THE HEARTBROKEN parents of a Scottish teenager stabbed to death in Marsden have been overwhelmed by a moving tribute to their son.

Craig Hepburn, 19, was fatally stabbed and his friend Connor Paton, 18, was seriously injured in the early hours attack last Saturday in Marsden.

Craig’s parents Alex and Carol Hepburn have now returned back to their home in Linwood, near Glasgow, after they travelled to Huddersfield on hearing the terrible news.

Meanwhile in Marsden, St Bartholomew’s Church, which was partially cordoned off by police in the wake of Craig’s death, opened a book of condolence yesterday.

A spokesman for St Bartholomew’s told the Examiner: “Following the tragic death of Craig Hepburn in Marsden last Saturday morning, St Bartholomew’s Church has opened a book of condolence for all the people of the village who wish to express their feelings to Craig’s family.

“We hope that all the people of the village will express their sadness following the tragic event.

“Craig and Connor’s family and friends are in our hearts and prayers.”

Craig’s parents attended the memorial evening at Linwood Sports Centre on Thursday evening alongside Craig’s younger brother Andrew and 400 friends and family.

They released lanterns and balloons into the sky near his home in Linwood.

Craig and Connor had been visiting Craig’s uncle, Scott Hepburn, in Marsden, and Craig had entertained locals with his bagpipes hours before the tragedy.

Lisa McDonald, of Paisley, who helped to organise the lantern tribute, said: “Craig’s mum and dad were there, along with his brother and his two grandpas and they released a big bag of balloons into the sky before we did the same with the lanterns.

“They said it was good for them to see everybody rallying together to remember Craig.”

Craig died on Saturday in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary from injuries he suffered in the attack and Connor underwent emergency surgery but is now recovering at home.

Two Huddersfield men charged with murdering Craig and the attempted murder of Connor appeared before Leeds Crown Court earlier this week.

Both Anthony David Driver, 36, and Luke Aaron Elliott, 21, have been remanded in custody.

Among those who paid tribute to Craig was fellow piper Craig Lawrie, who performed tunes to keep everyone’s spirits up.

Lisa added: “The mood was good and, although loads of people had tears in their eyes, they were uplifted by the event and clapped along to the sound of the bagpipes.

“Craig’s death has brought the local community together and people from all over came along on the night.”

Former Linwood High School pupil Craig worked as a barman at the JG Fleming Bowling Club in Houston and his death has left colleagues there devastated.

A sponsored walk in memory of Craig will take place in Linwood with the money raised being used to pay for Craig’s funeral.