Pupils fondly recall primary teacher Edith

Schoolday memories were made all the sweeter with a taste of childhood at a special Forfar gathering. The Sunday event saw pupils of former town primary teacher Edith Laird trek to the top of Balmashanner Hill.

A memorial bench has been sited there to honour the figure, who made such a positive early impression on generations of local youngsters.

And those who made the climb to the top of the beauty spot received an extra reward beyond the stunning vista that the hill, known locally as Bummie, offers.

They were treated to a cola cube, the sweet Miss Laird was famed for handing out in the classroom.

The teacher, who never married, died in November 2019 aged 95.

Miss Laird was a wellrespected member of the Forfar community.

Edith taught over many years at Chapelpark and Wellbrae primaries.

Her passing prompted fond recollections among countless former pupils.

Among them was Bruce Martin, now principal teacher of care and support at Forfar Academy.

He never forgot the foundations which Miss Laird’s kind manner laid for generations of Forfar pupils.

He set up a fundraising page for the memorial bench.

“It is a reflection of Miss Laird’s popularity that the money was raised within a few days,” said Mr Martin.

The site for the bench was chosen following consultation with her family members.

“She had always loved the view of Balmashanner Hill topped with the local war memorial from her home in Robertson Terrace.

“Her home can be spotted from the site of the newly unveiled bench.

“I would like to thank everyone who donated and those who gave up their time to attend the unveiling.”

Fond memories flooded into the former pupils’ Facebook page.

“Recollections included the fact that she was always smiling, elegantly dressed and took time to talk to people,” said Mr Martin.

“Miss Laird usually taught children in their first two years of primary school.

“She laid the allimportant foundations for learning.”

Both primaries where Miss Laird taught are no longer.

They were replaced by new facilities through Angus Council’s Forfar schools programme.

HONOURED: A bench in memory of Miss Laird – who was famed for handing out cola cubes to pupils – was erected atop Balmashanner Hill. Picture by Kim Cessford.

Edith Laird was beloved by countless Forfar pupils.