Parents bid farewell to murdered Rory
Last updated at 11:48 16 September 2005
The grieving parents of murdered schoolboy Rory Blackhall paid a moving tribute today to their "William Wallace" at his funeral.
Michelle and Russell Blackhall fought to keep their composure as they recounted precious memories of Rory's childhood and praised their "wonderful" son.
Primary school teacher Michelle and company director Russell said the death of the patriotic 11-year-old had left a huge chasm in the family.
His voice breaking with emotion, Mr Blackhall compared Rory to legendary Scots Braveheart hero Wallace and said: "I miss him so much. My life will not be the same again.
"Rory, my son, had passion, strength and gave so
much to other people.
"There is no question in my mind that Rory would have been a good, strong and compassionate man, partner and father.
"To me, he is my William Wallace.
"I hope I can be half the man he would have been."
The words prompted tears among many of those packed into the ceremony in the Howden Park Centre, Livingston, West Lothian.
Rory's parents made their poignant tributes in separate eulogies.
They stood within feet of Rory's coffin, which was draped in a saltire and topped with a bouquet of thistles.
Around 300 mourners, all wearing tartan at the family's request, crammed into the 200-capacity centre or stood outside to say their final goodbyes to the popular pupil and celebrate his life.
Among those at the service was Detective Superintendent Bert Swanson, the officer heading the inquiry.
Rory was murdered after failing to turn up for school at Meldrum Primary in Livingston, on August 18.
His body was found in woodland three days later, covered by a tattered tent. A post-mortem examination showed later he had been asphyxiated.
The schoolboy's funeral comes just two days after prosecutors revealed prime suspect Simon Harris, 37, would have been charged with murder had he not been found hanged.
Most watched News videos
- New video shows Epstein laughing and chasing young women
- British Airways passengers turn flight into a church service
- Epstein describes himself as a 'tier one' sexual predator
- Skier dressed as Chewbacca brutally beaten in mass brawl
- Two schoolboys plummet out the window of a moving bus
- Buddhist monks in Thailand caught with a stash of porn
- Melinda Gates says Bill Gates must answer questions about Epstein
- Police dog catches bag thief who pushed woman to the floor
- Holly Valance is shut down by GB News for using slur
- JD Vance turns up heat on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
- Sarah Ferguson 'took Princesses' to see Epstein after prison
- China unveils 'Star Wars' warship that can deploy unmanned jets
