Funeral of "unique" Gorebridge soldier
SUNSHINE bathed the tranquil surroundings of Mortonhall Crematorium as hundreds of people turned out to pay respects to the "memorable" and "unique" Private Sean McDonald.
Around 400 mourners, including many in kilts, fell silent last Tuesday as the Union flag-draped coffin arrived, followed by Pte McDonald's wife, Jenny, with whom he lived in Gorebridge.
The 26-year-old's distraught mother, Jackie, wept as she entered the chapel before the coffin was carried in as a lone piper played Lochaber No More.
Padre Rory MacLeod, who led the service, said: "Sean was a lively character, he had a mischievous humour and if things weren't going his way he could be a challenge. But as a senior soldier, he brought a wealth of experience and his contribution was highly valued."
A donation of more than 750 has been made to Eskbank-based Mark Wright Project by friends and relatives of Pte McDonald.
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