Ayrshire primary school pupils have had a memorial garden built in tribute to a much loved teaching assistant who sadly passed away.
Forehill Primary School in Ayr have honoured dedicated education worker Carole MacDougall.
Mum-of-three Carole suddenly became unwell and died last September sending shock waves through the school community.
The 51-year-old who stayed in Troon was highly regarded by pupils and staff who were left devastated by her death.
But this year they were given the opportunity to create a legacy for Carole by creating a memorial garden in the school grounds.
Building firm JR Group got in touch with the school whilst they were working on the development of 31 new flats in the town’s Carrick Street.
The construction giant pledged to support the school's ambitions through their community benefits programme.
Head teacher David Watson has paid tribute to Carole on completion of the special space which is allowing children to grieve.
Mr Watson told Ayrshire Live: “Carole worked for nine years at Forehill.
“She was very highly regarded by pupils and staff.
“She was one of those people who would light up any room. She was full of fun, energy and enthusiasm.
“We are all stunned when we got the news last year. She became very unwell, very suddenly.
“It sent shock waves through the whole school community.”
The memorial garden was designed by pupils and created by JR Group – and includes a memorial bench and planters.
The space in Carole’s memory will give pupils and staff at the school a place to rest, reflect and relax.
Mr Watson believes the project has given pupils the chance to grieve the loss of one of their own.
The headteacher said: “When Carole passed away the children were absolutely devastated – they wanted to do something to mark Carole in the school.
“The children came back and said they want to do a memory garden. By chance we were contacted by JR Group who were looking to do a project in the community.”
Gary McGregor, Managing Director for The JR Group, said “Giving back to the communities that we help to build is a core element of our business here at The JR Group.
“As soon as we heard the vision of the staff and pupils at Forehill Primary School, we were more than happy to support them in the creation of the memorial garden, to help them pay their respects to their colleague and mentor.
Mr Watson added: “We’d like to thank everyone at The JR Group for their enormous support and assistance as we created our memory garden in the grounds of the school.”
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