Bailey Gwynne’s family give thanks for support

A police officer walks past floral tributes left outside Cults Academy. Picture: PA

Relatives of the 16-year-old made a private visit to Cults Academy in Aberdeen over the weekend. The school reopened on Monday for the first time since the incident last Wednesday.

The teenager’s family said: “Thank you for all your help. Your kinds words and the lovely things you have left for Bailey.

“It means a lot and it would have meant a lot to Bailey.

“For all of you that were part of his life, however big or small, thank you for being there.”

They have previously paid tribute to the fifth-year pupil, describing him as their “beloved boy” and saying “our hearts have gone with him”.

As pupils returned to classes, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she hoped it would be the start of the healing process. Ms Sturgeon was in the city for a meeting with police and council leaders.

She said: “I have been incredibly impressed with everyone involved with this incident and how they have dealt with this situation in a very dignified way.

Police outside Cults Academy in Aberdeen as pupils return to classes . Picture: PA

“With the pupils starting back at Cults Academy, I have heard how the council’s focus is now on getting the young people, as far as possible, back to a sense of normality. I have also been reassured that the appropriate support services are in place.”

Aberdeen City Council has already said measures have been put in place to help pupils, families and staff affected on their return.

Council leader Jenny Laing said: “This is an incident that clearly had an impact far beyond Cults and Aberdeen, and we welcome the offer of support from the Scottish Government.”

Floral tributes left outside Cults Academy have been moved from the gates of the school to a private courtyard where pupils can pay their respects.

Hundreds of Bailey’s friends and fellow students also attended a vigil at Cults Parish Church on Thursday night, where candles were lit and messages of condolence written.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and remanded in custody. He was also charged with having a blade or point on school premises and is expected to appear in court again on Friday.

Outside the school gates yesterday, Gayle Gorman, director of education and children’s services at Aberdeen City Council, said: “The school is calm, settled and reflective. There have been a number of assemblies, where we have spoken to the students about their feelings, allowed them to reflect and explained how we will support them across this week, and the weeks and months ahead.”