Funeral set to be held for Highland rugby player who died suddenly last week; service will be in Nairn today
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THE date of a funeral service for a young Highland rugby player, who passed away last week, has been announced.
Twenty-three-year-old Lewis MacDonald will be laid to rest today (Monday, December 16).
His funeral will be held at St Ninian's Church, High Street, Nairn at 2pm. Thereafter he will be taken to Nairn Cemetery.
Highland Rugby Club led tributes to Mr MacDonald by postponing all its senior and junior matches last weekend.
In a statement, the club, said: "It is with much sadness that we report the sudden loss of 2nd XV player Lewis MacDonald.
"His sudden death was reported to Police Scotland on Tuesday afternoon. His loss has come as a great shock to his family and friends as well as everyone at Highland Rugby Club and the wider rugby community in the Highlands and Scotland.
"Condolences have continued to flow in from rugby clubs, his employers, sponsors, players, friends and many others in the wider community.
"Lewis was a committed player whenever he was available due to his career at sea. Usually playing at scrum-half, he was a gifted player and was lauded by his coaches as a valuable member of last season’s undefeated 2nd XV side. A very likeable person, on and off the pitch."
A spokesman for his former employer, Northern Marine Group, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our former colleague. During his time with the company, Lewis regularly demonstrated the finest qualities of a skilled seafarer who had a promising maritime career ahead of him. Our deepest condolences are with his family at this difficult time.”
