Kinlochbervie High School marks centenary of death of local war hero and VC recipient Robert McBeath
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Pupils and staff at Kinlochbervie High School have paid respects to a local World War I hero.
The school community marked the centenary of the death of Victoria Cross (VC) recipient Robert McBeath, at a ceremony today.
The school has worked hard in recent years to ensure that Mr McBeath's wartime bravery will not be forgotten – he was the only Sutherland recipient of the Victoria Cross.
McBeath survived the war but tragically died, aged just 24, in Canada where he had gone to forge a new life for himself.
A project instigated by staff at the school saw the building of the McBeath memorial and the placement of a VC stone there – special paving stones have been laid in the home towns of the 630 UK soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross in the great conflict.
Successive pupils have been inspired by McBeath's life and have undertaken research into his history. School groups have made three trips to Vancouver, where he died while working as a police officer, in 2010, 2014 and 2017.
Lieutenant Corporal McBeath lied about his age to enlist in the Seaforth Highlanders at just 16 years old.
He single-handedly attacked a machine gun nest at the Battle of Cambrai and his VC citation states: "The conduct of L/Corpl McBeath throughout three days of fighting was beyond praise."
McBeath emigrated to Canada at the end of the war, only to be tragically killed in the line of duty in the city on October 9, 1922.
The school was on holiday on the date of his death so gathered instead on Monday to pay tribute to McBeath.
Local minister and school pastor Andrea Boyes led the group in prayer and a one-minute silence was observed.
Retired teacher Murdo MacPherson spoke of McBeath's amazing legacy. Head pupil Olivia McCaul laid a wreath made by local resident Susan Black, and which incorporated maple leaves - a symbol of Canadian national identity.
The school said: "It is hoped that another group of pupils will follow in the footsteps of a hero and visit Vancouver at some point in the next two years."
