Joan Massie, Kathleen Reid and Shiela Massie have witnessed many changes over the years at the school and say the renovation work has been "a long time coming." The three kitchen stalwarts have clocked up an impressive 46 years between them.

Contractor Mansell Construction is set to begin renovations on February 15, which include a new cloakroom and reception area, dining hall and boys toilet,

The current kitchen which is a wartime out-building known as a HORSA hut (Hutting Operation for the Raising of the School Leaving Age) is going to be replaced with an "all singing, all dancing new canteen". Work will take six months.

Meanwhile, the ladies say they are looking forward to less physical exertion - the old-fashioned facilities meant slaving over a hot stove and sink. Food was carried in all weathers to the dinner hall across the playground and every single piece of crockery had to be washed by hand. It's no surprise then the wonders of modern technology, first introduced in 1950s America, are eagerly anticipated by the ladies.

The ladies will be working from Auchterellon and Methlick school and transporting school meals to Tarves over the duration of the construction.

Joan said: "We can't wait to get a dishwasher, washing machine and the good aspect is that we won't have to physically carry the food across to the school. I've been here 20 years in October, I started in 1990. Everyone of us here came with an understanding we would just be here until the kids went through primary, but have enjoyed it so much that we are still here."

However, sheila was an exception to the rule - she started after her children finished school.
She said: "I waited until the kids grew up and then got a job, I've been here seven years, but it's been brilliant because we have had so many laughs together."

Although Kathleen is pleased about the changes, old habits die hard.
"I've been here for 19 years, so It's not a nice feeling that we are going to be separated for six months, but we are looking at the bigger picture, when we come back we will have an all singing, all dancing new canteen with all the mod-cons," she said.

There's a long-time history of Tarves school dinner ladies who have devoted their lives to feeding and looking after the youngsters.
Peggy Williamson (92) was one of the first people to work in the kitchen as a cook back in 1946. Originally she made the meals for Tarves, Barthol Chapel and Craigdam pupils as in those days Tarves was a secondary school as well as a primary.

Another stalwart, Heather MacPherson, retired from the school at the end of last year after two decades of service. Kitchen renovations were expected almost 40 years ago, but financial constraints stopped the project.

Kathleen who spoke about Mrs MacPherson, explained: "We were promised this was going to happen last year when Heather was still with us and we thought 'fantastic', Heather would finish her time and leave having worked in the old and new kitchen."
Meanwhile, Head Teacher, Heather Scott is delighted with the progress: "This has been in the pipeline for about four years now and we have finally been given the permission to go-ahead."
"We are certainly looking forward to our new facilities because we will be able to do more in terms of activities, at the moment we use the Village Hall for PE lessons as the school hall is used for dinners. It's a shame the dinner ladies are going to be away from us and we will miss them over the time, they form such an integral part of our staff. They are very hard workers and care very much for the children, it is a shame they will only see them whilst delivering the food at lunch times."

"I think it is focused in everyone's minds that six months will be here before we know it," she added.
The school hope that the extension will be completed by the end of the Summer holidays in time for the new term.

Heather concluded: "We are very grateful that we are getting an extension and able to take the school to the 21st century with the best of facilities."