Real Lives: Emotional tribute in the Andes planned for Fraser

The 38-year-old biology teacher, who is survived by his wife, Katie, and two young children, had taught at the school since 2006.

Taking on the mantle of co-ordinator of Preston Lodge's Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, he worked tirelessly to encourage pupils.

The outdoor enthusiast was also the driving force behind a planned school trip to Ecuador next summer, which he had been determined to go on despite being diagnosed with the illness in late November.

With the help of Mr Kiernan's widow, staff and pupils now plan to take some of his ashes with them on their three-week adventure in the Andes and scatter them on the slopes of Quilotoa, where they will pay a moving tribute to the teacher.

Visiting the 2500-foot high, 3km-wide flooded volcano was the part of the trip Mr Kiernan was most looking forward to.

Anne Cormack, the school's administrative officer, said: "Fraser had requested that we take with us to Ecuador a small amount of his ashes so that, in his words, 'a wee bit of me gets there'.

"I spoke to Katie and she told me that was what he wanted and we are going to do it. We are going to be taking the kids up the side of the volcano and camping there. We will have some kind of service so that he reaches the volcano."

Ms Cormack added: "He had a great west-coast sense of humour and always had a story to tell that remained in the memory well after the event.

"We spent many a night round a camp fire in the hills around Scotland enjoying his company.

"Fraser loved the outdoors so much that he took every opportunity, along with a small group of friends who were also colleagues, to go hill-walking, camping, kayaking and canoeing."

Headteacher Gavin Clark described Mr Kiernan as a man with a passion for the outdoors and getting pupils to respect each other.

"Fraser's efforts led to a wide range of students experiencing everything the programme had to offer," said Mr Clark.

"He was the leader of the trip to Ecuador, another example of his commitment to equality and justice, as the students going will be working with the community."

Mr Clark said the school intended to hold an event in February to celebrate his life and contribution to teaching.

Mr Kiernan's continuing popularity with his students is evident with the establishment of a page dedicated to him on the social-networking site Facebook.

One pupil described him as the "best teacher ever", while another said: "This page goes to show how many people care about him."