Teenager in court charged with Bailey Gwynne murder

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, made no plea or declaration when he appeared in private at the city’s sheriff court yesterday.

He is also charged with having a knife on school premises.

He was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court on Friday.

Bailey, 16, died from his injuries following an incident at Cults Academy on Wednesday afternoon.

His family have described him as their “beloved boy” who “never failed to make us smile”.

In a statement released on Thursday, they said: “There are no words. Bailey is our beloved boy and our heart. Our hearts have gone with him.

“A special son, brother, grandson and friend – he never failed to make us smile (most of the time). He will always be our boy. We don’t know what we will do without our junior ‘man about the house’. We need time now to look after each other and send our love to all those who care for Bailey.”

Yesterday, Aberdeen City Council said Bailey’s school has received hundreds of letters of support from around the world.

They include messages of condolence from others schools.

Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “The amount of support for the school family and the wider community has been overwhelming and will no doubt help in the weeks ahead.

“We have in place a series of measures to help pupils, families and our staff during what has been a difficult time.

“The pupils will be welcomed back to school on Monday so we can provide support, and also so we can start the process of helping them back into their studies.”

The council said flowers laid outside the school gates had been moved to the school’s private courtyard garden so the students can view them and pay their respects on Monday.

Hundreds of floral tributes have been left for Bailey.

Headteacher Anna Muirhead described the 16-year-old as as “gentle and caring”, and said the school had been left in shock by his death.