'Immense sadness' at gamekeeper's funeral

THE family of a teenager who died in a shooting at a remote cottage spoke of their "immense sadness" at their loss after hundreds gathered for his funeral.

It is thought trainee gamekeeper Calum Murray, 18, turned the gun on himself after accidentally shooting his girlfriend Sophie Taylor, 16.

The pair were found dead on 12 April on the Glenavon estate near Tomintoul in Moray, which is used for game shooting, deer stalking and fishing.

A piper played as mourners filed into Leochel-Cushnie Parish Church, near Alford in Aberdeenshire, to say their farewells to the teenager yesterday.

They included many dressed in gamekeepers' outfits.

After the service, the piper walked ahead of the hearse as it made its way to the graveyard behind the church for the burial. Murray's mother Anne-Marie Emslie and father Alan Murray followed it, each supported by their new partners. Emslie carried a brown tweed cap.

The family later released a statement through Grampian Police. It said: "Calum was extremely popular and his death in such tragic circumstances has left a gap in our lives.

"It is impossible to describe the sense of loss we are feeling.

"There is an immense sadness to have lost him so prematurely but we are thankful for the wonderful memories that he has left us, and those will be cherished forever.

"We have been touched by the support we have had from family and friends, who have all been touched by Calum's warm personality, and the turnout today is testament to the kind of person that he was."

Flowers placed on the coffin bore messages from family members.

One signed "Mum" said "my beautiful boy forever", while a message from Claire said: "My amazing wee brother, love you always."

One from his grandparents described him as a "cherished soul", while one signed "Popsie" described him as "dearest son".

The teenager was raised in the Dunecht and Tillyfourie areas and attended Westhill Academy and Alford Academy.

He completed a cookery course before embarking on a career as a gamekeeper.

His family said he was very passionate about his new career, loved the outdoors, walking with his dogs in the hills, and had shown a real flair and desire to progress with his gamekeeping.

A service celebrating Taylor's life will be held at the Lecht Ski Centre tomorrow and will then move to Tomintoul Cemetery.

Police are not looking for anyone in connection with the deaths.