Residents in Steinish have commemorated the memory of a teenage boy whose body was found in their village.
In December, the death of 16-
Two 21-
Shocked villagers in Steinish set up a fund in his memory.
Today Steinish resident Christine Harbourne presented a donation of £500 to the
Stornoway-
Foyer clients voted to buy a communal Wii console and games with the money and dedicated a plaque in Liam’s memory.
The fund is still open and donations can be made to the Foyer’s office in Bayhead, Stornoway.
Villagers set up fund in Liam Aitchison’s memory 18/6/12
Christine Harbourne said: "We wanted to mark his memory because, this child, the thought of this child, it affected everyone in our village.
She said it was a "very heavy blow" for the community and particularly "coming up to Christmas. I think everybody in the village really felt it deeply. People just wanted to do something to mark this child’s life."
Liam’s death was particularly poignant as she remembered the empty house he was found in as a "very, happy family home."
She added: "A lot of us are mothers and grannies and we were horrified at what happened and especially to one so young."
Liam’s sister Natasha said the family was "very grateful" to the wider community and particularly the Steinish village for their help at the time of Liam’s death.
Natasha highlighted: "Personally, I don’t think I would have got through it as well as I have done without their support.
She said Steinish villagers "were so wonderful. I don’t think there is anything else we could have asked off them. It’s lovely they also got a plague for him."
She said the family appreciated the mark of respect when the village cancelled their Christmas lights’ ceremony.
Natasha felt the donation to the Foyer project was very appropriate as it help youths like Liam.
Scott Macneil of the Foyer project said: "We are glad we are here to be that focus and the project aims to alleviate some of the challenges that Liam experienced for other young people."
Christine Harbourne (left) with Liam’s sister Natasha
Liam Aitchison’s body was found in Steinish