Bikers pay emotional farewell to Nairn doorman Sam Beaven in Forres
BIKERS turned out in force to say goodbye to a friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast.
Keen motorcyclist, Sam Beaven (27) died last month before he was due to take part in Thunder in the Glens in Aviemore.
The amazing turnout at his funeral earlier today in Forres - his home town - will have provided some comfort to his heartbroken family.
That followed an appeal by Sam's mum on social media.
His mum Helen asked bikers to attend Sam's funeral to give him a fitting send off with a two wheeled tribute.
Forres-born Sam worked with his mum for the security firm Moray Security, often manning the doors as a bouncer at The Play House Nightclub in Nairn, and also Foggies in Elgin.
In an emotional appeal, Helen, had said: "It's not very often I ask a favour of anyone, but I'm going to now. Sam died before he could do the run out at Thunder in the Glens, so I'm asking anyone with a motor bike and an hour to spare around 1.45pm on Friday the 8th of September to meet at Tom Ross funeral home in Forres, to escort Sam on his final run out."
That prompted an amazing response from people who knew some and many who didn't, but just wanted to say farewell in style to a fellow biker.
"We are taking him from Forres to Nairn. It would mean so much to myself and the rest of the family if we could make his last journey a special one," Helen had said.
Her wish came true with a huge number of bikers descending on Forres to escort Sam on his final journey.
He was described by friends on social as an "absolute gem".
His mum added: "It is so heart warming to see how many lives Sam has touched in his 27 years." with us."
Sam also leaves behind a brother Karl and sister Edina.