Mid Yell head teacher is back at work

The head teacher of Mid Yell Junior High School who was dramatically removed from his post in August has been re-instated.

Mark Lawson was suspended without warning more than three months ago. Stunned parents of Mid Yell pupils received a letter on 25th August merely stating that as from that date deputy head teacher Lindsay Nisbet would be in charge of the school, which has 85 pupils as well as 27 in the nursery.

Parents said at the time that they were “gobsmacked”, as they had no idea there were any problems at the school and regarded Mr Lawson and his family as popular and active members of the community.

The schools service refused to comment on the matter or to say whether Mr Lawson had been sacked or suspended on full pay. Mr Lawson himself directed all in­quiries to the education department at Hayfield House.

However after the October break, Mr Lawson was back at work. Parents said he re-appeared with “no explanation whatsoever” and is currently keeping a “low profile”. They say suspicions over the matter are still circulating and the issue has been “swept under the carpet” as people are focusing on the building the new Mid Yell school, for which the first turf was cut recently.

Quality improvement manager at the schools service Audrey Edwards said about Mr Lawson’s suspension and re-instatement: “This is a confidential staffing matter and the schools service has no comment to make.”

Mr Lawson, a father of seven, came to Yell with his family around six years ago to become head teacher of Cullivoe Primary School. His wife Clare now has that position.

Mr Lawson has been actively involved with plans for the new £8.5 million Mid Yell school, which could be ready by late next year. It will comprise blocks built in Denmark and shipped over in separate sections to be assembled in Shetland.