John the Jannie leaves Aberdeen school with ‘happy tears’ after 48 years of service

John Mackland worked at schools across Aberdeen including Summerhill Academy, Linksfield Academy and Kittybrewster Primary.

By Denny Andonova

February 15 2023, 11:45 am

John Mackland on his final day of work after 48 years of service. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson

A treasured school janitor has locked up for the final time after 48 years of service to pupils and staff across Aberdeen.

Tears filled John Mackland’s eyes as he stepped into the school assembly hall to the sound of applause on his last day of work.

As he brushed the tears off his cheeks, dozens of pupils, teachers and parents began to shout “hip hip hooray” in awe of his long career.

They had all gathered at Kittybrewster Primary School to give “the world’s best janitor” an emotional send-off after 48 years of devoted service.

Remembered by generations of pupils

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Mr Mackland, known by all as “John the Jannie”, took up his first job as janitor at Summerhill Academy in 1974, aged just 18.

John Mackland was ‘shocked’ when dozens of pupils surprised him with a send-off party. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson.

The 66-year-old admitted he has seen huge changes throughout his long career, including the demolition of Linksfield Academy where he worked for 35 years.

He had been a permanent fixture at the school from the day it first opened in 1975 until the day its doors shut for the final time for the construction of Aberdeen Sports Village.

Mr Mackland moved on to work at dozens of schools across Aberdeen after, and became known among his colleagues for his famous words “that’s an ex-pupil of mine”.

John the Jannie was always ready to go the extra mile to help pupils and colleagues during his 48 years of devoted service. Image: Wullie Marr/DC Thomson.

Many of his former and current pupils gathered with presents and banners at Kittybrewster Primary School to bid their favourite janitor a final farewell on his last day.

Mr Mackland said: “I was shocked. I walked into the room and tears just filled my eyes, happy tears. All of them came with good wishes, gifts – just for me.

“The best thing about this job have been the people I’ve met over the years – not only pupils, but teachers, police and education officers, parents.

Tears filled teachers’ eyes as they sent John off on his last day at Kittybrewster School. Image: Wullie Marr / DC Thomson

“I’ve really enjoyed it all. People will come and tell me ‘come on John, you need to slow down’, but it’s just the way I work – if I can help somebody, I’d never think twice.

“I’ve always believed that it’s all about how you treat people – if you treat them fair and are always happy to help, they will reward you with the same.”

‘I enjoyed every minute of my job’

Mr Mackland praised the staff and pupils at the school for seven “brilliant” years of memories and “funny” experiences that he will hold dear for years to come.

He added they had been a pillar of strength for him during the hardest of times after his wife Wilma died from cancer in 2020.

Reflecting on nearly 50 years of service, Mr Mackland said he has had a “fantastic” life and enjoyed every minute of his work.

He said: “The kids and staff at the school have been marvelous. When I lost my wife three years ago, the support I had was unbelievable. They all made such a difference and helped me get through it one step at a time.

“I’ve had a great run, but you have to retire at some point.

“But as I said to everybody in the school, ‘Don’t you worry, this won’t be the last you see of me – I will still be around.'”