The Edinburgh horror scene in tower block that awaited forensics

Greendykes House
Greendykes House -Credit:Google Maps


Forensic experts were offered trauma support after visiting an Edinburgh flat where two victims were killed with blowtorches.

Derek Johnston and Desmond Rowlings were both murdered within the Edinburgh tower block in Craigmillar.

The experts were given psychological support after helping to snare Ian MacLeod, 66, and son Dean, 42, who hacked off the two men’s body parts and burned letters into their heads within the property.

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Forensics services director Fiona Douglas told the Scottish Police Authority: “It is so important we provide support when they’ve been exposed to serious traumatic incidents.

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“We have a psychological supervision pilot where we offer counselling.”

The Scottish Sun reports that Derek Johnston, 37, had his ears cut off and nails driven into his eyes. The murder pair, Ian and Dean, also caused 136 hammer, knife and machete injuries to Desmond Rowlings.

Ian MacLeod, 66, and Dean MacLeod, 42, were both ordered to serve at least 34 years in prison before they can seek to apply for parole.

It's understood that Ian Macleod, 66, asked both of the victims to come to his home at Greendykes House before they were both attacked and killed.

A judge told the pair at the High Court in Edinburgh: "This is, on any view, one of the worst cases of murder to come before the High Court."

Lord Arthurson said the violence inflicted on Mr Johnston, and Mr Rowlings, 66, was "extreme, sustained and prolonged".