LORNSHILL Academy pupils have paid a heartfelt tribute to Clackmannanshire’s fallen soldiers, through the creation of a garden marking the centenary of World War One.

The ‘First World War Commemoration Garden’ was officially unveiled on Monday (10 November) during an opening ceremony attended by pupils, teachers and members of the local community.

Depute rector Jackie Dunlop said: “The opening ceremony was very much a demonstration that the young people of this school, and on their behalf the young people of Clackmannanshire, won’t forget. They have a genuine commitment to keeping alive the fallen, the memory of the fallen in Clackmannanshire. The garden as a whole is definitely for contemplation of the very best of human values.” The development of the garden was part of a project between the social subjects and English departments, which saw S1 and S2 pupils research the history of the war.

Each commemorative cross in the garden bears the name of a soldier from the Wee County – discovered through a visit to the Alloa War Memorial – and poems composed by pupils are displayed on plaques made by the technology department.

There is a commemorative bench, donated by former headteacher Daniel Murphy, and the flowers chosen represent remembrance, hope, friendship and peace.

Local MSP Keith Brown, transport and veterans minister, who delivered an address and revealed the plaque, was full of praise for the school.

He said: “It was an honour and delight to be involved in the official opening of Lornshill Academy’s garden of remembrance which is a poignant reminder of lives lost, opportunities missed, sacrifices made - but also a stark reminder of the realities of war.

“The remembrance ceremony was particularly moving and it was clear that both the staff and pupils had put a great deal of effort into the event – I was particularly touched by the performance of The Green Fields of France by depute head boy, Kyle Davies.

“The garden will remain a place of remembrance for many years to come, where pupils of the school can remember and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Everyone involved should be very proud of their achievement.” During the ceremony headteacher Tom Black welcomed everyone there, school chaplain Rev Mike Dawson gave a benediction, there was piping from Tom Macdonald, S1 pupil Erin O’Hare did a reading of her own poem, senior pupils placed tributes, Steven Sneddon from S5 did a reading from ‘Sunset Song’, S4 pupil Tom Leitch took on The Last Post and the close came from depute head boy Aaron Sharp.

Appreciation is given to those who gave up their time to attend the ceremony, were involved in the garden, who showed their support, and Mrs Dunlop paid tribute to the work, behaviour and respect shown by the pupils.

She said: “They were very much at the heart of it, they did the work.

“It’s very humbling to hear what our young people can deliver. After 38 years of teaching it never, ever ceases to amaze me exactly what our young people can deliver.”