Aside from A-B-Cs, playground football and often questionable lunch menus, a shining yellow beacon stands among the primary school memories of many Scots.

The Lollipop person, officially known as the School Crossing Patrol, is a unique facet of school life for youngsters.

There for a brief, passing moment in the mornings and afternoons, they learn the names of children, put parents' minds at ease and are crucial in the appreciation of road safety awareness in early years.

Scotland's approach to road safety has changed drastically since the 1950s - you only need to cast your eye over some old public service announcements to see the stark contrast.

But the Lollipop person, dubbed the "guardians of the road" in a new museum exhibit, remains a beloved figure in communities across the country that hasn't changed.

Here are some of the stories from Scotland's favourite Lollipop people.

It's not often school crossing guards are known for their dance moves.

But Nkosana Mdikane hit headlines across Scotland after he took up his role in West Dunbartonshire when he was praised for his cheery demeanour.

Before moving to Scotland in 2003, he worked as a delivery driver and a chauffeur, started a construction firm and later went into the removal business. Originally from South Africa, Nkosana said he is overjoyed to hear Scottish school pupils, who love him dearly, call him by his name.

But in 2015, Nkosana's popularity became abundantly clear to parents across the country after the council banned the 74-year-old from high-fiving pupils for "safety" reasons.

Parents rallied to support him, and over 10,000 people signed an online petition to have the controversial ban scrapped.

For 15 years Ernie Wisley would catch four buses three times a day to help children at South Morningside Primary cross the road.

The 84-year-old was persuaded to pick up a lollipop after 30 years working in social care, because he wanted to make sure his granddaughter got to school safely.

After 15 years, he prepared to hang up his sign.

On his last day at the job in 2015, an emotional Ernie heard school pupils sing him a special song to bid him farewell.

Effie Walker took on the job of Colgrain Primary's crossing guard in 1973 - she only intended to do it until her own daughter left school.

But 40 years later, having battled cancer, she was still helping children and grandchildren of pupils from years gone by with a big smile every morning.

Beloved in the Helensburgh community, parents knew Effie would always wait for pupils who were running late in the morning and would wait until the last child had been picked up at the end of the day.

Picked for his smiling face and endless energy, John Foley from Renfrewshire was named the UK's favourite Lollipop person of the year in 2009.

A former firefighter, John was forced to leave the service due to ill health. But he took up his bright yellow sign with vigour, helping pupils in Paisley cross the road with a joke and a high five.

But he would also go beyond the call of duty, learning every pupil's name, helping staff change tyres on their cars and joining in the daily life of the school.

"It's nice to get acknowledged for doing this wee job," he said.

Glasgow's Riverside Museum has just launched a major new exhibition paying tribute to Scotland's crossing guards entitled Toucans and Lollipops, intended for all ages.

You can find more information here.