Fundraiser launched to repair damaged memorial tree

A fundraiser has been launched to help repair or replace a memorial tree for bereaved families that was recently damaged.

The Tree of Tranquillity, within The Crichton Trust estate in Dumfries, is made of copper and each individually inscribed leaf represents a baby that has died.

The memorial – created by Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal (SiMBA) – offers bereaved parents the opportunity to honour their baby in a simple, quiet way.

Police Scotland confirmed that a teenage girl will be reported to the Youth Justice Coordinator in connection with the incident.

Facebook group Helping Dumfries and Galloway (HDAG) has since set up a JustGiving fundraiser to help with the repair or replacement costs.

Admin Laura Thomas told STV News: “We at HDAG were shocked and saddened at the damage caused to such an important and special memorial.

“It actually cost £27,000 and was only placed in the Crichton grounds at the end of last year.

“We would like to raise as much as possible. Every penny we can raise takes some of the burden off SiMBA for the costs of repair or replacement of the tree.”

In a joint statement, a spokesperson for SiMBA and The Crichton Trust said: “We were all deeply saddened by the damage caused to the Tree of Tranquillity at The Crichton this weekend and we understand how upsetting this has been for so many people.

“We are aware that Police Scotland has taken this matter very seriously and have reported the teenager to the Youth Justice Coordinator.

“While we understand the upset, pain and anger within the community, we would also like to acknowledge and thank the teenager for quickly owning up to what happened and coming forward, with the support of their parents, to take responsibility for their actions and to proactively support the remedial work required to repair the tree.

“It is also important that we don’t prejudge the circumstances of the damage. After talking to the family we now know that the damage was accidentally caused by misadventure.

“We have spoken with the teenager and she is incredibly sorry for the damage and for any hurt that she has caused.

“Everyone involved is now working together to repair the damage and we would kindly ask that we once again turn our attention to the significance of this tree and the comfort it brings to all those who have sadly suffered the loss of a baby.”