Mourners lined the streets of Arbroath on Monday afternoon as nine-year-old Minnie Merriman made her "final journey" through Scotland. The schoolgirl died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on August 3 after being found seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in the Angus town.
Minnie had been camping with her family, from West Yorkshire, in the area at the time. Three other family members were also taken to hospital. Her father, Christopher Rice, 35, remains in custody after appearing at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with murder.
Community procession and tributes
Members of the community in Arbroath were asked to line the streets as a private ambulance carrying the schoolgirl and her family travelled from Dundee to Victoria Park. Locals organised a piper to play during the procession, and bikers tailed the motor.
Hundreds gathered at the beauty spot to remember the schoolgirl. Floral tributes, balloons and teddy bears were left outside the ambulance. Her mother, Laurie, surrounded by family members, stopped to read the tributes.
Journey home to Yorkshire
The family will make their way from Scotland to their home in Yorkshire to hold a private funeral service. A family friend said: "Minnie will be leaving Scotland and beginning her journey home to Yorkshire. Bringing her home is an important step as Laurie and the family prepare to give Minnie the send off she truly deserves. Minnie's funeral will be a celebration of her life, honouring her personality, her joy, and the special moments that made her so unforgettable. We are so deeply grateful for the kindness shown so far."
A GoFundMe page set up to help provide financial support for her funeral has raised more than £7,000. A statement from the fundraiser reads: "All donations will first go towards giving Minnie the very best possible funeral and farewell. A dignified goodbye that reflects just how deeply she was loved, without adding financial pressure to the family. Once funeral costs are covered, any remaining funds will go directly to Laurie and the boys to help them through the difficult months ahead as they try to rebuild their lives."
Tributes from family and community
Laurie Merriman paid tribute to her "first true love" in a message the week after her daughter's death. She wrote: "You have always and will continue being my strength, we are connected eternally, I have never felt a love so deep and a connection so strong. My first true love, my twin, I am connected to you in life and in death, and my girl that cannot be broken, I will fight to stay strong for your little brothers. I will hold my head high, knowing you will always be holding my hand for the rest of my life. I will see you again, that I know for sure. I love you eternally."
Kelly Ashton, headteacher of Hendal Primary School in Wakefield, described her as a "kind and thoughtful girl". Arbroath FC held a minute's silence for Minnie prior to their Scottish Championship fixture against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Over 1,300 fans at Gayfield Park, just one mile from where the youngster was discovered, paid their respects.
Her aunt, Chloe Merriman, was touched by the gesture. Writing on Facebook, she said: "We really appreciate this as a family. My sister is overwhelmed with the kindness and love from Arbroath." Police Scotland confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with Minnie's death. Days after her death, it emerged NHS Tayside was investigating a potential data breach after her health records were allegedly accessed by a member of staff without permission or a clinical need. The health board confirmed an internal investigation had been launched.
