Tributes flooded in for “beautiful and smiley” Mari Kennedy, who held the top job at St James’ Primary in Paisley.

It’s understood that the popular head teacher had been at her parents’ home in Houston when she suddenly took ill last Tuesday.

News that the 37-year-old had passed away has shook large segments of the community, including scores of loved ones, staff members and pupils.

Ms Kennedy had only worked in her head teacher role for a short time having previously been employed at Our Lady of Peace Primary in Linwood, as well as Erskine’s Bargarran Primary and St Catherine’s Primary in Paisley.

Michelle Ferguson, principal teacher at St James’ Primary, said, “It is with deep regret and sadness that we heard of the sudden death of Mari Kennedy, Headteacher of St James’s Primary School.

“We learned of this tragic news first thing on Tuesday morning and shared it with staff who very sensitively informed the pupils.

“Father Oliver Freney was present in the school and led a short assembly with the children to give them an opportunity to pray together.”