School staff pay tribute to city priest

Published on Saturday 15 March 2008 10:00

STAFF from two city primaries will pay tribute to their school priest who died in Barcelona last week.

St Ninian's in Restalrig, and St Mary's in East London Street will both close at 11.30am on Monday so teachers and staff can attend the funeral of Monsignor David Gemmell.

Mgr Gemmell, administrator at St Mary's RC Cathedral, was found dead last Thursday in Spain after watching Celtic play Barcelona.

His funeral will take place on Monday at noon at the cathedral, where his remains were set to be received today at 5.30pm.

The 54-year-old played an important part in both St Ninian's and St Mary's schools.

A council spokeswoman said: "Mgr Gemmell was extremely involved in those school communities and it was felt that everybody should be given the opportunity to attend the funeral.

"Alternative arrangements have been made for parents who still want to send their children to school."

Tributes have poured in for Mgr Gemmell. City tycoon Sir Tom Farmer said he had known him for 30 years, while Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said he was "like a brother to me".