School teacher dies in caravan inferno

Apr 17 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

A MOTHERWELL teacher last week died in a fire while he was on holiday in Dornoch.

The Glencairn Primary School teacher was staying in a caravan at Embo Street, between Dornoch and Embo, when a fire broke out on Wednesday, April 9.

The body of 53-year-old Robert Lennox, of Crawford Street in Motherwell, was found in the burned-out shell of the caravan.

A member of the public contacted the police at 12.20pm on Wednesday after coming across the charred remains of the caravan, which was sited in a secluded location at the back of an old steading on a croft at Embo Street.

An investigation into the cause of the fire, which it is thought could have broken out in the early hours of last Wednesday morning, is now underway.

Dornoch-based sergeant Kenny Duncan said Mr Lennox, who was single, was a frequent visitor to Sutherland.

“He has been holidaying in the area for many years and stayed in the caravan when he came up.

“He is described as very quiet and reserved and someone who kept himself to himself.”

A keen cyclist, Mr Lennox was last seen on his distinctive blue racing bike between 3pm and 5pm on Tuesday in Dornoch Square.”

A post mortem is due to be carried out and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Police say there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

Lorna Galbraith, head teacher at Glencairn Primary, said: “Mr Robert Lennox was a teacher in Glencairn for 14 years, and a valued member of staff.

“The whole school has been deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his death, and returning from Spring break will be particularly difficult this year, especially for the children — he will be greatly missed.

“I speak for the whole school when I offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Mr Lennox taught throughout the school and had a learning support role with individual children.