Funding announced for 18 school projects in memory of teacher Gwen Mayor killed in Dunblane tragedy

A charity set up in memory of a schoolteacher killed in the Dunblane tragedy has announced the latest nursery and primary school projects to receive financial support.

The Gwen Mayor Trust, administered by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), has authorised funding for 18 projects spanning arts, sports, culture, and community initiatives across the country.

Projects awarded support this year include Thorntree Primary School in Glasgow’s Baby Strings initiative, which will see musical instruments replaced to enable the project to continue.

The development of the outdoor environment at Christ the King Primary School and Nursery Class in North Lanarkshire has been made possible thanks to a funding award. Additionally, a sewing, knitting, and clothing creation programme at Airlie Primary School in Kirriemuir has also received funding.

Funding has also been issued to support the development of a Glee Club at Fernielea School in Aberdeen; Kirkudbright Primary School has recieved funds to create a crafts and STEM box of materials, and Preston Tower Primary in Prestonpans has received funds to purchase equipment and waterproof clothing to support an outdoor programme.

The Trust was created in the aftermath of the Dunblane shooting on March 13, 1996, when Mrs Mayor and 16 children were killed as she sought to protect those in her care.

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “Gwen Mayor was a passionate and dedicated educator, who was truly committed to providing the very best for the pupils with whom she worked. It was this spirit which led to the establishment of a charitable trust in honour of the memory of Gwen Mayor and her pupils at Dunblane Primary School.

“Today, the positive work of the Gwen Mayor Trust continues. All nursery and primary schools across Scotland are eligible to apply for funding from the Trust, and hundreds of projects and thousands of young people have benefitted from the support of the Trust over the past three decades.

“The Trustees recently authorised the funding of 18 projects in schools across Scotland, and everyone
associated with the Gwen Mayor Trust looks forward to hearing and seeing more about the progress of these
very worthy projects in the months ahead.”

Since its inception in 1998, the Trust has supported hundreds of nursery and primary school projects, benefiting thousands of children across Scotland.

The Trust is supported by the Mayor family and made possible through donations from individuals and organisations across the country.