By Cheryl Wood

THE FATHER of murdered Tayport teenager Karen Dewar paid tribute to the “incredible” support given by the community as a special garden was opened in her memory.

Karen’s Garden was officially opened on Saturday and a specially commissioned sculpture unveiled.

The event was all the more poignant as it took place the day before the third anniversary of the 16-year-old childcare student’s death.

Frank Dewar said he and his wife Allison wanted to thank everyone who had helped raise money to create the garden, which he described as a beautiful and special place.

He added, “We’d also like to thank the community of Tayport for their support over the last three years.”

Mr Dewar said Karen’s murder in January 2005 at the hands of Colyn Evans had shattered everyone and the gathering of almost 200 people for the opening ceremony demonstrated the profound effect the tragedy had had.

“We are sure Karen would have loved this garden.

“It’s not just for us, it’s for Karen, her friends and the Tayport community.”

Created by Newburgh artist Gail van Heerden, the bronze sculpture is intended to represent Karen’s energy and spirit and is entitled Free Spirit.

The garden in Castle Street also features a bench, special plaque and a fence embellished with paintings by pupils from Tayport Primary School.

Planting was carried out by Elmwood College in Cupar, where Karen studied.

Councillor Maggie Taylor led a fund-raising campaign to create the garden.

She praised the “astounding generosity” of people from not just Tayport but across and beyond Fife in boosting the fund.

She acknowledged the help of Tayport Primary School, Tayport Community Council, Fife Council and Elmwood College, where she said Karen had been respected and loved.

“Since the death of Karen we have all gone through many anxious and angry times,” Ms Taylor said.

“I wanted to try to alleviate these and help everyone get through this tragedy.

“Building of the garden has taken longer than anticipated but it is looking absolutely beautiful now.”

Karen was murdered by Evans, who had been placed in council accommodation in Tay Street.

Evans, now serving a life sentence, was deemed a high risk sex offender.

An investigation by the Social Work Inspection Agency and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary found considerable shortcomings in the involvement of Fife police and Fife Council with him.