Having moved to South Edinburgh 1985 and started life in the area as the parent of pupils who attended Liberton Primary School, Marilyn Taylor – who, having gained a teaching qualification, hadn't worked in education for 17 years – never thought that in summer 2008 she would retire having spent 20 years employed at the Gilmerton Road school.

Last month, Marilyn celebrated her retirement, bringing to a close 17 years as depute head teacher and ending a tenure at the institution that began as a part-time auxiliary in the school's nursery in 1988.

"I moved to the area in January 1985," says Marilyn, "and my younger daughter and son attended the school. I hadn't taught for 17 years, and I had no intention of returning having gained a social science degree.

"But, I was coerced," she laughs, "by the head teacher at the time, Anne Steadman, who thought, like me, that kids should have an exciting and broad education."

And the rest, as they say, is history. Marilyn went on to teach primary six and seven classes before being appointed second-in-command in 1991. She notes that she has witnessed many changes throughout her time at Liberton, saying that teacher guidelines seem to have come full circle, from the care-free days of when Marilyn began at Liberton, via the more inflexible 5-14 Curriculum to the imminent Curriculum for Excellence, aimed at a broader education that is more focussed on the arts and encouraging pupils to express individuality.

"The introduction of the 5-14 Curriculum and National Assessment made the biggest impact on teaching and learning. Prior to this, teaching, I'd say, was more spontaneous and care-free, which was the reason I came back into education.

"The 5-14 structure changed things, making teaching more formal and rigid, but I'm definitely not saying that's a bad thing. Teaching seems to have come full circle now, though, and it's all new with the Curriculum for Excellence, where the emphasis is on experiencing the world."

Despite the upheaval, Marilyn, who lives within a stone's throw of her erstwhile place of work, says it was the people around her who sustained her enthusiasm for the job.

"The children themselves don't really change. One of the reasons I stayed was the wonderful mix of families in the school. On the whole, the kids are very polite and well-behaved, with very supportive families. It's a good community, and I feel privileged to have taught here – at times I didn't feel I was coming to work, because I'm doing something I enjoy.

"I've had very supportive and understanding colleagues, and head teachers who have given me empowerment. Parents have been supportive, too, and the children have given me such a laugh with their wee funny ways."

Marilyn says she will spend summer having some "me" time, but she won't be away from the school for long.

"First of all, I'm going to give back to Liberton Primary School all the space I've taken up over twenty years – it might take all summer to clear my office, though! We started a vegetable patch in the school grounds (pictured below), so I will keep that going and will also be involved in the after-school club."

As well as reading more and taking being more active at her local bowling club, Marilyn will look to spend more time with her family. Her mother stays close by, while a husband and three children – Mairi (37), Kirsty (33) and Scott (27) – can also look forward to spending more time with Marilyn, not Mrs Taylor.