Church plans tribute to tragic McQuires

Flags have been at half mast to mark the tragedy.

Rev Joyce Keyes has expressed her thanks to the public and the media for a flood of support after the terrible news that the two well-loved church members were among those murdered by a crazed gunman in Tunisia.

She has also paid a fresh tribute to “a kind and gentle couple who will be sorely missed.”

Friday’s gathering will be held in the church between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Friday, and members of the local community are welcome to attend, regardless of whether they are members of the Church of Scotland.

A Book of Condolences will be available for signing in the reception area.

However Mrs Keyes has appealed for privacy and asked that media do not attend.

She said:“We are grateful for the interest of the public and the media in the tragic death of Ann and Jim McQuire.

“We have been overwhelmed by expressions of support from those who loved this exceptional couple and many more messages from those who simply shared in our grief.

“Ann and Jim were a kind and gentle couple who will be sorely missed by our congregation; for their willingness to share their musical talents, for their contributions to the Boys Brigade and for the fellowship we shared.

“The Church will be open from 11.30 to 12.30pm on Friday, July 3 for anyone in the local community to spend time in prayer and reflection before participation in the minute’s silence across the UK at noon.

“On Sunday I and other members of the church paid public tribute to Ann and Jim who gave so much to their community and were much loved friends.

“However we have said all we wish to say and ask the media to not attend the church on Friday.

“Neither I nor other members of the church will be available for further interviews.”

An RAF flight returned the bodies of Mr and Mrs McQuire to the UK today (Thursday).