A sheriff is close to deciding where a tragic Black Watch soldier will finally be laid to rest, three years after his death in a German bar fight.
Afghanistan war hero Mark Connolly died from a freak punch in a row with a friend at the base where they were stationed in 2011.
The 24-year-old Fifer’s death has led to what was described as a “chasm” during the final stages of a Forfar civil court proof between his widow and mother which will see a sheriff decide where the soldier is to be buried.
Mr Connolly’s widow, Stacy, claims she shared a tearful conversation before her husband was due to return to Afghanistan in which he said he wanted to be laid beside her.
Mrs Connolly’s late brother is buried in Forfar and since she intends to eventually be beside him, she has asked the court to determine that Mark should also be interred there.
The soldier’s mother, Linda McComiskie, who is the executor of his estate, has argued that her son should be buried in MacDuff Cemetery at East Wemyss, near the familyhome in Methil and alongside his late grandfather in accordance with what she has also claimed was Mark’s previously expressed wish.
Stacy Connolly’s solicitor Susie Clark said: “My client is honouring her loyalty to her husband in trying to ensure that his wishes are carried out.”
Mrs McComiskie’s solicitor Tony Anderson said: “A grave isn’t just about the deceased, the whole purpose is for mourners to attend to it and for family to have a link to it.”
Sheriff Valerie Johnston said she intended to issue a judgment in the case “promptly”.