Secondary Year Two pupils at Northfield Academy were so inspired by the courage and sacrifice of former pupil Lance Corporal Allan Douglas they decided there should be a memorial plaque and trophy created in his honour.
Lance Corporal Allan Douglas, of The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), lost his life on 30 January 2006, while on patrol in Al Amarah, Iraq.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, unveiled the memorial plaque at the main entrance of the school building yesterday (Wednesday 18 June). The pupils of Crew 2.5 wanted the plaque located there as they want everyone entering the building to be reminded of Allan’s legacy.
The unveiling ceremony, featured, a lone piper suggested by Allan’s mum who was delighted and moved to learn of the pupils’ tribute to her son. Rikki Evans, owner of Alba Bagpipes was a school friend of Allan and said it was an honour to play in Allan's memory.
The ceremony also included a welcome from Craig McDermott, head teacher of Northfield Academy before the pupils from Crew 2.5 spoke about why they felt compelled to honour Allan. Ann Lowson, a retired guidance teacher, spoke fondly of Allan as she shared memories of his time at the school with the audience that included members of Allan’s family, the school community and the wider Northfield community.
Following the ceremony, the Lord Provost, said: “It was clear that the unveiling of the memorial plaque and creation of the Allan Douglas Trophy, means a great deal to the school community and the wider community of Northfield.
“Lance Corporal Allan Douglas was a young man when he died, and his legacy continues with the commendable efforts and community spirit demonstrated by the pupils of Crew 2.5 at Northfield Academy. They are immensely proud of Allan, and I am sure he would be very proud of them too.”
Former guidance teacher Ann Lowson, said: "Allan's death was very tragic. He was a typical Northfield lad .....full of life and fun. He was very caring of others, a loyal friend and very respectful of staff."
The pupils from Crew 2.5 have worked with the school’s management team and technical department to create the permanent memorial plaque.
In addition to the plaque, the pupils have also raised funds for the creation of the Allan Douglas Trophy. This annual award, presented at the academy’s Celebration of Success ceremony, will recognise Northfield Academy pupils who display bravery, courage and sacrifice.
The first recipient of this special award is Adam Mitchell, Secondary Year One pupil, who was presented with the Allan Douglas Trophy at the academy’s Celebration of Success ceremony, on Wednesday 11 June. The trophy was awarded for bravery, courage and sacrifice.
Adam Mitchell, Secondary Year One (S1) pupil at Northfield Academy. "It's been a real honour to win the first ever Allan Douglas Trophy. It has been overwhelming in a good way. I was left absolutely speechless when winning the trophy and receiving the medal. It is good to remember a former pupil from this school who fought for his country and sadly got killed during the war. I am proud to have been chosen."
Paul Rorie, Executive Officer, TD SCOTS RHQ Aberdeen & Tayforth Officer Training Regiment and John McLeish, Chief Executive, The Gordon Highlanders Museum were also in attendance.
Photo: The Lord and Lady Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron and Hazel Cameron with pupils from Crew 2.5 Mason Sherriffs; John Eglitis; Ashton Duncan; and Kaiden Henderson at the unveiling of plaque in memory of Lance Corporal Allan Douglas.