The Niddrie community have come together to pay tribute to a 'wonderful' woman and teacher who spent decades dedicating her life to children at the school.
Shirley McCann tragically died on November 6, 2021, in hospital after her health deteriorated and she caught Covid. Known to pupils as Mrs McCann worked as a teaching assistant at Niddrie Mill Primary School for over 25 years touching the lives of hundreds of children through her kind nature and support.
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Claire Edmonds, a teacher at Niddrie Mill Primary School has arranged a sponsored five-kilometre walk for the pupils on Friday, November 11 which over 400 staff, pupils and parents are set to take part in to raise money to create a memorial garden for the teacher.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live Claire said: "Shirley worked at the school for over 25 years, she was at the old one right up until we moved to the new school in 2008.
"She was just amazing, she gave her heart and soul to the school and went out her way for everyone - such a warming person.
"She really held the school together and was the reason many stayed at Niddrie Mill. Sadly she had poor health conditions with her lungs and got Covid last year.
"She was in hospital when her health deteriorated and she tragically died."
She continued: "She will be missed by all of our pupils and staff, there are loads of kids now whose parents were also taught by Mrs McCann so she really impacted generations of kids.
"It was a saying within the school that if anyone needed some time out or a break you'd always go to Mrs McCann's bench. Whenever kids needed time out they would go and sit with her so we want to create a space like that to remember her by.
"The whole school are doing a 5k on Friday with over 350 kids, 40 parents and 40 teachers involved to raise money so it's set to be a great turnout."
She wrote on the fundraising page: "As you may remember, last year we sadly lost a much loved and respected member of our school community. Mrs McCann had worked as a PSA for over 25 years. She is sadly missed by many.
"Mrs McCann passed away on 6th November 2021. We wanted to do something to remember her by. Our hope is to make a small memorial garden which will include a bench with a plaque.
"In order to do this, we are going to complete a whole school-sponsored walk to raise funds.
"This will take place on Friday 11th November at 10:30 am around the local community and along part of the Innocent Railway. We would welcome parents/carers to join us on our sponsored walk."
Dozens of teachers, parents and former pupils left tributes for the wonderful teacher.
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James Murray said: "My Son James was very fond of Miss McCann when he was at Niddrie Mill. Good luck with the sponsored walk guys."
Dana Jenkins said: "Shirley was one of my teachers at school such a lovely woman."
While one colleague said: "Can’t believe it’s been a year Shirley, you are missed at work so much."
You can find out more and donate to the fundraising page here.
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