Born: 28 April, 1913.
Died: 27 July, 2008, in Stirling, aged 95.
THE death of Janet Burnett MBE at the age of 95 marks the passing of an era. She was a well-liked and highly respected public figure in Stirlin
gshire, where her life as a teacher of art (at the High School of Stirling, McLaren High and Dollar Academy) ensured that she was constantly hailed in public places by former pupils throughout her life.
With no right hand, Janet was technically disabled, but in fact was supremely talented as an artist and needlewoman.
Janet Terris graduated DA from Edinburgh College of Art, qualified as a teacher and married Robert Burnett, a holder of the Burma Star, who taught art in schools in Larbert and Falkirk. Both were cultural Scottish Nationalists, brought into the political arena by the late Dr Robert McIntyre. From 1966-74, Robert Burnett served as SNP councillor and baillie in the Royal Burgh of Stirling.
Janet and Robert were devoted to public service, and their talents as artists were dedicated to improving the school environments and raising funds for good causes. Janet taught further education classes in needlework, from which annual fundraising exhibitions were held in support of local charities.
In the 1970s, Janet was a moving spirit behind the establishment of the Stirling Council of Social Service, the precursor of the Council of Voluntary Service, now CVS Stirling. She also worked as a volunteer organiser for the Scottish Spastic Society, now Capability Scotland, a service for which she was awarded the MBE in 1977. She was involved in setting up the Council on Disability in Stirling, an organisation for which she worked tirelessly. When Stirling Swimming Pool opened, she founded and ran the Arion Club, a swimming club for disabled young people. She was also an active supporter of the Camphill-Rudolf Steiner School at Blair Drummond.
She was always an innovator; when Robert died in 1998 she commissioned a stylish piece of public art in his memory for the grounds of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum. It was the first of many on the site, which has since grown into an outdoor education centre and a significant visitor attraction. It is one of her many gifts to Stirling and to Scotland.
DR ELSPETH KING
The full article contains 389 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
