The Dunblane massacre took place at Dunblane Primary School in Dunblane, near Stirling, Scotland, on 13 March 1996, when 43-year-old Thomas Hamilton killed 16 pupils and one teacher and injured 15 others before killing himself. It remains the deadliest mass shooting in British history. While the town of Dunblane focuses on private remembrance (often marked by candles and quiet reflection), the "Flame for Dunblane" is a physical, artistic monument commemorating the tragedy of March 13, 1996, which led to significant changes in UK gun laws.
Chris Davis was the NAPE Chair at the time and appealed to the public for donations for all those affected by this tragety. NAPE received thousands of pounds as a result. In consultation with the parents of Dunblane NAPE commissioned a wood sculpture to represent that fateful day. It was called 'the flame of Dunblame'. It stands in the National Forest north of Birmingham. I know, because I was the treasurer at the time. The parents, the Church and NAPE council members attended the ceremony.
Press Notice:
Commissioned – Walter Bailey-Flame of Dunblane Wood Sculpture in the National Forest, North of Birmingham Moira, Leicestershire, 1998
A windblown yew tree carved. Directly with root intact. The focus is on a five layered flame representing the average age of the children killed in Dunblane (1996). A lattice of 17 rays radiating from the centre of the flame representing the 17 victims. A rooted flame is focused on the celebration of the lives before their loss.
By: Mike Aylen
On:16-03-2026
