A baby found dead on a path almost two years ago will be buried in a specially-stitched gown while a piper plays a lament, thanks to a generous community.
Police launched a major investigation in July 2013 when the body of the boy was discovered by a dog walker near Seafield Crematorium in Edinburgh.
Attempts to identify the infant and track down his family through public appeals, DNA testing and forensic examinations all failed and now he is finally being laid to rest tomorrow.
Police announced this week that a service would be held in Seafield Cemetery at 10am, and appealed for members of the community to pay their last respects.
Since then offers of help and support from kind-hearted residents have been flooding in.
Retired dressmaker Margaret Halliday, 66, from Edinburgh, is stitching a special funeral outfit for the tragic infant to be buried in.
The seamstress, who works with Inverness-based charity Angel Wings, said: “It’s heart-breaking, it really is. To know that there is nobody there for him is really sad.
“Everybody feels that babies should be buried in something they love, and I feel like this baby hasn’t really got anything to love.”
Piper Cameron McKay, 21, from Midlothian, was so moved by the story he has offered to play a lament as the baby is laid to rest.
He said: “I thought it would be something nice to do. I’ve recently started up my own piping company, and I have the time to do it. It’s pretty sad.”
Tests on the little boy found he may have been up to six-weeks-old at the time of the discovery.
Baffled detectives said they believed the infant was healthy and well fed in the run up to his abandonment.
Police also said it was possible that he had lain on the path for up to a month.
Detective Inspector Rory Hamilton said: “There has been an overwhelming response from the local community regarding this incident and their support has been invaluable.
“We are still continuing with our efforts to trace the child’s mother.”