The husband of a teacher who died protecting her pupils in the Dunblane school shooting has shared his pride after she was posthumously recognised with an award.
Gwen Mayor, 45, was killed alongside 15 of her pupils at Dunblane Primary School on March 1996.
On Friday, she was named amongst 106 public servants across the UK who have been awarded the Elizabeth Emblem.
The emblem is awarded to the next of kin of those who lost their lives as a result of their duty.
It is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, recognising members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
Gwen’s husband Rodney, now living in Cyprus, said the family were “extremely proud and honoured” to be receiving this award on Gwen’s behalf.
He said: “We always believed her actions that day deserved more recognition.
“You would have to have known Gwen to know that she would have done whatever trying to protect the children in her care.
“She paid the ultimate price for that commitment.
“Finally, we now feel that she has been honoured for what happened that day.”
DC Thomson reporter Neil Drysdale has recalled how news outlets covered the 1996 shooting.
Family of Dunblane shooting teacher receives Elizabeth Emblem
Eight public servants from Scotland, including Gwen, have been recognised in the list.
They include:
Roderick Nicolson – Tayside Fire and Rescue Service
Mr Nicolson, from Perth, died attempting to rescue two workmen from a silo of chemical dust at Perth Harbour.
Whilst trying to free the workers, Nicolson became trapped amid five tonnes of sodium carbonate ash. He died on December 4 1995.
Richard Paul North, Tayside Police
Constable North was killed while on duty as a result of a collision with another vehicle.
Whilst driving near Perth in a marked police car, North was hit by a vehicle that had crossed from the other carriageway into oncoming traffic.
The driver was found to be under the influence of drink and drugs. PC North died on March 17 1987.
Alastair Soutar, HM Customs & Excise
Mr Soutar was crushed between a HM Customs and Excise vessel, The Sentinel, and a smugglers’ vessel, the Ocean Jubilee.
Soutar, from Dundee, was taking part in Operation Balvenie off the Caithness coast to apprehend drug smugglers.
Mr Soutar was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness but died of his injuries on July 29 1996.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I warmly welcome the awarding of the Elizabeth Emblem to these individuals and their families.
“This recognition enables us to remember their sacrifice and their lives dedicated to public service.
“They made Scotland a better place for us all and we continue to honour their memory.”
Conversation