Moving vigil for Karen Buckley held in George Square

‘Glasgow is sorry’


Friends and family of Karen Buckley gathered in Glasgow’s sunny city centre yesterday for a vigil in her memory.

The bustling George square saw people light candles and lay flowers for the student nurse.

Students from Glasgow’s three Universities attended the emotional service which also saw Karen’s parents and brother make an emotional appearance.

Olliver, a second year at Glasgow University attended the service.

He said: “It was unbelievable. Many laid flowers and candles, the whole of George Square fell silent as bagpipes played.

“Her parents briefly attended, it was heartbreaking.”

The vigil comes on the same day 21-year-old Alexander Pacteau made no plea as he was charged with Buckley’s murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. He has been remanded in custody to await trial.

Abi, a second year studying politics at Strathclyde, also attended.

She said: “Everyone was quiet and just mourned together. One of the signs said ‘Glasgow is sorry’.

“This shouldn’t of happened and I can only hope for justice for Karen.”

The steps of Glasgow Caledonian University are open to anyone to lay flowers and pay their respects to Karen, a young life taken far too soon.