Family of 'beloved' Banana Flats knife victim launch fundraiser for funeral costs
Barry Gilgun’s family said the 35-year-old would be “forever loved and missed”
The “heartbroken” family of a man who died after an alleged stabbing at Leith’s Banana Flats on Sunday night have launched a crowd funder to help cover the costs of his funeral.
Barry Gilgun was found seriously injured outside Cables Wynd House shortly before 10pm. The 35-year-old was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he died a short time later.
A 33-year-old man, Jake MacKay, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with his murder.
Mr Gilgun’s family have now set up a GoFundMe page following his death, asking for financial help them give him the “send off he deserves”.
The family wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating and sudden loss of our beloved Barry, who tragically lost his life at just 35 years old.
“As a family, we are completely heartbroken and struggling to come to terms with losing someone who meant so much to so many people.
“We never imagined we would be in a position where we needed to ask for help, and reaching out like this is incredibly difficult for us.
“Our only wish is to give Barry the beautiful and dignified send-off that he deserves and to celebrate his life surrounded by the people who loved him.
“Unfortunately, we do not have the financial means to cover the funeral costs on our own, so we are humbly asking for any support that anyone can offer.”
They added: “Barry will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever 35.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
MacKay made no plea when he appeared during a private petition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
He faces charges of murder, possession of a bladed article, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
He was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.