Council response to Gairloch boating tragedy

The Highland Council has extended its deepest sympathies to the Beauly family, who lost two children in a boating accident at Gairloch on Sunday.  Ewen Beaton (5) was a Primary 1 pupil at the 61-pupil Teanassie Primary School, near Beauly.  His brother Jamie Beaton (2) was due to start nursery at the school at the end of the year. Their father Ewen Fraser Beaton aged 32 remains missing.

The Highland Council Leader Drew Hendry said: “This is a terrible tragedy that impacts on a close knit community. On behalf of the Council, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family. Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”

As a mark of respect, the Leader delayed by 24 hours the launch of a budget blog on the Council’s web site: http://www.www.highland.gov.uk/ . The opening topic concerned discussion on an educational issue.

Acting head teacher at Teanassie Primary School, Alison Donald, spoke to all the children from primary one to seven to make them aware of the situation.

The school has been helped by specialists including an educational psychologist who is supporting teaching staff to guide children through this difficult time.

She said: “As we are a small community, the school, parents and the wider community will feel this loss deeply.”

James Martin, Chairman of the Parent Council at Teanassie Primary School, said: “The school community is devastated by this tragic news.  The Beatons are a well known and highly respected family and the impact of their loss will be felt throughout the community. ”