Two memorial benches, representing tragic stories, both of teenage boys, sit in the playground of Hazlehead Academy.
The well-worn wooden seats have now been there for more years than either of the young lives whose names are etched on their plaques.
One is there to honour the life of Craig Buchanan, 17.
The other for 14-year-old Jack Baxter.
The boys lost their lives two weeks apart in 2000 but far from this being a place of sadness, both families draw comfort from knowing their names – and so their lives – are still remembered.
Jack and Craig’s stories are the next in our Place to Remember series, uncovering the poignant and powerful stories behind Aberdeen’s memorial benches, on this the anniversary of Craig’s death.
A place to remember Craig
Craig Buchanan had just found out he was going to be a prefect at Hazlehead Academy.
It was July 2000 and the former Springhill Primary pupil, born on April 7, 1983, loved art and was excited to be going back to school.
But in the summer break between S5 and his final year, tragedy struck.
Mum, Irene Buchanan – a primary school pupil support assistant – took her boys to the home of a friend.
While there, Craig had a go on their motorbike.
The plan was to ride just to the end of the street and back, but minutes later, for unknown reasons, he lost control and hit a wall.
“I didn’t see the impact but it’s a noise I’ll never forget,” said Greg, Craig’s younger brother. “I lost my best pal that day.”
Never forget
More than two decades on, Greg recalled his memories from that time.
“A lot of people from our school came to Craig’s funeral, I remember seeing all the uniforms. S Club 7 played at the service and there was a lone piper too.
“In all honesty it’s still difficult, 22 years on.”
There was a four year age gap between the brothers.
And despite Craig having a part-time job in the Mace store near to his home the boys were close.
“Craig and I did everything together. I know people say nice things at times like this but Craig was just this nice big guy that I looked up to.”
Welcome memorial
Craig and Jack’s benches are located in a courtyard between lunch halls.
“I used to walk past here and look in the railings. Seeing people sit on the benches when I was at school was nice, but somehow years on it was a comfort to know something of Craig was still there.
“It’s lovely that the stories behind the benches are being told. It brings them to life again somehow.”
A place to remember Jack
Fifty football trophies filled the Strathmore Drive bedroom of Hazlehead Academy pupil Jack Baxter.
But alongside the 14-year-old’s sports trinkets, on July 31, 2000 his parents also found a note, simply stating ‘Dear mum and dad, I love you.’
He was later found in the grounds of Woodhill House where he had taken his own life.
“It came out of the blue,” said mum Deborah Baxter. “He was such a lovely boy. Sports daft. Although he was a bit more withdrawn than he had been we put it down to normal teenage boy behaviour.
“That day – after we put out a missing person call for him – when the police came to the door… no mother should have to go through that.”
Brave tribute
Jack passed away two weeks after Craig leaving the school community rocked by tragedy.
Both boys’ stories were in the papers, and both boys’ families were approached regarding the memorial benches.
“They came to us and asked if we would have any objections to a bench being placed in the school grounds with Jack’s name on it.
“I was really touched but it was actually quite a brave thing to do at the time. You sadly hear more and more these days about young people and suicide but you didn’t then. And when you did it was often whispered about.
“The bench was a public memorial. I’m happy it’s still there.”
Never forgotten
Jack’s family and friends still visit Woodhill House every year on the anniversary of his death to leave a floral tribute.
“We’ll never know why he did it but although he’s not here he’s still my boy and still part of our lives.”
Deborah also issued a heartfelt plea for others feeling like Jack to get help.
“Speak up… that’s what I would say. There’s more help out there now. Don’t keep this to yourself. I wish we had known Jack was struggling. ”
Benches restored
James Purdie is the current headteacher at Hazlehead Academy.
In post for six years he wasn’t aware of Craig Buchanan and Jack Baxter’s stories.
But as a special project to bring new life to the school courtyard Jack and Craig’s benches will be upgraded.
Mr Purdie said: “This has been lovely for me to find out about two of our former pupils. And it’s really important not to forget them. I had just actually asked one of our longer-serving members of staff to tell me about the boys represented.
“The great news though, is that we will be taking the plaques off the two benches and adding them to new ones. Their memories will live on for many more years to come.”
A move welcomed by the families of Jack and Craig.
Greg Buchanan added: “It’s a lovely gesture. We’re very grateful.”
- Do you know the story of one of the many people memorialised by Aberdeen’s benches? Email lindsay.bruce@ajl.co.uk or complete the form below.
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