Selkirk mum reveals: 'My outdoor-loving son took his own life - now I want to help build a forest school in his memory'
Last updated 22nd Dec 2023
A Selkirk mum is opening up on the loss of her son as she launches a public crowdfunder to build a new forest school in his memory.
Earlier this year we reported that Greig Lothian died suddenly at his home in the town's Raeburn Lane on July 24th - aged just 20.
The former Selkirk High School pupil, who worked for a Carlisle-based timber harvesting company, was described by his family at the time as "a lovely boy with a heart of gold, and a fabulous smile".
Now mum Grace has revealed he took his own life - just weeks before his 21st birthday.
She's hoping people who knew Greig - who was said to be passionate about girls, cars and football - will get behind a project to create a covered learning area for children at a nearby community woodland.
"It is hard to write that he took his own life," Grace shared. "But I don't think it will ever get easier telling this.
"From a little boy toddling in his snowsuit, Greig was always outdoors. He used to carry haynets and do muck heap trips when he was a bit older.
"His dad, Neil, and myself took him quad biking up Yair forest when he was about three-years-old. Since around 10, Iain and myself have taken him family holidays in the countryside and he was interested in all things outdoors."
'Our whole family lost our lovely boy'
She added: "His employers Euroforest-Blacklocks at Carlisle have been so supportive since Greig's death which gave me the idea of supporting the local Mauldsheugh Wood Community Wildlife project in Selkirk, to which they have made a generous donation."
The online fundraiser had already raised almost £3,000 of its £3,500 target within hours of being launched yesterday (Thursday).
Gethin Chamberlain, from local community interest company Go Wild Scotland, which organises outdoor activities in the area, is leading the project with the support of the Philiphaugh Estate. He said: "We’re making plans to add a new interpretation centre and proper covered forest school building next to the current open air circle.
"Thanks to a kind donation from Euroforest Ltd and Blacklock Harvesting in memory of Greig, combined with funding from the Co-op, we already have a great head-start.
"It will mean we can host local schools whatever the weather, and will give us a great viewing area for the woodland wildlife.
"Obviously it's a sad story, but I think it's some comfort to the family to know that Greig's life will be commemorated by something that will help others; and we'll be looking to promote the role of nature in improving mental health for young people in the town as part of the project."
If you'd like to support the project, click here to go to the GoFundMe page.
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