Edinburgh: Funeral Held For Unknown Baby

1 May 2015, 06:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

It's hoped members of the public will turn out for the funeral of an unidentified baby in Edinburgh this morning.

The little boy was found near Seafield Crematorium in July 2013.

A dogwalker discovered his tiny body wrapped in a Primark blanket, lying in undergrowth on a path in Restalrig.

It's thought he had lain there, close to the cemetery where he'll be laid to rest, for as long as a month.

Tests at the time showed he could have been as little as six weeks old.

A major police investigation began to find out who he was, and who his mother was. Almost two years later, that has not happened.

A service is being held at the Crematorium at 10 o'clock, and it's hoped people will come to pay their respects.

Detective Inspector Rory Hamilton from the Major Investigation Team said: "The tragic death of this young baby and the continued efforts to trace his family really touched a nerve with the local community and we are grateful to the public for all the assistance they provided us with.

"We have yet to receive the vital piece of information that can help us identify the child's mother and we will now lay the infant to rest.

"Anyone also wishing to come along and pay their respects is free to do so.

A piper has volunteered to play at the service. 21-year-old Cameron McKay from Dalkeith said: "It's just a really touching story. It's quite sad that the baby's being buried without anyone there.

"I've played the bagpipes at funerals before and it's always been really nice to see the emotions in people and hear the pipes.

"I'm hoping there's going to be a really big turnout. It would just be a nice thing, a nice send-off for the baby - he's not got any family."

Officers say the investigation in to what happened to the infant is still open. DI Hamilton said: "Whenever we receive any information in relation to this incident it will be reviewed and acted upon accordingly.

"Anyone wishing to provide us with information can do so by contacting Police Scotland on 101 or by attending at any police station."