Dunblane - never forget.

Twenty-five years ago on 13 March 1996 a schoolteacher and 16 of her five and six year old pupils were murdered, and 13 others injured, in the gym of Dunblane primary school.

Those of us of a certain age will never forget the moment they heard about the Dunblane massacre. I know where I was, and so does my wife. And we remember how the day unfolded.

Snowdrops were the only spring flowers in bloom when the atrocity happened. The flowers became not only the symbol of Dunblane and Scotland’s sorrow, but also of the community’s subsequent strength, resolve and inspiration.

I took today’s photo on our walk this fine morning. Someone stopped and spoke of her recollection of the day.

Lord Cullen led the Public Inquiry into circumstances surrounding the event. There’s a published report. Some documents are subject to a 100 year rule preventing disclosure. That’s always been controversial.

Dunblane’s Snowdrop paper petition of 750,000 signatures “eventually” led to the ban on handguns in the U.K. “Eventually” is the word though; the Tory backbencher pro-gun lobby in Major’s Government proved difficult. The Government then proposed legislation to ban higher calibre handguns; eventually Blair’s New Labour prohibited .22 calibre guns (as were used at Dunblane).

Watched two 6N2021 games today - Scotland Rugby play tomorrow.

LD 355. Almost a year of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.