Honour for heroic Gwen who gave her own life for others

Elizabeth Emblem awarded almost 30 years after the tragedy

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Heroic teacher Gwen Mayor has been recognised with one of the country’s highest honours for public service-almost three decades after she was killed during the Dunblane Tragedy while protecting her pupils.

She is named in the second ever Elizabeth Emblem List, created in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The recognition is awarded to families of Scottish public servants who have died in the line of duty.

Brave Gwen died while trying to protect her primary one pupils at Dunblane Primary who had been preparing for a PE lesson when evil struck on March 13, 1996.

She was killed instantly when she was shot as she protected youngsters from a gunman.

In total, 17 people were killed-including 16 pupils, aged between five and six, and Gwen.

The gunman then took his own life.

Earlier this year, Gwen’s daughter Debbie spoke out in a bid to safeguard a charitable trust set up in her mum's memory.