Bikers in tribute to tragic oil worker Steven Donaldson.

Community come together to pay respects to victim of alleged murder

A young Arbroath man, who was allegedly murdered at an Angus beauty spot, has been laid to rest on what would have been his 28th birthday.

The body of Steven Donaldson was found on June 7 at the Loch of Kinnordy Nature Reserve in Kirriemuir.

The discovery sparked a major investigation, with police officers drawn in from across Scotland and a no-fly zone imposed around the area.

Many mourners dressed in bright clothes at the family’s invitation, and several queued for over an hour before the ceremony was due to start to say farewell to the popular offshore worker.

Celebrant Jenny Lyon conducted the service of thanksgiving. In an address to Steven’s friends and family, she said: “We can’t, and we won’t sugar coat what happened to Steven.”

She 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, hardworking, 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 gentleman.

Ms Lyon also paid tribute to Steven’s 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.

Parents William and Pamela Donaldson said they have been “overwhelmed by the cards and flowers we have received from family and friends”. Friend Faisal Naseem had vowed to give him “the sending off he deserves even though it wasn’t meant to be”.

Kirriemuir woman 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.

Pictures: Dougie Nicolson. The hearse drove past the line of bikers after their funeral tribute.

Dougie Nicolson. Pictures: Mourners turned out in bright colours to celebrate the life of tragic Steven, and a tribute was made by around 20 motorcyclists who revved their engines in salute of the motoring enthusiast.

Steven was a “bright, hard-working, funny, ambitious” man.