Natasha Paton’s ambition was to work in the beauty industry.
Sitting in the school’s main hall during study periods, she wouldn’t have textbooks spread out in front of her - but Heat magazine or a cosmetics catalogue.
However, her clients would have had to come to terms with the fact she “did not do feet”, she confided when speaking to her pupil support teacher at Lanark Grammar, Fergie Robson. They would just have to wear proper shoes, she told him.
Since Natasha’s death, small memories had become unforgettable memories, Mr Robson said as he addressed hundreds of mourners gathered for a celebration of the 17-year-old’s life at Lanark’s St Nicholas Church on Wednesday.
The service followed a private funeral and was held exactly one week after the coach crash that claimed Natasha’s life.
The family had asked that no one wear black to the service. Many mourners were dressed in purple, Natasha’s favourite colour. Some friends paid tribute to the teenager by sporting tops with the slogan “gone but not forgotten, Natasha”. One boy had his arm in a sling and another arrived on crutches.
Staff were “immensely proud” of S6 pupils and the way they had supported and confided in each other following the accident, said Mr Robson.
Much of Natasha’s time at school was spent trying to get a mobile signal in the new building, he added. In spite of the steel structure, which had thwarted many, she had succeeded, he revealed, laughing.
According to the chaplain of Lanark Grammar, the Reverend Sarah Ross, who led the service, Natasha loved sleep, music, shopping, socialising and school - “but not for reasons teachers would wholeheartedly approve of”.
Natasha was sporty but incredibly laid back, continued Ms Ross.
A close friend, Keri Stevenson, read a poem at the service and fellow pupils shared their memories of Natasha. All spoke of a funny, friendly girl who would be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Live music was also performed at the service by three of Natasha’s teachers - Julie Heggie, Laurie Gray and John Goldie. Pictures of Natasha were projected onto a screen.
School captain Alex Williams read the poem Death is Nothing at All, by Henry Scott Holland.
