A MEMORIAL bench has been unveiled in memory of a Renfrewshire schoolboy who died in a tragic river accident.

The family of William McNally was left devastated when the 13-year-old lost his life a year ago.

Linwood High pupil William was swimming with friends at a section of the River Gryffe known as the Clay Pitts, near Auchans Farm, Houston, on June 2, 2021, when he got into difficulties.

He was pulled from the water and rushed to Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children in a critical condition but died three days later.

On Friday, June 10, during a moving 45-minute ceremony in the Linwood High dining hall, the blue-painted memorial bench with William’s name was unveiled in the playground where pupils can sit during breaks.

His family - including mum Sharron Drennan, dad William Drennan, aunts Jayne and Claire Drennan and grandparents John and Irene Drennan - were all invited to the 11am ceremony on Friday.

Also present was William’s entire school year and senior pupils who knew him.

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Sharron, 49, spoke movingly for 10 minutes urging the assembled pupils to be aware of the dangers of swimming in rivers and other waters.

She added: “It was very emotional and there was hardly a dry eye in the place.

“I managed to get up and speak which I didn’t think I would at the start.

“But I managed to find some inner strength.

“I told the kids to stay safe when they are near water, to know your numbers and make sure the same numbers come home.

“I finished off my telling the pupils, ‘Don’t let your mum be the next mum standing up here.’”

Both the headteacher, Gillian Bowie, and depute John Hammond, also spoke during the ceremony describing William as a lovely boy who brought a smile to everyone’s face.

The Gazette: William McNallyWilliam McNally

There was a slide show to music showing photographs of William from when he began primary school up to the age of 13.

The school also played a water safety video that Jayne and Claire made - on the anniversary of William’s death - urging all young people to be aware of the dangers of swimming in open waters.

In the film, the two aunts also talked openly about the impact his death has had on their family. 

The bench is now situated in a spot in the playground - next to the main school entrance - where William used to stand with friends during school breaks.

Sharron added: “It was a lovely gesture from the school and the ceremony was really lovely.

“They are also donating a memorial bench for my personal use in the back garden of my home.

“It’s important that young people stay safe and follow the rules when they are near rivers.

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“If we can save a life, then I will be more than happy with that.

“Unfortunately it will probably happen again.”

Since his death, Sharron has campaigned for improved safety at the spot where William got into difficulties and other rivers.

Renfrewshire Council responded to the tragedy by placing seven new GPS signs at potentially dangerous areas along the River Gryffe.

The signage also includes a life buoy, a throw-line rope and a reminder that people shouldn’t swim in the river.

Headteacher Gillian Bowie said: “His family, his friends, his classmates, school staff and the local community all keenly feel the loss of William, who will forever be in our hearts, and we hope that the memorial bench gives comfort during this difficult time.”