Thief ruins memorial for son
Pensioner left devastated after tree stolen from home
A Bridge of Allan pensioner has been left distraught after a memorial tree which had grown in soil containing her son’s ashes was stolen from her home.
Winnie McGougan (82) moved into sheltered housing in Strathallan Court a few years ago taking the Acer tree with her.
As well as the 3ft tree, soil and ashes, the pot also contained a clay angel and a plaque. Her son William, who had Down’s Syndrome and latterly dementia, died in 2009 aged 49.
Mrs McGougan, originally from Stirling, is registered blind.
Her daughter, Jackie Burns, from Alloa, said her mum was very distressed following the theft of the tree.
Jackie told the Observer: “She’s very upset. She said it has been like losing William all over again. She’s been finding it very difficult to sleep since