Kids left in tears as driver kills ducks
Mum says man sped over them deliberately
A service allowing mourners to watch funeral services at Perth Crematorium is now up and running.
The PA revealed last week that the council was close to finalising its system.
Attendance at funerals is currently limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is hoped the introduction of an option to watch will bring some comfort to families and friends at a difficult time.
Several services have already taken place recently using the webcam facility with mourners logging on from around the UK and further afield. The feedback from families received to date has been overwhelmingly positive.
One person said:“I just wanted to thank you for getting the live streaming up and running. [We] all were able to access easily and see the service.”
Another added:“I would like to pass on our sincerest thanks .... the live video link meant many family members and friends could attend remotely. This gave us great comfort that so many people could be there to share the service.”
And one said:“I’m just very thankful for the measures you put in place and hope other families can find some solace in your department’s efforts to make a difficult situation much more bearable.”
Executive director of housing and environment Barbara Renton said:“The introduction of the webcam for services at Perth Crematorium has been aimed at helping bereaved families give their loved ones a proper farewell during the current lockdown.
“We recognised the value of using technology to bridge the gap and support people already going through what is perhaps the hardest life experience of all, while ensuring they are protected by observing the national physical distancing regulations.
“The feedback we have had so far is extremely heartening and I am really pleased that providing this service is offering some extra comfort to families at a very difficult time.”
A mum says her children were left traumatised after they witnessed a driver “deliberately” run over two ducks and kill them.
The horrific incident follows a reported spike in speeding in Scone with drivers reportedly treating the quieter roads like racetracks.
Residents are urging motorists to slow down before there is a human tragedy.
The Scone mum, who does not want to be named because her children were so upset by the incident, is urging drivers to “slow down”, particularly in Scone’s Sandy Road area near the duck pond.
Scone Community Council shared her plea on its Facebook page.
It said: “Please could you highlight to the community to slow down when passing Sandy Road as the ducks are frequenting the area.
“We have just witnessed the disgusting act of (someone) deliberately running them over. So now my children are distraught as both (ducks) died within a minute.
“The other drivers had stopped to let the ducks cross and he decided to plough on through killing the pair! Awful to watch.”
Erni Hamilton lives on Abbey Road and was horrified to hear about the ducks.
She said: “Generally everyone who walks up there looks out for the ducks. It’s absolutely atrocious that it was done on purpose.”
Erni believes that with the roads being quieter, motorists are even more inclined to “put their foot down.”
She added: “It’s a nightmare. I have to really watch crossing the road with the dog. I know people have places to go but do they need to go just as fast?”
George Thomson, owner of Rustic Retro on Scone’s Perth Road, said: “The main road is like a racetrack. It’s been going on for a while.
“It’s the youngsters of the village with their big exhausts.”
He said while it had been an issue for a while, he had noticed an increase in speeding since lockdown.
He added: “We live on the main road and some of them are flying past the house at 60-70 mph. It’s shocking.
“During the day, businessmen are flying through Scone.
“Once they get this new road (Cross Tay Link Road) built, it will be the best thing to happen to Scone.”
Cllr Fiona Sarwar said she was “very upset to hear about what appears to be an act of deliberate dangerous driving ending in the loss of local wildlife in what was no doubt a very distressing incident for witnesses”.
She added: “I have longsince been calling for careful driving and a 20mph limit on the main road through Scone.
“At a time where there are more pedestrians and cyclists than usual, I would hope that drivers would be mindful of this and be cautious when travelling through all our towns and villages.”
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson from the road policing division, said: “We are asking motorists that if they are travelling, to take extra care on the roads.
“Officers continue to maintain a high profile presence on our roads and deal with illegal driving behaviour, such as speeding, as appropriate and in order to keep people safe.
“Officers remain on patrol in local communities and will deal with incidents they come across, however we urge the public to consider if their journey is essential, and if it is, to drive safely to avoid putting more strain on emergency services.”