Two north-east Fife teenagers who lost their lives in tragic accidents were remembered when a community garden was dedicated to them by their former primary school.
David Mulholland (17), of Springfield, was killed in a car crash on the A91 in November 2008 while his cousin Natalie Mulholland (16) died last August after being hit by a train at Cults Mill level crossing near her home.
Friends and family joined pupils at Springfield Primary in the afternoon where head teacher Donald Gillespie addressed the large crowd.
Recently retired teacher Neil Robertson, who taught both teenagers over his 24-year career, carried out the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon with the help of the school’s youngest and oldest pupils.
“David was a very determined young man even at primary school. He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” Mr Robertson said on Friday, ahead of opening the garden.
“His strong beliefs were demonstrated when he rescued a woman from her home not 100 metres from where we stand now.”
“Natalie was always cheerful and lived life to the full.
“It is a pleasure to dedicate the garden in the memory of David and Natalie.”
A plaque bearing the names of the cousins was also unveiled at a seated corner of the garden.
For around three years the Springfield and Community Memorial Garden project has been a work in progress.
Although the strip of land, which lies adjacent to Springfield Primary, is owned by Fife Council, the school has agreed to manage the site over the next decade.
Boys and girls helped decide how the garden would eventually look and included a rockery, desert themed area and an equatorial rainforest in their designs.
Helping turn the drawings into a reality were local businesses, community members and organisations such as the Cupar Rotary Club who lent a hand during the landscaping.
The widespread effort was described as touching by Andy Mulholland, the father of Natalie and uncle to David.
He said the garden meant a great deal to the family.
“We think it is a wonderful thing they have all done,” he said.
“I think the garden will be a good place to visit and we plan to.
“Springfield has a fantastic community and they have all pulled together.”
Spearheading the garden project has been the head teacher, Donald Gillespie, who described David and Natalie as part of the school family.
“The garden was inspired by the pupils,” said Mr Gillespie.
“Everyone in the school felt the pain and loss when David and Natalie died.”