A permanent reminder of a sea school which trained generations of youngsters has been unveiled at a Moray harbour.
Moray Sea School was launched by Gordonstoun founder Kurt Hahn at Burghead in 1949, and 28,000 students gained their sea legs there before it closed in 1976.
Despite holding a special place in the hearts of many in the region, there was no trace of the school in the village for more than 40 years after its base was demolished.
Concerned about it being forgotten, former instructor Ed McCann began raising money for a lasting tribute last year.
He said it was important that former pupils returning to the area had a place to visit and reminisce.
And on Saturday, about 100 of those old students – some from as far afield as Bristol – gathered at the port as a plaque and information boards worth £3,000 were unveiled.
Mr McCann described the nostalgic reunion as a “poignant” experience.
He said: “It was a fabulous weekend and a great opportunity to bring people together and remember the school.
“Former pupils originally had no physical memories of it.
“After being closed in 1976 the building was demolished to make way for a new housing development and records were lost. “We had 100 former pupils travel to Moray for the event, from as far as Bristol.”
Mr McCann, from Hopeman, taught a range of activities and fought for years for the slice of local history to receive some form of official recognition.
One of the new plaques is beside the village’s harbour while another is at the site of the old base on St Aethans Road, which is now housing.
After their unveiling, attendees travelled to Gordonstoun for a series of speeches and afternoon tea before a special celebration evening.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead was on hand for the event, and praised “all who made it happen, especially Ed McCann”.
The sea school was launched as a counterpart to The Outward Bound Trust’s operations in England.
Students were aged from their mid-teens to their early 20s, and undertook activities including camping, canoeing and sailing.
Those who graduated learned to sail in the Prince Louis and Prince Louis II boats, which remained in operation in France until last year.
