PUPILS at St Columba's High School taught staff a footballing lesson while paying tribute to a much-loved teacher last week.

Guidance teacher Graeme Stewart, who died suddenly last year at the age of just 49, was remembered by colleagues and S6 pupils as they took part in the annual charity match.

The game is held each year to mark the closing weeks of the senior pupils' time at the school and, following Mr Stewart's death, it was dedicated to his memory, with players competing for the Graeme Stewart Memorial Trophy.

As a mark of respect for Mr Stewart, who took part in the event for many years, the staff team wore the colours of Rangers – the team he supported – but couldn't inspire them to victory, as the pupils edged a seven-goal thriller 4-3.

More than £100 was also raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Ruairi Mulholland, principal teacher of RE and Citizenship at the school, commented: "The staff wear the colours of Rangers FC because this was the club that Graeme supported all of his life. Even though wearing these colours might go against some of our own personal preferences, we do it for him.

"It has been a long time – but definitely since before I started teaching here in 2008 – since the students have beaten the staff, so we went into Tuesday's match with confidence, although we were without key players because of injury – including a goalkeeper!

"The match ended 4-3, with three own goals included, to the students and they celebrated well – making sure they rubbed it in on many an occasion!

"During the game we had a bucket collection, which raised over £100, to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. This charity has a particular importance to the school at present and it is also the reason why I am running the Edinburgh Half Marathon."

To support Ruairi on his charity run, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ruairi-forLee.