Garden set to be a tribute to 'Ladybird'

A SENSORY garden in memory of a former pupil and teacher is to be opened at a city school next month.

Alison "Ladybird" Laidlaw went to James Gillespie's as a pupil during the First World War and later taught there, after studying at Edinburgh University and Moray House school of education. She lived opposite the Marchmont school and died at Easter last year in the home she had occupied all her life.

The school wanted to celebrate her life, and agreed Miss Laidlaw would have preferred a garden to a plaque.

Frances Benton, volunteer development officer for the school's trust, said: "

She loved the outdoors and her modern, holistic attitude to education is reflected in the concept."

The garden has been designed by Marion Rodger, a parent at the school. Special plants that attract ladybirds – recalling Miss Laidlaw's nickname – will be be a feature of the memorial.

The garden will be officially opened on June 20.