The body of a Tayside businessman will not have to be dug-up after agreement was reached between a warring family.
Forfar Sheriff Court was told on Monday that it is unlikely Malcolm Fryer’s body will have to be exhumed and re-buried following successful talks between his widow and parents.
Mr Fryer died at the age of 52 in July 2013 in front of his son Rhyan as he went to open his Monifieth cycle shop, MGR Cycles.
He was laid to rest in a plot that his parents Leslie, 87, and Fiona, 82, bought at Shanwell Cemetery in Carnoustie.
The elderly Monifieth couple intended that their remains would eventually be buried alongside their son in the two remaining places.
Mr Fryer’s widow Genevieve, 49, of Broughty Ferry, said she was “incapable of playing much part” in the funeral arrangements but now wants to be buried alongside her late husband when she dies.
She bought a lair next to the family plot where her husband was buried and asked Mr Fryer’s parents for an exchange which the couple had refused.
Mrs Fryer and her son Rhyan, 17, then launched a civil court bid in Forfar to order the exchange or see the body exhumed and re-buried in the adjacent lair.
Sheriff Gregor Murray yesterday heard that successful negotiations had taken place since the case first called.
“Agreement in principle has been reached,” said Brian Bell, solicitor for Mr Fryer’s widow and son.
“I don’t anticipate any difficulties.”
The details of the agreement will be brought to the next calling of the case on March 30.