Over 23 years since the body of a baby boy was tragically discovered in Niddrie, a memorial dedicated to him will be returned to the community at an unveiling ceremony on Friday (26 April).
Despite an investigation in 2001, and follow ups over the years, attempts to identify the newborn and his parents have been unsuccessful, initiating a huge response from the local community.
He was laid to rest in Mortonhall Cemetery, with residents coming together to hold a funeral for him. Over 400 people were in attendance to remember the baby they named ‘Craig Millar.’
Fundraising also took place to erect a memorial in the place he was found, which was lovingly maintained by the community.
When construction began on the new Castlebrae Community Campus at the site of Craig’s discovery, the memorial had to be removed. It has since been renovated and stored by William Purves Funeral Directors free of charge.
The memorial will be re-installed by the funeral directors on Friday 26 April, before being unveiled to the public at 2pm in its new location.
It follows a survey, conducted by the Council, which found the majority of residents wanted the memorial to be relocated outside of school grounds.
The new location, next to the football pitches at Harewood Road, is easily accessible and just a short distance from the original site.
Plans are also in place for a memorial garden at the original location as part of the landscaping design of Castlebrae Community Campus.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher, said: “Over two decades on, it’s clear to see that the community still care deeply for baby Craig. This tragedy is such a large part of Craigmillar’s history that it’s fitting the residents are there to see the memorial returned.
“Residents made sure the memorial was never without fresh flowers or messages of love and it was always immaculately maintained. I’m pleased we could respect the wishes of the community and return it to a new location, where it can be easily accessed by people who want to pay their respects.”
Andrew Purves, Director at William Purves Funeral Directors, commented: “As an Edinburgh-based funeral director, we understand that this memorial stone is very dear to this community.
“The memorial is a special tribute to the little boy who will always have a place in the hearts of the Craigmillar community.
“It has been our honour to take good care of baby Craig’s memorial and are now pleased to be able to install it in its permanent home.”
