‘Liam is home, where he was born and where he loved. Let us lay him to rest’

HUNDREDS of mourners yesterday filed into a small island church to say their final farewells to teenager Liam Aitchison who was found dead last month.

The funeral at St Peter’s Church in Daliburgh in South Uist was originally due to take place on Wednesday but the weather forced it to be delayed, storm force winds in the Minch causing the ferry sailing from Oban to be postponed.

Liam, 16, originally from South Uist, was found dead in a disused house on the outskirts of Stornoway last month, a week after he was last seen around the town’s Manor Park area.

His parents, Norrie and Mhairi, and half-sister, Natasha, led the congregation of several hundred at yesterday’s service in the church where Liam had been baptised and confirmed and where he had worshipped.

A lone piper played a lament as they left the packed building following Liam’s white coffin before the procession made its way to nearby Hallan Cemetery. The teenager had been a drummer in the Uist Pipe Band.

Afterwards, parish priest Father Donald Mackay said it had been a “sad but dignified” service. He said: “It was a relief that we were able to get Liam home to where he was born and loved and be able to bury him after such a long delay. The funeral also offered consolation and comfort to his mother, father and sister especially, and to all the others there.”

Father Mackay added: “His life was cut terribly short in such a violent way and we prayed for comfort and peace for his family and for the repose of Liam’s soul.

“The end of his life was very sad but we must keep in mind the joy he brought to people. Liam was very popular and close to many people.”

The inquiry into the teenager’s death was only the third murder investigation in the Western Isles in more than 40 years.

Father Mackay added: “It’s an unknown quantity for us out here.”

Local councillor Gerry Macleod, who was also among the mourners, said: “There were a lot of people at the service from Liam’s schooldays – he had only just left school himself.

“The community is very saddened but this might help to bring some closure for some people.”

Two men from Lewis have been charged with killing the teenager. Jonathan MacKinnon, 21, from Stornoway, and Stefan Norquay Macleod Miller, 20, from Carloway, have appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court. Miller has been released on bail and MacKinnon remains in custody.

Last week a memorial service was held for Liam at Our Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church in Stornoway. In a moving tribute, his father said: “Light up all the darkness – that flame will never go out.”

Mr Aitchison, 43, said Liam was a “free spirit” who was always up for a party. He thanked his friends who “put up with his mad ways”.

Mr Aitchison also thanked the people of the village of Steinish – where Liam’s body was found – as well as the police involved in the case.

He said the family were grateful for all the messages of support they had received from all over the islands and mainland.