The obituary notice of ROSS IRVINE

This was an a day I shall not forget. As the newscaster read out the names of those small innocent and unknowing children my son's name - Ross Irvine - was included in that list. My Ross was born on 19th July 1989 and at the time of this awful catastrophe he looked liked any 7 year old,unkempt hair, food around his mouth and that stupid didn't know any different boyish grin. I loved him them and love him even more as he enters his 4th and final year at uni and looks forward to a career with Barclays Bank after a rigorous selection process. Ross Irvine- Dunblane-could have had the same opportunities as my Ross Irvine -but his demise has changed the future of everone else from there on. We, and my my Ross have a lot to thank Ross for. God bless.

When I was 10 and still at primary school there was a sick monster who walked into a primary school in Dunblane, Scotland. He fired guns onto a class of Year One children and teachers, killing 16 innocent 5 years olds and their teacher and injuring many more. This memory has forever stayed with me and today I went to Dunblane to pay my respects for the first time after living in Scotland for three years now.

As you walk into the old yet peaceful cemetery in the village you come across a memorial fountain and garden dedicated to the children. There, sheltered by trees, with the beautiful highlands in the background are two rows of graves in a semi circle where the children are laid to rest, with their teacher lying at their side. A silent classroom with Gwen, the teacher, looking after them in heaven.Needless to say, I sobbed for about ten minutes. Tiny headstones decorated with teddies, toys, flowers and windmills. 14 years on I am so glad to finally have been able to pay my respects. Standing there, the thought that came to mind was "Please God, never let this happen again"

God Bless, Ross and we think of you all although you are not here.