. He’s been named as the ASSIST Facilities Management School Crossing Patroller of the Year. 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. 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. Robert won-out against competition from Dundee and West Lothian, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony at the Glasgow Hilton. Robert said that he was thrilled to have been recognised, “I only found out I’d been nominated a couple of weeks ago, so to have actually won the award has been an overwhelming experience. “Doonfoot was a lovely school to work at, and I always tried to go the extra mile to help teach children about road safety, which is an important lesson to learn. “I’d like to thank everyone for their good wishes and support for these awards, especially to Doonfoot Primary Headteacher, Caroline Connell, who helped me to do so much at the school. I only ever turned up to do my job as best as I could, so it’s nice to know that my efforts were appreciated.” Councillor Peter Henderson, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Resources and Performance said the recognition was well deserved, “Robert’s been a credit to the Council and the community in the service he’s provided and I’d like to congratulate him on this marvellous award win, which is thoroughly deserved. “The judges were clearly impressed by his positive attitude, which helped to make him a respected member of the staff at Doonfoot, who had a real rapport with the pupils, which helped to reinforce road safety for all. “As school crossing patroller and janitor, Robert left a lasting legacy at the school and I’m sure he’ll now be enjoying the freedom of his retirement. Congratulations on a job well done.” Alistair McIntyre, National Chair ASSIST FM said Robert was a truly worthy winner, “Robert Lamont was an outstanding candidate for ASSIST FM School Crossing Patroller of The Year. He’s clearly well-liked by his colleagues, as well as parents and pupils. “However, it was his positive attitude that really stood out. He goes the extra mile and is a shining exemplar of someone who really enjoys his job.”