Pensioner found dead was 'kind, compassionate and caring'

A community trust has paid tribute to an “exceptionally kind, compassionate and caring” pensioner who was found dead in “suspicious” circumstances.

The body of Esther Brown was discovered within a tenement flat in West Princes Street, Glasgow, at around 4pm on Tuesday.

The 67-year-old had not been seen since around 5.30pm on Friday, May 28.

A 30-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with her death.

In a statement, Woodlands Community Development Trust said its staff and board were “devastated” over Ms Brown’s death.

They said: “We are devastated by the death of our dear friend Esther who has been a key volunteer in our organisation since 2010.

“Esther was a founding member of our community garden and her generous spirit was central to making the community garden a welcoming and inclusive place.

“For many years she also helped to run our community cafe and served on our board of charity trustees.

“Esther was an exceptionally kind, compassionate and caring individual who dedicated her life to helping others.

“Through her voluntary work she touched the lives and hearts of countless people and we will miss her terribly.”

The trust said it had cancelled several events in the wake of Ms Brown’s death, but will “find a way to bring people back together and help our community heal”.

The community garden on West Princes Street is currently open for remembrance.

Ms Brown also volunteered with Glasgow Street Pastors.

Speaking to STV News, Stuart Crawford, coordinator with the Christian initiative, said: “A kind, caring, compassionate lady, whose heart would be very much for the disadvantaged and the vulnerable in Glasgow city centre, who had endless time for people who needed a bit of love and care and consideration.

“We’re devastated by this, that someone so gentle and so much for people would come to such an end.

“And having to come to terms with that has been really difficult.”