IN the course of her long life, Alison "Ladybird" Laidlaw inspired thousands of pupils with her passion for learning.

Now she is set to help children at James Gillespie's High School from beyond the grave with a sensory garden created in her memory.

Miss Laidlaw, who was known by her nickname to generations of pupils, died earlier this year aged 98. She went to the school as a pupil during the First World War and went on to teach there, after studying at Edinburgh University and Moray House.

She lived opposite the Marchmont school and died at Easter in the home she had occupied all her life.

Shortly before her death, she shared memories of her childhood with current pupils, who recorded her experiences as part of the James Gillespie's Trust project.

Frances Benton, volunteer development officer for the school's trust, is leading a fundraising drive to create the new garden, which is due to open in June.

Ms Benton said: "We thought for a long time about what we would do for Alison. She wouldn't want a plaque or statue.

"She was a practical person and her passion was about the experience the children have at school, and not just about what they learn but how they learn."

Most of the money for the project – which will cost around £5000 – will come from the Alison Laidlaw Trust and a relative in Canada. More money will need to be raised for the garden's upkeep over the years.

The garden will attract insects, so the children will be able to learn as well as relax there, as Miss Laidlaw would have wanted.

Special plants that attract ladybirds will also be planted in memory of the teacher.

Ms Benton said: "All the children she taught called her Ladybird. They said they were very special, beautiful and brightly coloured creatures that make people smile. Everybody loves them. She had lots of ladybirds on things in her house – even on her doormat – so it is a kind of signature for her."

The garden will also feature a bench and children's artwork. It will be in the remains of Bruntsfield House, the old lodge-keeper's house in the school grounds.

Headteacher Alec Wallace wrote in the school's newsletter: "The support of the trust, and in particular the contribution of Frances Benton, is highly valued by all of us."

A ceremony will take place to mark the opening of the garden, with current pupils putting on a show for former pupils.

It will coincide with the end of phase one of the oral history project, which was awarded just under £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and has attracted more than 700 participants since it started in September.

The James Gillespie's Trust plans to apply for further funding to continue into phase two.

Anyone wishing to get involved and share their memories of life at James Gillespie's, or growing up in the area, should contact Frances Benton on 07711 031 567 or frances.jgtrust@googlemail.com.