Dunblane '˜quietly remembers' 20 years after 1996 massacre

The people of Dunblane are set to 'quietly remember' the 20th anniversary of the attrocity that killed 16 children and their teacher.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Mar 2016, 22:21 BST
Updated 11th Mar 2016, 22:28 BST
People looking at floral tributes lining the road by Dunblane Primary School three days after the shooting in 1996. Picture: PAPeople looking at floral tributes lining the road by Dunblane Primary School three days after the shooting in 1996. Picture: PA
People looking at floral tributes lining the road by Dunblane Primary School three days after the shooting in 1996. Picture: PA

The Stirlingshire town has gained praise for the dignified manner in which its inhabitants live with the tragic events of 13 March, 1996, and tomorrow will be no different.

A spokesman for St Mary’s Episcopal Church said “the very sensitive issue” would be remembered in homes and churches on Sunday.

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He said: “Like others, we want to respect the wishes of the comunity. I can’t think any church will not mention the anniversary in their prayers. We will dedicate prayers to those affected.”

The congregation at Dunblane Cathedral have, as they did for the tenth anniversary, agreed no special services should be held.

A spokeswoman said: “The tragedy will very much be taken into consideration but may not be remembered overtly in services. This is what was agreed after much discussion within the congregation and wider community.”

One woman, who has lived in the town for 40 years, said: “The tragedy is never forgotten. It can’t be. Families who lost young sons and daughters still live here, many of their sisters and brothers live here. For them life has to go on.”

The killing of the children and their teacher at Dunblane Primary School by Thomas Hamilton, who went on to kill himself, led to the UK enforcing some of the strictest firearms legislation in the world

There are no official plans to mark the day but survivors and relatives have been reflecting on the tragedy.

Mick North, whose five-year-old daughter Sophie was killed, said: “In many respects, the day of the forthcoming anniversary won’t be ­especially different...

“The importance is as an occasion when others can recall and reflect on a horrific event, and also a time when those too young to remember might learn about what happened and consider its significance.”

The EIS has said a trust set up in the name of teacher Gwen Mayor has distributed almost £100,000 to more than 200 school-based projects