Minnie Merriman, 9, died after she was found seriously injured an an industrial estate in the Angus town earlier this month.
Mourners gathered in Arbroath to pay tribute to tragic schoolgirl Minnie Merriman as she made her “final journey” through Scotland.
The nine-year-old died at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee on August 3 after being found seriously injured at Elliot Industrial Estate in the town. She 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 dad Christopher Rice, 35, remains in custody after appearing at Forfar Sheriff Court charged with murder.
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 in the Angus town on Monday afternoon.
Locals organised a piper to play during the procession and bikers tailed the motor.
Hundreds gathered to remember the schoolgirl at the beauty spot. Floral tributes, balloons and teddy bears were left outside of the ambulance.
Her devastated mum Laurie, who was surrounded by family members, stopped to read the tributes.
The family will make their way from Scotland to their home in Yorkshire to hold a private funeral service.
A family friend said: They 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 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.
“Minnie’s funeral will be a celebration of her life, honouring her personality, her joy, and the special moments that made her so unforgettable.
“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.”
Laurie Merriman, Minnie’s mum, paid tribute to her “first true love” in a heart-breaking 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.”
In another tribute, headteacher of Hendal Primary School in Wakefield, Kelly Ashton, described her as a “kind and thoughtful girl”.
Arbroath FC also paid a touching tribute in Minnie’s memory. The club held a minute’s silence for Minnie prior to their Scottish Championship fixture against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Over 1,300 fans in attendance 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.
Donate to the online fundrasier here.
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