Three people have appeared in court accused of murdering an oil worker found dead at a Scots beauty spot.
Tasmin Glass, 19, Callum Davidson, 23, and Steven Dickie, also 23, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court today over the death of Steven Donaldson at the Kinnordy Nature Reserve in Kirriemuir, Angus.
He was found dead around at the beauty spot’s car park around 5am on Thursday June 7.
Today all three appeared in private on petition accused of the 27-year-old’s murder.
Davidson and Dickie also faced three charges of breach of the peace while Davidson faced an additional charge of assault.
The case was heard amid tight security at the Angus court – with additional police officers drafted in after the alleged murder raised tensions in Kirriemuir and Arbroath.
All three made no plea to the charges during brief separate hearings.
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown continued their cases for further examination and remanded all three in custody meantime.
They are expected to appear in court again next week.
Friends of Steven paid tribute to him following his death and said they couldn’t understand the motive behind his murder.
On Thursday a gathering of friends and well-wishers took place in his memory.
Speaking at the weekend, Steven’s friend Martin Johnstone, 48, said: “When I spoke to Steven on Wednesday, he told me he was going to Kirriemuir and he seemed fine. We didn’t hear the body was him until police announced it on Friday.
“But when he didn’t turn up for our meeting and police had found a body, I feared the worst.
“All his friends are in deep shock. We don’t know why anyone would hurt Steven.
“He worked offshore all over the world and had only just returned from a two-week stint. I was his best friend and we spoke every day. He was a 100% hard-working, genuine guy, who was never in trouble.”
He added: “Steven didn’t drink or smoke and regularly went to the gym. He lived with his mum but was about to buy his own place.
“None of his friends can think of any reason why anyone would want to cause him harm.”
Faisal Naseem, 30, added: “Steven was someone who was always on the go and never hung about the house. He was always with one of his many friends.”
