A message of hope from Dunblane on anniversary of tragedy
Survivors of the Dunblane massacre on 13 March 1996 have sent a message of support to victims of gun violence in the US. Survivors and relatives of those who died expressed solidarity with students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, where 17 people were killed in February
It was a day that changed Scotland forever and a tragedy which those who lived through it will never forget.
Now, 22 years on from the Dunblane massacre, survivors of the UK’S deadliest mass shooting have sent a message of support to victims of gun violence in the United States.
In an open letter released yesterday to mark the anniversary, survivors and relatives of those who died in the 1996 shooting expressed their solidarity with students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida where 17 people were killed on 14 February.
The letter was accompanied by a Youtube video featuring family members of those caught up in the violence reading from the statement which expressed “tremendous admiration” for the American students who have spoken out on gun control since the shooting last month.
Sixteen children aged just five and six died along with their teacher, Gwen Taylor, when gunman Thomas Hamilton opened fire on a gym class at Dunblane Primary School on 13 March, 1996.
The massacre in the Stirlingshire town led to the UK enforcing some of the strictest firearms legislation in the world.
The open letter, drafted by Mick North, whose five-yearold daughter Sophie died at Dunblane, wished the US students “wisdom and strength” for their campaign against gun violence.
Describing how people in the town felt compelled to take action after the 1996 massacre, the letter’s signatories said: “The gunman owned legal weapons and it was so easy for him to obtain these legal weapons and, like you, we vowed to do something about it. Most politicians listened and acted, laws were changed, handguns were banned and the level of gun violence in Britain is now one of the lowest in the world. There have been no more school shootings.
“We persuaded British lawmakers not to be swayed by the vested interests of the gun lobby, we asked them to put public safety first and to heed the will of the majority of the British people.”
The latest school shooting in the US has led to a public outcry, with students meeting president Donald Trump and organising marches demanding tighter gun controls.
The Dunblane survivors and relatives said: “We want you to know that change can happen. It won’t be easy, but continue to remind everybody of what happened at your school and the devastation caused by just one person and just one legally-owned gun.
“Never let anyone forget. There will be attempts to divide you, to deflect you and doubtless to intimidate you, but you’ve already shown great wisdom and strength.
“We wish you more of that wisdom and strength for this toughest of tasks, one that will be so important in order to spare your fellow Americans having to suffer the way you have.
“Wherever you march, whenever you protest, how- ever you campaign for a more sensible approach to gun ownership, we will be there with you in spirit.”
They also offered their “total support” for the March for Our Lives gun-control rally scheduled for 24 March in the US.
Locals in Dunblane were last night expected to light 17 candles to remember those who lost their lives in the 1996 massacre.