Published 25 June 2026
by Bill Heaney
Ellen McBride, a former teacher in St Stephen’s, Dalmuir, and one-time head teacher at St Peter’s, Bellsmyre, has retired.
She was the Catholic Church representative on the Council’s Educational Services committee for 26 years.
And was involved in the proposed closure of St Martin’s Primary School in Renton, over which there was considerable controversy.
Ms McBride, a former pupil at Notre Dame HS, Clerkhill, Dumbarton, graduated as a teacher in the late sixties, and was employed in St Stephen’s, Dalmuir, and then as Head Teacher at St Peter’s, Bellsmyre, Dumbarton.
After St Peter’s, Ms McBride joined Strathclyde Regional Council’s Education Department, where she joined the Quality Assurance Team.
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Convener of Educational Services, said: “Ellen has been a dedicated member of our committee. She is well known for her unwavering commitment to children in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland.
“Her extensive knowledge, experience, and unfailing commitment to the needs of children and families are evident, and while we are sad to see her leave, she leaves with our warmest wishes for a happy and very healthy retirement, and I thank her for everything she’s done to support children and young people over the years.”
Ms McBride told council communications staff who guided her away from having to ask important questions about the St Martin’s proposal: “I have been privileged to have had such a wide and fulfilling career and to have worked with many inspiring educational leaders along the way.
“I am very proud to have helped shape education locally. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years, and I wish them all every good wish for the future.”
Bill,
She betrayed many parents and carers of primary school-age children by backing the proposal to close St Martin’s in Renton. This will be her legacy.
Parents and supporters of St Martin’s fought an excellent public campaign to save the school, and with people power, they were successful.