Children, teachers and parents at an Aberdeen primary school have banded together to paint a touching tribute to their late head-teacher who died in a tragic car crash.
Susan Crossan, former head of Culter Primary School, was seriously injured in the two-vehicle accident on South Deeside Road in May last year as she made her way home from school.
The 55-year-old was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where medics battled to save her life.
But the wife, mother and grandmother sadly died.
Mrs Crossan was described as an “inspiration” in the days after her death, and as a beloved fixture in the Culter community.
More than a year later, the youngsters she taught have honoured her memory by creating a fun, albeit poignant, mural in their playground.
Jill Roberts, deputy head of Culter Primary, said Mrs Crossan always wanted to create a place where children can relax and make friends.
“She had envisioned this happening,” she said.
“Mrs Crossan had always felt very strongly that she wanted to set up a chill-out zone, as she called it.
“One complaint we received quite a lot from pupils was that they didn’t have a space that they could just sit and chat with their friends, as there was always football going on.
“We’ve still got some friendship benches and more chill-out zones to be built, and it’s all being done in commemoration of her, because it was her idea.”
Miss Roberts praised the pupils who designed the mural, aswell as artist Becky Hutchinson – a parent at the school – who helped them.
In the colourful jungle scene, the branches are adorned with Mrs Crossan’s messages, including ‘Never give up’, ‘Always encourage others’ and ‘Do your best’.
“We put in a number of messages that Mrs Crossan thought were universal, and in line with what we try to do at the school as a positive message to the children,” she said.
“It’s beautiful and a fitting tribute. I know that her family have been out to see it, and they’re very positive about it.
“It’s a nice place for them to come and remember Susan with the grandchildre.