An island high school has paid tribute to a much-loved pupil who died at the weekend.
Murdo Maclean, a 16-year-old pupil of Portree High School, passed away in hospital in Inverness on Sunday, the school has said.
A statement on the school’s social media page yesterday said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Murdo Maclean, a fourth year pupil here in Portree High School died in Raigmore Hospital on Sunday, September 17.
“Our sincerest condolences go to his parents Maureen and Ewen Maclean, to his siblings Caitlin and Calum, his grandmothers and to the rest of the extended family.
“Murdo was a very precious and much loved pupil here in PHS.
“Although he spent a lot of his time in Support for Learning his daily inspection of the school – especially the PE and music corridors – meant that he was very much part of our school community.
“Indeed few if any of our pupils had as many photo opportunities and these pictures will now form part of our precious memories.”
The statement added: “Everyone stopped to talk to Murdo and those who were rewarded with his smile and that special look in his eyes will never forget them.
“There are many Murdo anecdotes – too many to recount at this time – mainly from the pupil support assistants who adored and spoiled him outrageously. Nothing was too good for Murdo.
“In the 16 years of his life Murdo touched many hearts. The Portree High School community is the richer for having shared time with him.
“It was a privilege to have been part of his all too short life.”
Many people have added their condolences to the post, including Anne Hunter, who wrote: “We have no idea of the depth of pain felt by his family, but in time they will be so so thankful for this tribute written from the heart. They will in time, be thankful for the years he had with you and your staff there. Thoughts with the staff and pupils as they adjust to life without Murdo in the life of the school.”