Hundreds are expected to attend the funeral of Edinburgh schoolboy Andrew MacKinnon who sadly passed away earlier in March.
Andrew tragically died at the age of 15 on March 14 while 'doing what he loves,' playing football, at Forrester High School. Tributes have since poured in for the Hearts fan with friends and family rallying together to fundraise to £30,000 to honour the young boy.
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His funeral will be held on March 31 at St David's Broomhouse Parish Church at 1pm, but with hundreds expected to attend, two schools in the area will be closing at 12pm and the church will open at 11.45pm. Andrew's family have also requested football strips and bright colours are worn.
While roads are not expected to be closed, St Joseph Parent Council have said that the police will be in attendance to ensure there is a clear route to the church from Saughton Road.
At 3pm, there will be followed by a service of thanksgiving at Warriston Crematorium. Both services are open to everyone whose lives have been touched by Andrew. Although the church has extended the amount of seating, they expect to be 'very busy. For those who are unable to get a seat inside, speakers will be set up outside and people can listen. Space at The Broomhouse Hub will also offer additional seating and stream the services.
A statement by St David's Broomhouse Parish Church reads "We are expecting these services to be very busy. The church will open at 11.45pm, please follow the instructions of those who will assist to seat you and ensure that as many people can attend as possible. We regret that it will not be possible to save a seat for someone to join you later.
"We have increased the capacity of seating within the church, and have added overspill seating in the hall. Those in the hall will be able to see and hear the service from the church. Additionally, external speakers will be erected outside of the church should we reach capacity to enable those outside to listen to the service.
"We are grateful that Space at The Broomhouse Hub will offer additional seating and stream the services at the church and crematorium, as long as the technology allows this to happen.
"Seats will be reserved for family members arriving with the hearse. These will be clearly marked in the church.
"As it is likely many young people will be present, we would ask that anyone who is driving to the service be extra vigilant in the vicinity of the church. The car park will be available on a first come, first served basis. The lay-by in front of the church should be kept clear to allow the hearse access when Andrew and his family arrive."
They added: "A clearly marked area will be available outside of the church should members of the press attend. The family kindly request that the press do not approach anyone attending the funeral.
"The book of remembrance for Andrew will be available this week in Space at The Broomhouse Hub Tuesday-Thursday. It will be in the church for the funeral should anyone wish to record a memory of Andrew or a message of condolence to the family. It is hoped that the book will be available in Space at the Broomhouse Hub for the live-streaming of the service at Warriston Crematorium."
Flowers if desired may be sent directly to St David’s Church, Broomhouse on Friday morning. Donations will also be taken in aid of Cardiology at Sick Kids, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. For those wishing to donate online can do so here.
Andrew’s dad had described his son as a "really popular boy" who loved his friends and playing football. Andrew leaves behind sister Aimee, 20, sister Rachel, 17, mum Janine Dow, 48, and dad Andrew MacKinnon, 40, as well as stepdad Gary Weir, 55.
Andrew’s funeral will take place this week on Friday March 31. Those wishing to show their support for the GoFundMe set up in his honour, can click here.
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