Fond farewell to 'singing' Edinburgh TV star lollipop man Rob after 15 years of service

Known for his singing, dancing and “rock on” rallying cry when the lights change to green, Mr King is a well-known and dependable fixture on the daily school run at the notoriously busy Colinton Road and Myreside Road junction.

Each day, he greets and safely escorts hundreds of pupils and their parents towards local schools, including George Watson’s College, Edinburgh Steiner and Craiglockhart Primary.

Formerly a postal worker, father-of-one Mr King took up the School Crossing Patrol Guide role in 2005 and says he has most enjoyed his daily banter with the kids and the diverse variety of people he encounters each day.

Due to turn 70 in February, Mr King has decided to fully retire, and will patrol his usual crossing for the last time this coming Friday.

He says the secret to being a good lollipop man is making time for everyone – no exceptions.

He said: "It’s amazing all the different types of people you’d meet; all different professions and walks of life.

"I’ve always found that if you treat people well, they’ll treat you well.”

An avid crooner to the Myreside morning masses, Mr King took his talents to a wider audience in 2012, when he auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh.

"I performed 500 Miles by The Proclaimers and the whole place erupted when I started singing.

"I was only on for about 10 minutes, but it was a fantastic night and for a long while people would come up to me and say they recognised me from the telly.

"Even the school kids were stopping me in the mornings to ask for my signature.”

Local parents say they will miss seeing Mr King’s friendly demeanour, but wish him well for his retirement.

One George Watson's parent said: “Happy retirement and thank you. The boys will miss your daily ‘rock n roll’ sign off as they head home from school.”

Another parent praised Mr King for being “cheerful, kind and encouraging every day – whatever the weather he found a happy and funny comment”.

James Mills, Bursar of George Watson's College, said: “Rob is a real character and has brightened up many a day with his singing and stories and jokes. Pupils (and adults) are regularly sent on their way with the advice ‘try to do your best’, and when the traffic lights turn to green he often startles waiting drivers by proclaiming ‘rock on!’. There really is only one Rob King.”

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said: “We would like to wish Mr King the very best for the future and thank him for his many years of service keeping children and families safe – and entertained.”

Mr King hopes the role of lollipop man will continue for a long time yet.

He said: "Mums and dads will let their kids go to school on their own, because the lollipop man is there – that’s a big thing.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time and I’m going to miss meeting all these people.”

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