Tributes paid after head teacher dies

Tributes have been paid to a “lovely and kind” Aberdeen head teacher, who died last week following a short illness.

Fellow teachers paid tribute to 53-year-old Fraser Cowie, who worked at Westpark School, in Northfield.

Mr Cowie had worked in education in the city for almost three decades and last night colleagues called him a “lovely, kind and genuine man” who was “dedicated to his school, its pupils and staff ”.

In a joint statement, Gregor Watson, deputy head teacher at the primary school, and class teacher Alice Atkinson said it was “with great sadness” that they passed on news of Mr Cowie’s death “following his recent illness”.

The pair asked parents and carers to pass on the “sad news” of Mr Cowie’s death last Sunday to pupils.

“We will have support structures in place to help your child cope with this tragedy”, they added.

“Mr Cowie was extremely proud of the Westpark School community and it is our hope that, together, we will be able to guide and support the children through what may be, for many, a very new experience in their lives. A book of remembrance will be placed in the school foyer for pupils, parents and staff to sign if they wish.”

Council chief executive Angela Scott said: “On behalf of all at Aberdeen City Council my condolences go to Fraser’s family, colleagues and all who knew him through his role at the school and all those it serves.”

Fraser Cowie