Friends fundraise to help with murder victim's funeral costs

The 27-year-old was found after an incident around 3.30am at Bainsford Bridge in Grahams Road, Falkirk.

Two men have since appeared in court charged with his murder.

A Go Fund Me page set up by Tanya MacLachlan to help with funeral costs raised over £5000 in one day.

After Russell’s death had been confirmed his family released a statement saying: “We are totally devastated at the loss of Russell. He was a much-loved son, brother, nephew and uncle. We would respect privacy from the media at this difficult time.”

Mark Munro (30), of Denny, and James Robertson (26), of Westquarter, appeared in private at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Monday charged with murdering Russell by pushing him over the canal bridge and prising loose his hands as he clung on to the rails.

The pair are accused of seizing him by the neck, throwing him over the railings and punching him on the hands, before prising his hands and causing him to fall.

Neither made any plea or declaration at the brief hearing and Sheriff Derek Livingston continued the case for further examination.

Both men were remanded in custody.

It is thought Russell, known as Smeegs, had been at the Warehouse club on Saturday evening.

The alleged murder took place just a few hundred yards away.

Hours before his death he posted a ‘selfie’ on Facebook with the message “All set and ready for the night”.

Tragically on Sunday his mother Margaret Girvan posted a message on the site asking “Has anyone seen Russell?”.

The day after the grim discovery, his brother Steven posted: “Had a wee while to try and get my head round what happened to Russell Robertson and still can’t believe it. 
“My little brother wouldn’t have hurt anyone. They haven’t just destroyed Russell’s life they have destroyed a wee bit inside everybody that Russell knew. My mum shouldn’t have to bury her baby boy.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can visit www.gofundme.com/27q9k8uk.