A Kirriemuir church is to open its doors to locals in response to an alleged murder which has shocked the community.
The Old Parish Church in the heart of the town is being opened throughout Sunday July 8 as a community quiet space following events which kirk minister the Rev Linda Stevens said had left many locals “shaken and confused”.
And as Kirrie continues to come to terms with the death of 27-year-old Arbroath oil industry worker Steven Donaldson – the discovery of whose body has led to a teenager and two men being committed for trial on a charge of murder – a community website has said it is bringing in a Facebook blackout on postings relating to the alleged crime.
The Rev Stevens said in a post on the Oor Kirrie Auld and New Facebook page: “Our community has been hit very hard by recent tragic events, and many of us are shaken and confused.
“Taking some time out to think and reflect, perhaps to pray and remember, can help at times like this.
“On Sunday July 8, Kirriemuir Old Parish Church will be open between 1pm and 8pm.
“Please feel free to drop by for a few minutes (or for as long as you wish) to sit quietly, to light a candle, to seek inner peace for yourself, for the affected families and for our community.”
The discovery of Mr Donaldson’s body at Kinnordy Loch nature reserve in the early hours of June 7 triggered a major police inquiry which led to a two-mile cordon around the beauty spot and a no-fly zone being put in place.
Tasmin Glass, 19, Callum Davidson, 23, and Steven Dickie, 23, all from the Angus town, have subsequently made two appearances in private at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with murder.
Prosecutors allege they arranged to meet Mr Donaldson at the Peter Pan play park in Kirrie before he was attacked with a heavy bladed instrument.
He is then alleged to have been taken to Kinnordy Loch where he and his BMW car were set on fire.
Davidson and Dickie also faced charges of breach of the peace, while Davidson faced an additional charge of assault.
All three were remanded in custody after being fully committed for trial by Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown on Tuesday.
Glass has lodged a bail appeal which is likely to be heard in Edinburgh early next week.
Meanwhile, administrators of the Oor Kirrie Facebook site have said they will not permit any postings relating to the alleged crime.
“Due to proceedings being live, no comments or posts relating to the alleged incidents in Kirriemuir recently will be permitted on these pages. We thank everyone for their understanding,” said the posting.
