Motorcyclists rode through the streets of Arbroath as family and friends gathered to say their final farewell to Steven Donaldson.
The 27-year-old, who was allegedly murdered at an Angus beauty spot, was laid to rest on Monday following a funeral service at George Stewart Funeral Directors on Millgate Loan, which got under way at 12.15pm.
The popular offshore worker was found dead at Loch of Kinnordy Nature Reserve on Thursday, June 7.
A group of motorcyclists and quad-bikers gathered outside the funeral directors to escort the hearse on its journey to Arbroath Western Cemetery.
Parents William and Pamela Donaldson spoke to The Courier last week, saying they have been “overwhelmed by the cards and flowers we have received from family and friends”.
More than an hour before the ceremony was due to begin, mourners, many wearing bright clothes at the invitation of the family, began to queue to say farewell to the popular offshore worker.
Addressing Steven’s friends and family, celebrant Jenny Lyon who conducted the service of thanksgiving, said: “We can’t, and we won’t sugar coat what happened to Steven.”
He said the death had left “everyone in our community shocked and bewildered” and added: “We can only hope and pray, that justice will be served, but sadly, justice won’t bring Steven back to us.”
Ms Lyon highlighted Steven’s interests and achievements, including being selected to play for Scotland in the under-18s roller hockey team, and his love of motorbikes and cars.
He was described as a bright, hard-working, funny, ambitious and very talented young man, apprenticed to Halliburtons in Arbroath, but preferring to work offshore, travelling globally for jobs in places such as Azerbaijan, Russia, Africa and Congo.
Mourners also heard of Steven’s caring nature, illustrated by the time he was driving with a friend, when he saw an elderly man fall over at a bus stop as they were travelling through Inverbervie.
Steven turned the car around and checked the man was alright before getting him into his car and taking him to Stonehaven where the man’s daughter lived, a gesture very much appreciated by the old gentleman.
Ms Lyon also paid tribute to his family: “I have been truly humbled by the depth of courage and dignity shown by the Donaldson family in this most tragic of times, and can only commend them for coping in the way they have.”
As the hearse left the funeral home on the way to the cemetery, up to 20 motorcyclists revved the engines of their machines loudly in salute to their friend.
At the conclusion of the service, a collection was taken to be presented to the RSPB.
Kirriemuir teenager Tasmin Glass, 19, and 23-year-olds Callum Davidson and Steven Dickie, also from Kirriemuir, have been charged with Steven’s murder.
They have appeared twice, in private, at Forfar Sheriff Court and were remanded in custody.
Glass lodged a bid for release from detention on bail which was thrown out by a sheriff at the Sheriff Appeal Court in Edinburgh earlier this month.
