Headteacher pays tribute to pupil killed in Biggar bus crash

• Natasha Paton

The 17-year-old pupil who attended Lanark Grammar School was killed when the school coach she was travelling in crashed into a burn near Biggar.

The youngster had been part of a school party bound for Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire.

A total of 39 pupils and six adults were on board with several requiring hospital treatment following the crash which is being blamed on adverse weather conditions.

Five people were still receiving treatment in hospital last night.

Mark Sherry, headmaster of Lanark Grammar School, paid tribute to the 17-year-old from Cleghorn, South Lanarkshire.

He said: "Everyone at the school is devastated to hear the news of yesterday morning.

"On behalf of everyone at the school, I would like to convey my sympathy to Natasha's family.

"As a school we are mourning the loss of someone so young and full of life."

He added: "Natasha was a very popular pupil and friend who had high hopes of passing her exams and possibly going on to further education.

"Natasha was a young person with a lovely nature towards everyone in school. She always had a smile for teachers and fellow pupils whenever she saw them.

"Natasha's ability to get on with others in school was her real strength."

However Mr Sherry refused to answer questions as to why the trip was allowed to go ahead in the face of such poor weather conditions.

Grieving pupils attended an assembly at the school this morning and later around 200 children and staff attended an "emotional" service at Greyfriars Parish Church in Lanark.

The school's four chaplains were there and led prayers and readings, and candles were lit.

Pupils also each laid a stone to build a memorial cairn inside the church during the service.

Reverend Bryan Kerr, one of the school chaplains, said: "It was a very emotional time.

"We hope it has provided some comfort to the young people who wanted some place to gather. If it can help in any way then it was worthwhile. It has been a terrible tragedy for the school and the wider community in Lanark.

"The service was an opportunity for those in the school to reflect and there was space for quiet thought and contemplation.

"The children were invited to come and lay a stone on the cairn to symbolise their thoughts on the accident."

Some of the pupils hugged each other for comfort as they left the

church.

At the school a bank of floral tributes was laid near the main door in memory of Natasha, many with messages attached.

One note read: "RIP Natasha, gone but never forgotten. You were a fantastic person and will be sadly missed."

Another said: "Rest in peace Natasha, you have been taken from the world too soon. We will miss your smiley face."