Community devastated by family's tragedy
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A special church service was held in Tongue on Tuesday to “quietly reflect” on the tragic bombings in Sri Lanka on Sunday, which left more than 350 people dead and a further 500 injured.
And in particular, the congregation’s prayers were for local landowners, Anders and Anne Povlsen, who lost three of their four children in the attacks. The family had been visiting the island over Easter.
It is not yet known which of the four siblings – Alma, Astrid, Agnes and Alfred – were the victims.
Frances Gunn and Rev Simon Matthews, both of the Up North Community development trust in Tongue, came up with idea of holding the church service. Frances, who is chairman of the trust, had heard an eyewitness say a Danish lady who had lost members of her family wished people to pray for them, which put the idea of a service into her mind.
Both the trust members know Mr Povlsen well, as he is involved with several Up North Community projects through his company, Wildlands Ltd.
Rev Matthews led the service of reflection.
“We welcomed a packed church of around 80 to reflect and pray for all those affected by the atrocities in past days in Sri Lanka and especially the Polvsen family so terribly affected with the loss of three of their children,” he said.
“Often these sort of incidents can seem far away and not directly affect us but suddenly we as a community are devastated by the painful loss this family has encountered.
“The congregation of Wildland staff and a large number of local people expressed the respect and appreciation they hold for Anne and Anders, and all they are putting into this community.”
Stuart Mingham, of Tongue, said: “It was such terrible news. The community here feels very sad about it, and the church service gave folk an opportunity to light a candle, sign a condolence card, and be led in a time of reflection and prayer over all that had happened.”
Only last week Mr Povlsen (46) admitted he will not live long enough to see his long-term dream of rewilding his Scottish estates come to fruition, but hoped the commitment to the land would be passed on to his children.
Through Wildland Ltd, the Danish billionaire owns 12 estates in Scotland, including Eriboll and Polla, Braegill and Hope, Gaick and Ben Loyal.
Recently Wildland gave an interest-free, six-figure loan to local charity The Assynt Foundation, responsible for the 44,000-acre Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates, which had been struggling financially.
Assynt Foundation executive officer Gordon Robertson said: “The Assynt Foundation benefited from the unconditional kindness and trust of Anders Povlsen, when we needed it the most.
“For all his success as a businessman, it is so clear that he is a family man at heart and, as a father myself, I cannot even begin to comprehend what he, his wife and family must be feeling at this time.
“It is so very sad and such a tragic waste of three young lives.”
Highland councillor for North West and Central Sutherland, Linda Munro, said: “The family have played an important role in rejuvenating rural communities.
“All those who know them will be sending them their thoughts and prayers.”
