Wednesday June 10th 2026
Dunbar Primary School
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
An Edinburgh head teacher is taking over the top post at Scotland’s biggest primary school.
Grant Gillies is moving from South Morningside Primary, in the city, to Dunbar Primary, in East Lothian.
The move comes after Dunbar’s head Jacqui Mackinnon announced her retirement after nearly 40 years working in East Lothian schools.
A meeting of East Lothian Council’s education committee this week welcomed the appointment of Mr Gillies to the role.
Mr Gillies has worked in British International schools in Thailand, Qatar and Roman as well as serving as head teacher in the UK and working with Education Scotland and the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
During his time at South Morningside the school was shortlisted for the Times Educational Supplement’s primary school of the year award.
Dunbar Primary School has a school roll of just under 1200 children from nursery to primary 7 split over two campuses in the town and is the single biggest primary in Scotland.
The Head Teacher is supported by six Depute Head Teachers, one who has responsibility for The Cove, the school’s specialist provision.
East Lothian Council’s head of education Nicola McDowell welcomed the appointment saying: “Mr Gillies has significant senior leadership experience in schools within and outwith the country so we are delighted to have appointed him”.
Councillor Fiona Dugdale, committee chairperson said: “I want to welcome Grant Gillies to East Lothian, it is a great appointment. I also want to thank our parent volunteers who help in the recruitment.”
Mr Gillies is due to take the reins when the schools return from summer recess in August.
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