Community in mourning

The local community in Dunkeld and Birnam was deeply shocked by Freya’s tragic death.

Strathtay councillor Grant Laing said: “This is an absolute tragedy. Her family must be devastated. Her school friends will be distraught.

“The whole area of Dunkeld and Birnam is in mourning. Everyone feels deeply affected.

“Sadly those living in the Dunkeld and Birnam area, with its proximity to the A9 road, are used to tragic accidents occurring but this one is especially distressing for us to learn of and accept.”

Councillor Ian James, also of Strathtay, said: “As a father and a grandfather I find this news utterly heartbreaking. I still cannot imagine the awful distress this little girl’s family must be feeling at her sudden loss.

“It must be unspeakably hard. They are all in my thoughts.

“Nature can strike with a force when we least expect it. I would urge all of us who spend time by lochs and rivers to approach these places with the greatest respect.

“The Hermitage is a place of exceptional beauty but in the last year several dogs have been swept away and now this little girl.

“Unfortunately I don’t think there is any way to prevent future heartache without destroying the place.”

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said: “This is desperately sad news and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim.

“I hope that the outpouring of sympathy from all those across Perthshire can offer some form of solace during this unimaginably difficult time.”