Moray still a safe place despite tragic deaths
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Following two alleged murders in Elgin since November reassurances have been given that Moray is still a safe place to live.
The comments were made during yesterday's meeting of the police and fire and rescue committee.
Peter Bloomfield, the committee's chairman, also thanked emergency service for dealing with the recent traumatic events.
On November 16 mum-of-two Kiesha Donaghy was found dead at her home in Anderson Drive, New Elgin.
Then, on Friday, February 2, bus driver Keith Rollinson died in Dr Gray’s Hospital after an incident at Elgin bus station.
Cllr Bloomfield (Elgin South, Conservative) said: "I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the emergency services in Moray who have dealt with two extremely traumatic incidents over the last few months.
"While incidents like these are, thankfully, rare in Moray … I follow the lead of Police Scotland in re-assuring our community that Moray is a remarkably safe place to live.
"It is no less shocking when things like this happen.
"For the close-knit communities we have here in Moray it is incidents like these that bring us together, and I’m much heartened by the response locally since these tragic deaths took place.
"My thanks go to the services who have conducted their response and investigations professionally and with respect to our communities – a stark reminder of the difficult job they do every day."
Cllr Bloomfield’s comments were echoed by chief superintendent Graeme Mackie.
However the police officer added that Moray was "not immune from these incidents".
Owen Grant appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court in December charged with murdering Ms Donaghy.
The 41-year-old made no plea and was remanded in custody.
No date has yet been set for him to appear in the High Court.
A 15-year-old boy appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court on Monday charged with the murder of Stagecoach driver Mr Rollinson, who was aged 58.
The teenager made no plea. He was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.
A candlelit vigil will be held outside St Giles’ Church in Elgin town centre from 7pm on Saturday in memory of Mr Rollinson.
