While schools were breaking up for the Christmas holidays, Lochaber High School teacher Bill MacKenzie was looking at taking a longer break than usual as he retires after 29 years at the school.
Originally from Kinlochleven, Bill gained a degree in electrical and electronic engineering before going to work for two major defence contractors.
However, with the prospect of having to move abroad immediately after the birth of his first son, he decided to remain in Scotland and use his qualifications to become a physics teacher.
A new arrival also played a part in his decision to retire, becoming a grandfather for the first time just a few weeks ago and looking to spend a bit more time with his growing family and wife Isabel, who also retired after many years teaching at Lochaber High School.
Leaving his role as Faculty Head of Technologies at the school, Bill said: “I really enjoyed teaching and working with young people, but it is perhaps now the right time to pursue more leisure pursuits, such as ski-ing and golf.
“Time passes without you realising it until you realise that you are now teaching the children of former pupils, and at school events, such as the annual staff versus pupils football match, when you suddenly realise that the opposition remains at about 17 when you are actually a year older than you were last time!
“I will miss everyone, but will no doubt maintain connections with the school for a while yet.”