Man charged with ‘murder’ of elderly man and ‘attack’ on church minister and wife in woods

‘He was a doting, warm-hearted and unfailingly dependable presence in each of our lives,’ says family

Frank Kinnis, 83, who has died following an incident at Birkenhill Woods, near New Elgin, Moray. A man has appeared in court charged with his murder. (Police Scotland/PA)

A man has appeared in court charged with murder after a great-grandfather died and two people were seriously injured in woods in Moray.

Police were called to reports three people had been attacked while walking at Birkenhill Woods, near New Elgin, on Monday morning.

They were all taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, where 83-year-old Frank Kinnis later died.

Church of Scotland minister Morris Smith and his wife Janette, both aged 70, suffered serious head injuries in the incident but were both in a stable condition on Tuesday.

David Andrew Johnstone, 35, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court on Wednesday to face one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He made no plea and was remanded in custody.

Mr Kinnis’ family paid tribute to “a doting, warm-hearted and unfailingly dependable presence”.

They added in a statement: “We are mourning the loss of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

“There will also be fond memories of him among the farming and bowls communities in Elgin, where he was well known and liked.

“We will fondly remember him as he was in life, and ask everyone who knew him to make certain that it is these memories of him that endure.

“While the police continue the investigation, we kindly ask that our privacy be respected.”

A spokeswoman for Aberlour Parish Church said: “We can confirm that one of our Church of Scotland ministers and his wife were injured in an incident that occurred at Birkenhill Woods, south of Elgin.

“Both are now in hospital receiving medical treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and also with the family of the man who very tragically died.

“This has been a very distressing event for all those involved and we would ask that the family’s privacy is respected whilst they recover.”

Additional reporting by Press Association.