Vandals destroy memorial for East Kilbride man for the third time

His friends say they are devastated to see it ruined again.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 22nd Sep 2021

Vandals have destroyed a memorial dedicated to a Lanarkshire man who died suddenly last September for the third time.

Brian Reid set up a walking group in January 2019 for his neighbours and his friends say he was always helping other people in the community.

Members of Murray12Walkers put the plaque on the bridge in East Kilbride, with permission from South Lanarkshire Council, after he died and visit it every morning.

Brian Reid died suddenly last September

Jim McGuire, his friend of 30 years, told Clyde 1: "I could not believe someone could do something like this again and I am really upset.

"When I first saw that the plaque had been pulled off for the third time, I felt so angry that I posted about it on social media and used words that I probably shouldn't have used.

"However, I just wanted people to know how I was feeling."

Brian's friend of 30 years, Jim McGuire, at the spot where the plaque was pulled off.

Brian's first anniversary is on Friday and his daughter is meant to be coming home to see the tribute.

Jim added: "The reason we put something on the bridge was to commemorate Brian and his joviality in his favourite spot where he loved to sit and talk with people in the walking group.

"It was just something to remember a really nice guy who did a lot for the elderly, his neighbours and his friends.

"Whoever is responsible for ruining this memorial for our friend ought to get a life."

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