The Alison Laidlaw Memorial Garden.
In memory of a very special Former Pupil and Former Teacher 1909-2007.
The garden was officially opened on June 20th 2008 at a small public ceremony and a file of Alison Laidlaw's ashes was scattered in the garden.
We are grateful to the Trustees of the Laidlaw-Hall Trust for their generous donation towards this project; the funds originated from Alison Laidlaw’s estate.
We are also grateful to Miss Laidlaw’s cousin in Canada and her family, for their generous donation and to those of you who have, or may wish to give a donation.
In Miss Laidlaw’s name, we thank you for your generosity.
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We felt a garden was the most fitting memorial to Miss Alison. She loved the outdoors and her modern holistic attitude to education is reflected in the concept. She would not have wanted a brass plaque, we can imagine her saying “…someone would only have to clean it!” The garden is designed for the use of the current pupils and staff and is open to visitors and Former Pupils. We have plans to open this part of the campus to the public, in the future.
The garden design is by Marion Rodger, a parent at the school. She donated her time and expertise to the Trust.
If you would like her advice on your own garden, please call or email her on
07974 107 082 marion@rodger.uk.net
The garden has been created within the ruined walls of an ancient salt store at
the front of Bruntsfield House, near to the ‘famous’ archway.
One of Miss Laidlaw’s favourite places on the school campus was the archway outside Bruntsfield House. We have a photograph of Miss Laidlaw walking towards the archway. Were she alive today, she would be walking past her garden!
We did not know this before we decided to reclaim this place, so it was a very suitable choice.
Current pupils at the school helped with the restoration and planting and will maintain the garden during school time.
Miss Laidlaw’s nickname “Ladybird” is the theme for the memorial stone.
Alison would not have wanted it to look funereal! It was created in Edinburgh red sandstone and the spots and legs in black slate. It stands proud of the wall on which it has been set and we feel it is a fitting reminder of Alison’s love of ladybirds and the affectionate memories of her pupils.
The garden is a project in process and the opening marked the completion of stage one, further work will be continuing on its design and upkeep in the context of this part of the school campus.
