Locals are expected to turn out in their hundreds to attend the funeral of an Edinburgh schoolboy who "died doing what he loved" earlier this month. Andrew MacKinnon, 15, died on March 14, while playing football at Forrester High School.
Family and friends have so far raised £30,000 to honour the young Hearts fan. Andrew's funeral will be held today at 1pm at St David's Broomhouse Parish Church before the funeral cortege passes Tynecastle.
Hearts FC paid tribute to the young Jambos fan. A spokesperson said: "The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Andrew's friends and family."
Two local schools will shut at 12pm to allow hundreds of youngsters to pay tribute to the tragic teen. Edinburgh Live reports that his family have asked mourners to wear football strips and bright colours.
A statement by St David's Broomhouse Parish Church reads "We are expecting these services to be very busy. The church will open at 11.45am, 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 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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