A new headteacher has a “lot resting on his shoulders” to turn around a school slammed as weak by inspectors.

Braehead Primary is finally making improvements following a damning report in 2017.

New school head Bobby McPherson was at South Ayrshire Leadership Panel meeting last week (April 22).

Council leader Douglas Campbell told him: “You are coming into a situation where it has been quite difficult in the school. The previous leadership was not good to say the least.”

He added: “You have a lot resting on your shoulders as I’m sure you are aware.”

The meeting heard the former headteacher had left. Before Mr McPherson’s appointment Fiona McAvoy was drafted in as acting head to rescue the school following the original report.

Now positive progress is being made, the meeting heard.

Inspectors revisited the school in February and gushed about welcome changes. They are expected back to monitor the school in February again next year.

Councillor William Grant told Mr Pherson: “I want to pass on my thanks to the whole team.”

Depute leader Councillor Brian McGinley said: “It is great to see progress has been made. There are clear indicators about where the direction of travel should be.”

Education Scotland said acting head Ms McAvoy worked effectively with staff to establish priorities. It said the learning and teaching experiences of children have improved since the original inspection. An inspection letter from Education Scotland said: “Teachers are now planning more interesting lessons.”

It also said: “Overall, children’s behaviour and their attitudes towards their learning are now much improved. They are much more respectful to each other, to adults and visitors to the school.”