A FORMER North Berwick schoolteacher will forever be part of the town thanks to a unique tribute made in her memory.

Muriel Shiel, who taught at the town’s primary school for 40 years, passed away aged 93 on October 30 last year, shortly after the North Berwick Harbour wall was badly damaged by sea swells.

Nicky Fox, Muriel’s goddaughter, then decided to ask contractors rebuilding the wall if they would do something very special for Muriel’s loved ones. . . add some of her ashes into the new wall in her memory. This was done on June 17.

Ron Johnson, site supervisor, from North Shields-based Southbay Civil Engineering, helped Nicky and her husband, Jack, pour the ashes into the new structure.

Nicky said: “I think she would have absolutely loved it.

“Everyone who I have spoken to has said the same – that she would love to be part of the fabric of the harbour and North Berwick.

“Because I grew up by the beach in North Berwick, our view was of the harbour, making it the backdrop of every day of my life.

“Experiences like that – it is like the foundations of your bones, and knowing some of the ashes of my godmother are there really adds to the memories I have of her.”

Nicky added: “The great thing about the harbour wall being fixed is that it is being put together bit by bit exactly how it was before it was damaged, because the harbour in North Berwick is iconic.”

Muriel Shiel taught generations of pupils in North Berwick and was loved by many in the town

Muriel was best friends with Nicky’s mother, Monica Groom, who passed away, aged 89, in October 2021.

The two became friends when Nicky’s late father Len met Muriel during teacher training at Moray House, Edinburgh, in the early 1950s.

After Muriel’s graduation, she taught at North Berwick and then the new Law Primary, until she retired.

Len taught at Musselburgh Grammar School for 30 years; he passed away, aged 88, in October 2019.

During her time teaching, Muriel taught Nicky for a year, when she was in primary five in 1972.

Nicky said: “I love how she is going to be part of the wall and I think she would too. It is so fitting that she was part of so many people’s lives and now that she is part of one of North Berwick’s main attractions.”

Muriel during her last visit to North Berwick Harbour

Nicky is now hoping to erect a plaque in Muriel’s honour at the harbour.

Ron added: “We had a great time helping put Nicky’s godmother’s ashes in the harbour wall. This was special, as it sounds like Muriel was really part of the community.”

Jane McMinn, chair of North Berwick Harbour Trust, said: “I have known Nicky and knew Muriel for about 55 years and know of their love for North Berwick. It seems a lovely gesture.”