A CARING ‘lollipop man’ in Musselburgh has been praised for the “amazing job” he does by a group of parents who have described him as “one of a kind”.
Popular John McLay, 66, who mans a crossing at Pinkie Road, near Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School, goes the extra mile by wearing ‘cool character’ socks and festive hats, turning into Santa at Christmas and buying a bunch of flowers each Friday to give to someone in the street in a bid to brighten up their day.
Parent Kirsty Clark, who runs the after-school club, said: “He really is one of a kind, a truly caring and lovely man. He is always smiling even in the worst of weather. He takes the time to learn the children’s names and chats away to everyone.”
She explained that Mr McLay, of Goosegreen Avenue, Musselburgh, brings personal touches to the job like wearing “cool character socks” that the children talk about all the way to school.
At Christmas, he brings seasonal joy to everyone by wearing a different festive hat every day throughout December. He also grows a beard to play Santa at the after-school club but doesn’t fool the children, who know him so well.
Mr McLay, who was brought up in Wallyford and has been a lollipop man for five years next month, said: “It is the best job I’ve ever had.”
A sheet metal worker for Lothian Buses for 40 years, he took early retirement after caring for his late wife, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
He said he was “privileged” to work with the children and their parents.
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to hear the positive comments about John and how appreciated he is by the families.
“Our crossing patrol guides provide a familiar and friendly face for children and families at either end of the school day. The guides are a much-valued part of the school community and we know that they enjoy the interaction they have with families too. It’s lovely to see the Pinkie St Peter’s parents recognising this.”
One parent said: “We have recently moved but every morning my son insists on walking the long way so he can cross ‘John’s road’.”
Another commented: “My twins are obsessed with John. It was one of the first names they were able to say.”
One said: “My kids just love him: the youngest is always so excited to see him and anytime we see him outside of the ‘lollipop’ role, he always takes the time to come and say hello.”
Another parent added: “We’ve been here four years and he remembers each of the kids’ birthdays. When my mum and dad visit from Fife, he always chats to my dad about the footie and, if he’s not seen them visit in a while, he will ask after them. He’s got a heart of gold.”
“It’s not just in his job that he’s so great, it’s outside in the community too,” said another.
“He saw us one night in Tesco looking a bit frazzled. As we were at the checkout, he came back with a bottle of Prosecco for me and said: ‘Here’s something to brighten your night.’ Too sweet!”
Another parent said: “Every Friday, John buys a bunch of flowers and gives them to a random person in the street in the hope it will brighten up their day.
“He really is just such a genuinely nice person inside and out.”
The pupils also praised Mr McLay.
Robbie said: “John helps us to cross the road and makes me laugh, he’s really funny.”
And Eli added: “The lollipop man is very fun and funny, he makes me smile in the morning.”
While Milo said: “He’s amazing and he’s the best.”
Cathy added: “John is cool and kind. I like his socks.”
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