A floral tribute taken from a Comrie beauty spot has been returned with a heartfelt apology from a local person.
The family of teenage car crash victim Megan Black was left shattered when the wreath laid in the pretty Strathearn village disappeared.
It was assumed thieves had made off with the flowers but a local resident has now come forward, explaining the incident was a “misunderstanding”.
After publicity surrounding the removal of the wreath from the Boulevard, it was returned to the site, along with a second bouquet. A hand-written note stated: “I am writing this letter to the family of Megan Black.
“I want to say a huge sorry to them for taking the flowers. I had no idea that it was left for this purpose, I had no idea it was funeral flowers, there was no card.
“I truly thought someone had discarded them and just wanted to give them a good home. I cannot say sorry enough. I realise the pain caused and would never knowingly pick up anything I just thought it was a shame that they had been left.
“I guess I just wasn’t thinking. I have since put the flowers back and added more to them.
“I hope at least knowing this was a mistake and nothing intentional will ease the pain and I really do hope you can accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
“Yours sincerely, a very embarrassed and extremely sorry Comrie resident.”
Megan, 17, from Perth, was killed in a horrific accident on the outskirts of Perth last month which also claimed the life of another teenager and left a third in a serious condition in hospital.
The flowers were laid by her family on the Boulevard because it had had a special place in their hearts and had been dear to her grandmother. Local florist, Nicola Carnegie, had already placed a replacement arrangement at the site.
Nickola Loxley, the cousin of Megan’s mother, Kim, said Comrie’s community spirit had shone through during the episode.
She said: “They have tried to make amends and we appreciate the gesture.
“People were disgusted at the time and couldn’t believe the flowers had been taken.”