EXCLUSIVE: Steven Donaldson's family "numb and empty" after his death

The family of murdered Arbroath oil worker Steven Donaldson is exclusively telling Tay News about the pain his death has caused them.

The 27-year-old was lured to a playpark in Kirriemuir by his ex-girlfriend Tasmin Glass in June 2018.

He was then killed by Steven Dickie and Callum Davidson at the Kinnordy nature reserve.

The trio were given a combined 57 years behind bars.

"Numb, empty and basically hell".

In their first sit-down interview, Steven's dad Bill says there's not a single day when they don't relive the pain.

"It is definitely inescapable. You meet people that you haven't met for a long time and they speak about to give their condolences," he said.

"That just brings it all back again. Every day in life there's something that could trigger it coming back to you.

"We're just numb, empty, trying to live day by day. It's probably the worst feeling anyone will ever have in their life.

"It's basically hell."

Mum Pamela agrees that they won't ever get over the pain of losing their son in such tragic circumstances.

"It's going to be something that lasts forever," she said.

"There's always going to be something that makes it worse, not that it can get any worse.

"There's always going to be something that brings it all back".

Steven Donaldson's killers submitted a notice of intent to appeal their convictions after they were sentenced last month.

Steven's sister Lori says this decision has added to the torment: "I think it just prolongs the process and just shows a complete lack of remorse for what's happened and a lack of respect for Steven and the family.

"The whole experience has been horrendous. It's been so difficult for everyone.

"There has been one thing after another, we haven't been able to grieve as a family."

Bill adds he wasn't surprised when he heard about their bid for freedom: "We knew this was probably going to happen."

"What they've done initially and the way they've behaved all the way through, they have no care for anyone other then themselves."

A memorial ride will take place in Angus this weekend, three days before what would have been Steven's 29th birthday.

Lori says the support from the local community has been overwhelming.

"Letters, gifts, flowers have been sent to the house for my mum and dad from people who didn't know Steven and don't know us at all.

"Even at the point of the funeral there were notes that had been sent to the funeral directors because they didn't have our address.

"It's just continued for the last year."