New rector for Inverness Royal Academy

The new rector of Inverness Royal Academy is Mr Alastair McKinlay, who is currently depute head teacher at Tain Royal Academy.

Mr McKinlay will take up his new post at the helm of the 968-pupil school at the start of the new school session in August of this year.

Mr McKinlay was educated at Campbeltown Grammar School from 1971-1977 before moving to Glasgow to study at the Scottish School of Physical Education Jordanhill College from 1977-1981. He moved to Highland to take up the post of Teacher of Physical Education at Tain Royal Academy from 1982-1988. He was appointed Principal Teacher of Physical Education in 1988. He spent some time as Acting Assistant Rector April-July 1997 and March 1998-February 1999. He was appointed Depute Rector in February 1999. During his time as Depute Rector he has had responsibility for a wide range of remits including oversight of support, timetable and promoting positive behaviour.

His interests include basketball and sailing and he enjoys golf and walking.

He said: "I am very much looking forward to the challenge of being rector at one of the biggest secondary schools in Highland, which has such a strong record of achievement over the years."

Mr McKinlay succeeds John Considine, who is acting Head of Education Services with The Highland Council.