Funeral for death crash sisters

The Putnam sisters were said to be very close

The funeral of two sisters who died in a crash, alongside the boyfriend of one of them, has taken place.

Elena Putnam, 18, her sister Rachel, 20, and Rachel's boyfriend Mark Gardiner, 22, died in the crash in Aberdeenshire on Monday 14 July.

More than 500 people were at the Putnam service at a packed Cullen Auld Kirk.

The Reverend Stuart MacQuarrie said: "It is obvious to me that Elena, Rachel and Mark were loved. It is that love which unites us today."

The three, from Cullen, died in the crash on the B9022 south of Portsoy.

Mr MacQuarrie told mourners: "Rachel and Elena were two sisters who were very close to each other, sisters who were friends, who shared secrets, shared hopes."

'Love you'

Mr Gardiner's funeral service was held at Buckie's Methodist Church on Tuesday.

Mr MacQuarrie said: "It was entirely right that at Mark's service and today we meet in thanksgiving and in love for three wonderful people, and we know that not even death can defeat love.

"Our love for Elena, Mark and Rachel will continue and even grow, as we say to them today, we love you."

A bagpiper played as the coffins were carried out of the church and driven away, closely followed by the many mourners.

The sisters were then laid to rest at Cullen and Deskford Parish Cemetery.

Relatives suggested donations for Brain Tumour Action (BTA) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), instead of flowers.