Book Aims To Restore Hope After Dunblane Tragedy

The parents of children killed in the Dunblane school shootings have published a book they hope will benefit other families caught up in tragedy.

The Dunblane Centre - The Gift That Keeps Growing, tells the story of the community centre set up with funds donated following the 1996 massacre, in which sixteen children and their teacher were shot dead.

Bereaved families say the centre has been a focus for recovery in their community and that its story can provide a positive example for people in similar circumstances around the world.

The book's foreword is written by Dunblane-raised tennis star Andy Murray, himself a pupil of Dunblane Primary who was in the school when the shootings took place.

It contains contributions from centre-users, volunteers and bereaved parents themselves, and is available in paperback and in e-book format.

Mick North, who lost his daughter Sophie in the shooting, told Sky News: "As a group, we have contact with people in parts of the world where similar, terrible incidents have taken place.

"We think the centre, and its story, can show people what can be done.

"We like to think the centre's existence reflects how reaction can be positive and how support, which we got from around the world, can be focussed for the benefit of those directly involved and for the wider community."

"The centre is something positive that can be seen by everyone in and around Dunblane,” added Mr North, saying how the centre hosts social events and sporting activities.

It is also where many gather to watch matches involving Murray, the 2013 Wimbledon champion.

All profits from sales of the book go back into the Dunblane Centre itself.

Teacher Gwen Mayor and 16 Primary One pupils were shot dead on 13 March, 1996, in the Dunblane Primary gym hall by gunman Thomas Hamilton.