FOLLOWING the tragic death of a South Kessock youngster at the Aquadome on 30th September, friends and neighbours were moved to set up a collection for the family. Little Thomas Brown had just started at Merkinch Primary and would have been five this month when he drowned on a family outing, his first visit to the pool.
Shocked neighbours, friends and sympathisers from throughout Merkinch and beyond have raised almost £800 and there are still collection boxes to come in; over £200 came from Grant Street traders alone.
“The money was handed over for whatever the family needs,” said a neighbour. “And we got a wreath – the card with it had the signature of everyone who contributed.”

On 6th October a coach and a double-decker bus took the many mourners to the funeral service at Trinity Church, the interment at Kilvean and to the Clach Club afterwards. D&E Coaches kindly contributed the coach free.
Thomas's mother Vivienne Duff has been overwhelmed by all the kindness and support she has been shown and wants to express her thanks to everyone. Said a neighbour, “They say we've got nothing down the Ferry, but we've got heart.”